Olive oil contains linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid that needs to be consumed by humans on a daily basis. Other sources of linoleic acid include grains, fruits, vegetables, other plant oils (such as sunflower oil and safflower oil), nuts, meats, and eggs.

This tasty oil is a staple of our own at-home cooking, but is olive oil safe for dogs? Read on to find out more. 

Is Olive Oil Safe for Dogs?

In general, yes, olive oil is generally safe to give to your dog in small amounts and/or as directed by your veterinarian. 

Olive oil isn’t toxic or poisonous to dogs when given in larger quantities, but it may contribute to creating a pro-inflammatory environment (an environment capable of producing inflammation) in a dog’s body if not properly balanced with other oils. 

It’s also important to note that the excess fat from olive oil can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis if too much is consumed by dogs. 

The key is giving olive oil in the right quantity and in the correct proportion. Many commercial dog foods already have olive oil as an ingredient. Check out your dog’s food packaging and you may already see that it’s included on the ingredient list.  

Benefits of Olive Oil for Dogs

Adding olive oil to your dog’s food (or giving to your dog orally) contributes to your dog’s overall omega-6 fatty acid intake. The easiest way to include olive oil in your dog’s food is to find a complete and balanced dog food that already contains olive oil. 

If you are home cooking your dog’s food, make sure you have a source of both omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids included. The easiest way to ensure the right balance is to have your homemade diet checked by a veterinary nutritionist or a veterinarian trained in balancing dog food diets. 

There is some evidence that olive oil can be used in cases of gallbladder stasis. This is a condition where the gallbladder is unable to deliver bile acids to the intestinal tract properly. Olive oil will not take the place of any prescribed medications, but may be given to help continue to move the bile after the prescription medication has started working. 

You may hear or read anecdotal accounts of olive oil being used successfully topically for dry skin or to help with wound healing in dogs. Although olive oil may have some wound healing benefits, it also has a negative effect on the outermost layer of the skin as well as the integrity of the skin barrier (1). This is because olive oil is quite high in another fatty acid called oleic acid. The oleic acid part of olive oil has the ability to disrupt a dog’s skin barrier and allow anything else present in the olive oil into the skin layer. 

So although olive oil may contain antioxidants that may help in inflammatory conditions and in wound healing, it is likely not the best option for non-inflammatory skin conditions.

Is Olive Oil or Coconut Oil Better for Dogs?

Both olive oil and coconut oil for dogs have benefits and drawbacks, and choosing the right type of oil for your dog depends on what you are trying to accomplish. There isn’t just one oil that is overall better for health. 

Both oils have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties when applied topically. They are both commonly used in soaps, so they may also offer a cleansing effect.

When given orally in small quantities, coconut oil may have positive effects for an upset or unbalanced intestinal tract. Much like coconut oil, olive oil also has positive effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

In cases of both coconut oil and olive oil, giving too much can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, or pancreatitis. 

Olive Oil Risks for Dogs: What You Should Know

There hasn’t been significant research on the dangers of olive oil in dogs. We do know, based on the makeup and high fat level of olive oil, that it can present some gastrointestinal problems for dogs if given in large amounts. 

These problems include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Inappetence 
• Pancreatitis

Since adding olive oil will add calories to your pet’s diet, you will have to cut back on treats or cut back on meal food to avoid weight gain. 

As discussed above, there is no evidence that olive oil used topically will help with a dog’s dry skin. 

Olive oil should also never be used in a dog’s ears because it can trap moisture in the ear creating an ideal environment for bacteria or yeast infections to blossom. Olive oil is not an effective treatment for ear mites and should not be used in that capacity either. 

How to Give Your Dog Olive Oil

If you have decided to give your dog olive oil with the above risks in mind, talk to your veterinarian first and then try giving 1/4 tsp to 1 tsp daily mixed with your dog’s food. 

Be mindful of possible gastrointestinal upset or weight gain resulting from giving olive oil and monitor your dog closely. If any of these adverse effects are seen, discontinue giving to your dog and speak with your veterinarian about an alternative therapy for what you are trying to achieve. 

As previously mentioned, topical olive oil won’t help your dog’s skin and will leave your pet’s coat oily. For this reason, topical application of olive oil is not recommended.  

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Because vegetables do not carry significant calories, they are a great consideration for between-meal snacks and treats as well as helpful additions to a complete and balanced dog diet.

Vegetables provide large amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants as well as a healthy dose of fiber.

Whether you want to add vegetables to a homemade dog food, imbue some extra flavor to your dog’s kibble, or have a snack or treat option to help your dog stay healthy, you have come to the right article.

Are Vegetables Good for Dogs?

In general, vegetables are good for dogs. There are a few notable exceptions such as onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives that could be dangerous—and even toxic—to dogs.

But overall, vegetables are low-calorie, high in vitamins and minerals, and they provide fiber to help dogs feel full between meals. Vegetables can be added as a topper to your dog’s current food, be included into a homemade diet that has been vetted by a veterinary nutritionist, and can serve as treats or between-meal snacks to keep our dogs feeling satiated.

Overall, vegetables are low in fat, but many provide our dogs with protein. This makes vegetables a good snack or treat choice for dogs who are overweight, dogs who currently have pancreatitis or have had pancreatitis, and dogs with diabetes. The fiber provided by vegetables has beneficial effects on blood sugar levels, and helps healthy intestinal bacteria to thrive, while also promoting normal bathroom habits.

But despite all the positives of veggies for dogs, it is possible for pet parents to feed their pups too much of a good thing. If you have a dog that will eat anything you put in front of them, offering too many vegetables can cause bloat. In dogs with bloat, their stomach can get so stretched with food that the stomach has trouble pushing that food down into the intestines and instead will cause stomach pain.

Often, dogs with bloat will need help from some medications and fluids at the veterinary hospital to feel better.

Best Vegetables For Dogs

The levels of vitamins and minerals in each individual vegetable can differ widely. Below are a list of vegetables that can be fed to dogs, and some nutritional highlights for each vegetable.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a vegetable that you may not have considered giving to your dog before—but dogs can eat asparagus and this stalk-shaped veggie has a great deal to offer. Asparagus is an all around good source of many vitamins and minerals needed on a daily basis and provides a good dose of antioxidants to help control inflammation in your dog’s body.

Broccoli

Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable related to cauliflower and brussels sprouts, is a great vegetable for dogs. Broccoli is a good source of protein, is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate, and provides dogs with a dose of potassium and manganese.

Another perk of broccoli for dogs is that it provides a variety of bioactive compounds including kaempferol and sulforaphane that can help manage inflammation in the body.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and alpha-linolenic acid—also known as ALA (an omega-3 fatty acid).

Vitamin K is most notably important for the creation of proteins involved in normal blood clotting. Dogs can get their vitamin K through healthy intestinal bacteria, or by eating a food that contains vitamin K. Pets who have intestinal disease or are on antibiotics—and may not have a healthy intestinal bacteria community—may benefit from a boost of vitamin K from Brussels sprouts.

Carrots

Carrots are a good source of soluble fiber and beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in your dog’s body.

Soluble fiber can help temper blood-sugar spikes in pets that need more glycemic control. Soluble fiber can also feed good gut bacteria that assist in proper digestion of food, production of certain vitamins, and other health perks.

Vitamin A has roles in vision maintenance, bone and tooth growth, immune system function and skin health. In medical health conditions involving the skin, lungs or intestinal tract, or if your dog needs an immune system boost, having an adequate nutritional supply of beta-carotene may help those systems.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a good source of fiber and B-Vitamins for dogs. There are several B-vitamins, but all of them are important for metabolism and energy. B-vitamins are essential for skin, brain, and blood health.

B-vitamins are water-soluble, so once your dog’s body has the amount of B-vitamins it needs for the day, any extra are removed from the body in the urine. In dogs that have medical conditions or are taking medications that cause them to urinate more often than a normal dog, they may become deficient in B-vitamins and may benefit from foods—like cauliflower—rich in B-vitamins.

Celery

Celery is a vegetable in the carrot family and is a good source of fiber, vitamin K, and potassium. It also contains some vitamin A, C and E as well as a small amount of many minerals needed by dogs on a daily basis.

Potassium is an important electrolyte for dogs that helps support normal water balance in the cells. Potassium is also critical for the heart to beat properly.

In addition to vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, Celery possesses a variety of antioxidants that can help temper inflammation. If your pet has arthritis, IBD, kidney disease, cancer or another condition involving inflammation, adding celery to the diet or as a snack may help prescribed medications and supplements to tame some of that inflammation.

Green Beans

Green beans are good sources of protein, fiber, vitamins A, C and K and some B-vitamins. They are also a good source of manganese.

Green beans have so many vitamins and minerals that they are great options for homemade dog-food diets. Although all homemade diets need to be evaluated by a nutrition-savvy veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet is complete and balanced, green beans are an ideal inclusion to achieve the daily amounts of vitamins and minerals for your dog.

Kale

Kale is related to the cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts and is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth. Kale contains large amounts of vitamins A, C and K, provides some B-Vitamins and good amounts of calcium, manganese, copper, potassium and magnesium.

Similar to green beans—because it is so nutrient dense—kale is an excellent addition to homemade dog-food diets to ensure you are creating a complete and balanced diet. Again, be sure to have your recipe approved by a veterinarian.

Kale also contains powerful antioxidants that can help dampen inflammation in the body. The key to fighting body inflammation is to use many sources—prescription medication, supplements, and diet. Kale is an excellent choice to mix into your dog’s food if they are fighting an inflammatory condition.

Peas

Peas are another excellent vegetable source for dogs. In addition to their high levels of vitamins A, C and K, peas have a good amount of the various B vitamins—higher than other vegetables in this list. Peas also have a higher protein level than other vegetables in this list.

Because peas are higher in protein than other vegetables, and are also a good source of fiber—meaning they will help keep dogs fuller for longer periods of time. Peas are a great vegetable to choose for dogs who beg for food between meals.

Spinach

Spinach is a vegetable related to beets and quinoa. Extremely nutrient-dense, spinach is a good source of insoluble fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and B-vitamins—especially folate.

In addition to all the vitamins and minerals it provides, spinach also contains many plant compounds involved in eye health (such as lutein) and compounds involved in controlling body inflammation (like quercetin).

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a root vegetable that can provide a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals to our canine friends.

Sweet potatoes, like the other vegetables of vibrant color, are full of antioxidants to help fight inflammation in the body. The beta-carotene (vitamin A) they provide is also important for the maintenance of good vision and a healthy immune system.

Zucchini

Zucchini is another vegetable to consider for dogs. Although probably not the tastiest when raw, cooked zucchini does provide some protein, and many vitamins and minerals.

Zucchini also provides antioxidants that can help other medications and supplements to control inflammation in your dog’s body.

How to Prepare Vegetables for Dogs

Vegetable preparation is straightforward when you are feeding them to your dog. Vegetables can be used as snacks, treats, or meal toppers. Preparation methods include feeding raw or cooked vegetables.

Feeding Your Dog Raw Vegetables

Many vegetables can be given raw to your dog. If you would eat any vegetables raw from the above list, you can feed them to your dog raw. Make sure to take the right precautions and wash all vegetables before feeding—just like you would for yourself, or your human family.

The biggest downside of feeding vegetables raw is that dogs do not digest raw vegetables well and therefore, dogs cannot absorb many of the vitamins and minerals that vegetables have to offer. In raw form, vegetables serve more as a fiber source, and a way to keep your pet full between meals without adding extra calories to their daily intake. If your dog is overweight or begs you for food in between meals, raw vegetables may be a good solution for you.

Additionally, raw vegetables might make sense as an on-the-go treat, since they are easy to pack in a bag and give to your dog while you’re on the move.

Feeding Your Dog Cooked Vegetables

Cooked vegetables can be fed to your dog, but with certain precautions in mind. If you or I were cooking vegetables, we would choose between sauteing, baking, or grilling. Often these methods of preparing vegetables include oil, butter, or spices. Oil and butter are sources of unnecessary and potentially harmful levels of fat for your dog. Excess fats can cause stomach upset (throwing up or diarrhea), weight gain, pancreatitis, and other medical conditions that can cause pain and suffering.

Spices for dogs are also unnecessary, due to your dog’s strong sense of smell. Any spice that livens up your food, may be overwhelmingly potent to your dog. So when it comes to spices, just avoid them and keep vegetables plain.

My best suggestion for cooking vegetables for your dog is to blanch them. Blanching simply requires boiling some water and then tossing the vegetables in for a couple minutes and then pulling them out. Any cooked vegetable needs to be cooled to lukewarm or room temperature before feeding.

Blanching vegetables helps to break down some of the structure of the vegetable allowing your dog’s digestive enzymes a place to start the breakdown process. This helps your dog absorb the vitamins and minerals hidden within the vegetable structure.

Precautions When Feeding Dogs Vegetables

Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives all derive from the allium family of plants. These vegetables are all toxic to dogs and cats and can cause damage to the red blood cells, resulting in anemia.

It’s also important to be mindful of the glycemic index. Some vegetables—such as potatoes, corn, parsnips, and winter squashes—should all be given in moderation—especially in dogs that are overweight or have problems with blood sugar.

Lastly, keep an eye on portion control when feeding your dog vegetables. It is generally recommended that all food given outside of normal meals be less than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

The good thing about vegetables is that they are so low in calories that adding some as a topper to food, giving as treats, and giving as snacks in between meals will not add significant calories to your pet’s diet.

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In the battle against chronic or recurring inflammatory diseases or pain conditions in dogs, using multiple supplements that fight inflammation in complementary ways is often a helpful strategy. Sometimes, the addition of anti-inflammatory supplements can also help you to decrease the dose of other prescription medications used to treat an inflammatory medical condition.

Cod liver oil is a great example of a supplement that can be added to your dog’s feeding regimen when their body needs some relief from pain and inflammation. Here’s what you should know about this fishy supplement for dogs.

What is Cod Liver Oil?

Cod liver oil is a type of fish oil made from the livers of cod fish. Cod are an ocean fish found in both the Northern part of the Atlantic Ocean and in the Pacific Ocean. There are several methods used to produce cod liver oil that include high pressure cooking, pressure extraction, or a method through which the livers of cod are broken down and the oil is released, captured, and purified.

Cod liver oil provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acids including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), as well as Vitamins D and A.

Is It Different Than Cod Skins for Dogs?

Cod skins are used as a crunchy, dehydrated dog treat consisting of the skin of a codfish. Cod skins provide some omega-3 fatty acids, but since the skin does not include the liver, it does not provide the same vitamin content as cod liver oil.

During the dehydration process, cod skins likely lose a good amount of their oil—if there was lots of oil in these treats, they wouldn’t be so deliciously crunchy. Although a great treat option to try for your dog, cod liver oil, or fish oil will be a better choice for providing relief from inflammation or pain.

Is Cod Liver Oil Good for Dogs?

Yes. Just like fish oil is a good supplement for dogs, cod liver oil is a good supplement for dogs. When properly dosed according to your dog’s weight, cod liver oil can have some great benefits for your pet.

It is unlikely that a dog would need both cod liver oil combined with another fish oil supplement simultaneously—one or the other should be sufficient.

Benefits of Cod Liver Oil for Dogs

Cod liver oil is generally added to a dog’s diet when they are suffering from an inflammatory condition (such as pancreatitis, IBD, hepatitis, dermatitis, inflammatory brain disease) or if a dog needs joint support for arthritis as they age.

Vitamin A helps maintain eye health, bone growth, and maintenance of skin and the other epithelial layers in the body. Vitamin D is important for bone health and calcium/phosphorus balance in the blood.

Cod liver oil can be used in dogs to:

• Decrease whole-body inflammation
• Decrease pain (by decreasing inflammation, pain is reduced)
• Support brain and eye development, and if given daily, maintenance throughout life
• Support heart health

How to Give Cod Liver Oil to Dogs

Cod liver oil is available for purchase in liquid or capsule form. These forms can be given to pets directly, added to treats, or given with food.

Because giving too much to a pet can cause gastrointestinal upset (such a throwing up, diarrhea, or lack of interest in food), pet parents need to be cautious when adding fish oils to a dog’s daily meals or using it as a supplement.

Speak to your pet’s veterinarian about adding cod liver oil to your pet’s daily regimen.

Cod Liver Oil Supplements for Dogs

As previously mentioned, cod liver oil supplements for dogs come in liquid or capsule forms and may help decrease inflammation and support heart and eye health.

Generally, a pet-specific cod liver oil supplement will have dosing on the packaging by weight. Your pet’s veterinarian will help you determine if that dose is appropriate for your pet.

Remember that all pets are not only different sizes, but their body may respond differently to supplements because they are an individual. Give only the amount recommended by your veterinarian, and do not give more without consulting your veterinarian.

Cod Liver Oil in Dog Food

Some dog foods may have fish oil or cod liver oil added in with the other ingredients. If not, then adding a cod liver oil supplement into or on top of their dog food is an acceptable method of dosing your dog.

Look on the ingredient label to see if this type of fish oil is included in your dog’s food. If you don’t see it clearly labeled as “cod liver oil” then it’s likely not included. Some dog foods will advertise that EPA and DHA are included in the food, which likely means that a fish oil supplement has been added, but this is unlikely to be cod liver oil.

Where to Buy Cod Liver Oil for Dogs

Cod liver oil that you purchase for humans should be the same as the oil given to dogs. The difference in human-formulations and pet-formulations is that the pet-formulation will have a concentration and dosing instructions appropriate for dogs (or cats).

Pet-specific formulations can be found online or in some retail pet stores. Your veterinarian may also be able to direct you to a pet-specific cod liver oil supplement for your pet. If you are buying cod liver oil intended for human consumption and use, you can find it at some grocery stores, health and supplement stores, and online.

Remember that concentration of cod liver oil, or the amount of cod liver oil provided in each capsule or each milliliter (mL) given may be different between humans and pets. So if one capsule or serving of human-formulated cod liver oil is correct for you, it may be an inappropriate dose for your pet.

Always speak to your veterinarian before giving your pet a new supplement.

The post Cod Liver Oil for Dogs: Benefits and Uses appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Many dog parents are looking for natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids may reduce body inflammation or help in managing specific medical conditions such as arthritis. But can adding sardines to a dog’s diet make an impact? 

In this article we will examine whether sardines are good for your dog, the risks of feeding sardines, and the best way to determine how many sardines to feed your dog. 

Are Sardines Good For Dogs?

Sardines have positive nutritional value for your dog. Sardines, like other fish, are a great protein source for dogs and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids—such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). 

Sardines are also rich in Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, calcium, and the antioxidant selenium.

But although sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, they still cannot reach the same levels of EPA and DHA as fortified diets and supplements. 

Pet owners may want to consider an omega-3 supplement rather than directly feeding fish like sardines. Supplements contain less calories and fat, while providing more omega-3 benefits. Ask your veterinarian before giving supplements to your dog.   

Are Sardines Safe for Dogs?

If your dog does not have or is not predisposed to certain conditions such as diabetes, obesity, pancreatitis, or kidney disease, sardines are generally a safe treat to give your dog in small quantities. 

In addition to concerns around overfeeding sardines to dogs, some of the largest safety concerns involve the substance the fish are packed in, whether pet owners need to worry about bones, and if there are any risks of mercury poisoning or toxicity. 

Can Dogs Eat Sardines in Olive Oil?

Many sardines are packed in olive oil. In general, olive oil is excellent for the skin and fur coat of dogs, but feeding dogs sardines packed in olive oil is not recommended. Since sardines are already a high-fat food, we don’t want to be adding additional fat to the treat. 

Consider purchasing sardines packed in water if you plan on feeding them to your dog. 

If you happen to purchase sardines in olive oil, take the sardines out of the tin and let the olive oil drain out of the fish pieces for several hours on a paper towel, rotating occasionally to allow optimum drainage. This method will not get all the olive oil out, but will help to minimize the amount of olive oil on the piece of fish before feeding it to your dog. 

Can Dogs Eat Sardines With Bones?

Some sardines come with bones still inside the fish pieces. These are generally small bones, and may look harmless, but they have the potential to cause problems if ingested by dogs. 

Sardine bones may cause stomach irritation or can even puncture the intestines, creating a life-threatening emergency. 

To be safe, remove all bones before feeding sardines to your dog. 

Should I Worry About Mercury in Sardines?

Generally, no, pet parents who are interested in feeding their dogs sardines do not have to worry about mercury poisoning. 

As bait fish, sardines are pretty low on the food chain and do not live long enough to accumulate significant quantities of mercury. 

Risks of Feeding Dogs Sardines

Sardines are a high-fat food for dogs. Many articles and studies claim that sardines are low in saturated fat—which is true. But saturated fat is only one kind of fat. When it is added to the other forms of fat, sardines wind up being a high-fat food for our canine companions. 

Since feeding sardines means feeding a high-fat food, you want to be cautious in how many sardines you are giving your dog and the fat level of their regular food. 

If their normal dog food is also moderate-to-high in fat, or if you are feeding too many sardines, you could be inadvertently setting your dog up for vomiting, diarrhea, obesity, arthritis, diabetes, or pancreatitis. 

If your dog already has a sensitive stomach, gets diarrhea easily, is already overweight (or is at risk of becoming overweight), has diabetes, has had pancreatitis, or is a breed predisposed to developing pancreatitis, then consider another treat for your dog.

How to Feed Dogs Sardines

If you have decided to feed your dog sardines, work with your veterinarian or a nutritionist to determine the right amount for your dog based on body weight, energy level and dietary needs. Only 10 percent of your pet’s daily calories should come from additives or treats. 

If you have determined that you can safely feed a certain number of sardines per day, then take 1/4 of that amount and feed as a treat or mix it into your dog’s food. It’s important to start with a small amount of sardines, given with food, to make sure your dog’s body tolerates the fat content well. 

If you do not see any throwing up, unwillingness to eat, or diarrhea, then you can increase the amount given slowly, up to the maximum number you calculated above. 

Be very mindful of your pet’s weight after adding sardines to your dog’s diet. If they start to gain weight, decrease the number of sardines fed, increase the amount of exercise your pet gets on a daily basis, or talk to your veterinarian about some weight loss strategies. 

The post Can Dogs Eat Sardines? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Dogs can eat human food if you want them to. Freshly made dog foods are some of the best foods available for pets. Home cooking for pets is another option to consider. However, creating a complete and balanced food for your pet isn’t easy without a general practice veterinarian who loves nutrition or a veterinary nutritionist to help. The last thing you want is to feed a homemade food and inadvertently cause a medical condition in your pet.

Before you feed people food to your pet, you should know which dangerous foods for dogs to avoid and how to protect your dog from harmful foods.

Dangerous Foods for Dogs

• Avocados
• Alcohol
• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Xylitol
• Coconut Products
• Grapes and Raisins
• Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks
• Macadamia Nuts
• Fried Foods
• Milk / Dairy
• Yeast Dough
• Cannabis Edibles
• Wild Mushrooms

There are many dangerous foods for dogs that can be toxic, harmful, or even cause death. Here is a relatively exhaustive list of foods that can cause your pet harm.

Avocados

Avocados are a welcome sight at the grocery store. Dogs and cats may also enjoy the taste of these delicious fruits. However, avocados can cause some significant health concerns in pets, including intestinal blockage, intestinal upset, or pancreatitis.

Avocados are higher in fat that many other produce section foods. These natural fats can create problems in dogs and cats sensitive to them. Higher fat foods have the ability to pull water from the body into the intestines, resulting in softer stools or diarrhea. This type of diarrhea should be self-limiting, but it may cause more significant concern in pets who are already dehydrated or prone to easily becoming dehydrated, such as puppies and kittens.

When dogs eat higher-fat foods, they have the potential to develop a condition called pancreatitis. The pancreas is a very important organ in the body that produces enzymes to break down foods as they move through the intestines. When a high fat meal is fed, there is a chance that the enzymes used to break down food become activated before entering the intestines, and they start to break down the pancreas itself. This condition is painful, requires hospitalization, and is potentially life threatening.

Lastly, the avocado pit needs to be composted or otherwise made inaccessible to dogs who like to eat such things. Avocado pits are the perfect size to get stuck in the intestines, creating a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgery. If you are an avocado lover, keep track of your avocado pits, for the sake of your dog.

Alcohol

Alcohol of any kind should never be given to pets. Dogs and cats exposed to alcoholic beverages can experience GI upset (e.g., throwing up, diarrhea), low appetite, and can become less alert or uncoordinated when walking. Pets exposed to larger quantities of alcohol or who are more sensitive to its effects may experience difficulty breathing, tremors (involuntary and rhythmic shaking), blood chemical abnormalities, coma or even death.

Some pet parents may like to round out the day with a nice glass of wine. Because wine has alcohol, it is dangerous for pets to consume. It is unknown whether the toxic principle that causes grape toxicity in dogs (more on this to come) is present in wine and if it poses additional risk. Bottom line: Drink wine to your health, but maintain your pet’s health by keeping wine away from them.

For the craft beer fans out there, if you are making your own beer at home, keep your pets away from your new or already-used hops in all forms—flowers, plugs, or pellets. When consumed by your dog or cat, hops can cause a significant increase in their body temperature called malignant hyperthermia. The normal body temperature for dogs and cats can be upward of 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Eating hops can cause body temperatures of 105 degrees or higher. In addition to the elevated body temperature, your pet will likely experience a fast heart beat, a fast breathing rate (you will see their chest move up and down faster than normal), anxiety (not able to settle), throwing up, clotting abnormalities, or even death.

If you notice that your pet has eaten hops, they need immediate veterinary care. Deaths have been reported within six hours of hops consumption.

Chocolate

Chocolate can make dogs extremely sick, and in some cases, chocolate poisoning can even be deadly. It contains chemicals called Methylxanthines including caffeine and theobromine.

Similar to caffeine products (see next section), theobromine can cause mild symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea to more moderate symptoms including tremors, hyperactivity, and abnormal heart rhythm. In the most severe cases of chocolate poisoning, dogs can experience seizures and even death.

Different types of chocolate have different levels of caffeine and theobromine. The symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs are dependent on the type of chocolate and the amount consumed.

Baking chocolate contains the most theobromine, and is the most lethal. Baking chocolate contains about 390mg of theobromine per ounce of chocolate.

Semisweet and dark chocolate contain about 150mg of theobromine per ounce of chocolate.

Milk chocolate contains about 44mg of theobromine per ounce of chocolate consumed. The development of toxicity depends on the size of your dog and how much was consumed.

White chocolate contains very little theobromine and poses more risk of pancreatitis than chocolate toxicity.

If your pet has consumed only a small amount of chocolate and is showing mild signs, keep a close eye on your pet and take him to the veterinarian if symptoms worsen.

If however, your pet has eaten chocolate and is showing moderate or severe signs of toxicity, bring your pet to your veterinarian or the emergency clinic right away. Getting your pet treatment for chocolate poisoning quickly will impact your dog’s overall prognosis.

Caffeine Products

The problem with coffee, tea, and anything that contains caffeine is a chemical called methylxanthines. When ingested by humans, methylxanthines cause the body to “wake up and go” whereas in dogs and cats, this effect is taken to the extreme. Pets can experience throwing up, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, more than normal urination, hyperactivity, anxiety, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures and, in some cases, even death.

The degree of severity in the signs seen depends entirely on your pet’s weight, the amount of chocolate, coffee, or tea your pet consumed (grams or ounces), and details about the product consumed. This includes the brand and type of chocolate (e.g., white, milk, dark, or baking chocolate), roast of coffee, or type of tea.

If you find that your pet has consumed a caffeine product, you can either provide the above information and photos of any packaging material to your pet’s telehealth provider to determine if a trip to your veterinary hospital is needed, or bring the above information, any packaging and your pet to a veterinary hospital to be examined by a veterinarian.

Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener derived from birch trees that is added to a variety of foods. While gums, candies, cookies, baked goods and peanut butters are not poisonous to dogs on their own, they become dangerous for dogs when xylitol is added to them. Small amounts of xylitol can cause significant effects: A couple sticks of gum or a small dollop of xylitol peanut butter can cause a dog to show clinical signs. That’s why you should always carefully read food labels, especially if you plan on giving those foods to your dog.

If your dog consumes a food containing xylitol, they will have a large spike of insulin release from the pancreas. Insulin is what allows blood sugar to enter body cells to give them energy. The spike of insulin will cause a massive movement of blood sugar into the cells, leaving very little sugar in the blood. Low blood sugar is very dangerous and can result in throwing up, diarrhea, low energy, loss of appetite, incoordination, collapse, seizures, and death.

If your pet consumes xylitol, bring your pet to a veterinary hospital or ER to be seen right away.

Coconut Products

Coconut water, coconut meat, and coconut oil can be dangerous for dogs. Although coconut water is incredibly hydrating for humans, it’s high in one particular electrolyte: potassium. Potassium needs to be kept at a certain level in the body. If your pet is given too much potassium, or if your pet’s body cannot handle high levels of potassium because of a medical condition, they can develop heart rhythm abnormalities that can result in death. Since you, the pet parent, cannot see your pet’s heart rhythms, you may see signs such as low energy, weakness, or collapse.

Coconut meat is not as high in potassium and individual pets may respond differently to being fed the coconut meat. Coconut meat has the potential to cause intestinal upset including throwing up, diarrhea, not wanting to eat, and resulting dehydration. If you are feeding your pet small amounts of coconut meat and they are tolerating it well (no adverse effects), then you should be able to give that small amount without significant concerns. 

If you want to give coconut oil to your pet, it is not toxic in very small amounts, but it can cause some health concerns in pets sensitive to it, and when given in large amounts.

Grapes and Raisins

The toxicity of grapes and raisins for some dogs and cats has puzzled veterinarians for years. Some dogs and cats react and some do not. Even one grape or raisin has the potential to cause life-threatening kidney failure. To date, veterinarians have been unable to predict which dogs and cats will develop kidney failure and which pets are lucky enough to not react. If your pet has had a grape or raisin in the past and has not had a problem, it does not mean it is safe to give grapes or raisins again.

Sometimes grapes but often raisins are often added to other food items during manufacturing. Pre-packaged oatmeals, granola bars, cereals, trail mix, and so many other products could potentially contain grapes or raisins and should be thoroughly vetted before purchasing and bringing into your home. Once in your home, it’s easier to forget it contains potentially toxic ingredients, and increases the possibility of your pet consuming them.

Onions, Garlic, Chives and Leeks

Members of the allium family of plants, including onions, garlic, chives and leeks, are considered toxic foods for dogs. If you cook a meal that has chunks of these vegetables in it, do not feed that to your pet.

Ingestion can damage the oxygen-carrying cells of the body and cause anemia or a low red blood cell count. Without an adequate number of red blood cells, the body will not be able to function normally, resulting in lethargy (lack of energy), pale gums (lift up your dog’s lip and take a look), elevated heart rate and breathing rate (the body is causing the heart and lungs to move faster to get more oxygen into the body), throwing up, and reduced appetite. If the toxicity is severe, your pet will need hospitalization and possibly a blood transfusion. If your pet has consumed one of these vegetables, bring them to a veterinary hospital right away for decontamination.

There are many processed and packaged products that contain onion powder or garlic powder, such as soups, broths, some dog treats, and any pre-prepared foods. The small amount of garlic or onion powder in these products should not be of significant concern unless your pet already has anemia or a medical condition concerning the blood.

There are home remedies that purport garlic as a means to rid the body of fleas. Garlic given in high enough quantities to kill fleas would also likely kill your pet. Instead, talk to your veterinarian about a prescription flea medication.

Macadamia Nuts (and Nuts in General)

Macadamia nuts are among the toxic foods for dogs. Currently, the cause of the toxicity in dogs is unknown, but it can affect the nerves and muscles of the body. Even eating small amounts can cause significant abnormalities. Dogs can develop clinical signs including severe lethargy, increased body temperature (above the normal upper range of 102.5 degrees), throwing up, tremors (involuntary but rhythmic muscle contractions), joint stiffness, significant hind limb weakness or even inability to walk on the hind limbs. If these clinical signs are seen, bring your dog to the veterinary hospital right away. 

Macadamia nuts, along with all other nuts, have an elevated fat content. If given in large quantities, nuts can cause pancreatitis in dogs, a painful and potentially life-threatening medical condition. In most dogs, an occasional nut (save for macadamia nuts) should not cause significant concerns, but getting into a bag or can of nuts can cause significant stomach pain, loss of appetite, throwing up, fever, and lethargy (low energy). Dogs with pancreatitis often need hospitalization with IV fluids, pain medications, and medications to support the intestinal tract before they can feel better.

Fried Foods

Your dog does not need a piece of your fried food. If they get into fried food, they are at risk for developing pancreatitis. Similar to nuts causing pancreatitis, dogs who eat fried food can develop a painful abdomen, a hunched posture, loss of appetite, throwing up, fever, and low energy. They can also be irritable depending on their individual personality and pain level.

Milk and Other Dairy Products

Milk and dairy products are tolerated by some pets and not tolerated by others. If your pet develops diarrhea after consuming milk or a milk product, then they are intolerant and additional milk will also cause diarrhea. If—after consuming milk—your pet does not develop diarrhea, and maintains a normal appetite, then milk in small quantities may be a treat you can give to your pet.

Be aware, however, that the fat content of milk has the potential to cause pancreatitis in dogs. As with nuts and fried food, pancreatitis can cause stomach pain, hunched posture, loss of appetite, throwing up, fever, low energy and irritability_, depending on your individual pet and how they handle pain.

Yeast Dough

If you like to make your own baked goods at home, keep them away from your dog. Yeast dough is potentially very harmful to dogs. When consumed, yeast dough settles in your pet’s stomach and will start to rise there. The dough can potentially fill your pet’s entire stomach, causing a bloated or distended stomach or a condition called GDV (gastric dilatation-volvulus), where the stomach flips over. A bloated stomach is painful, and will likely cause a decrease in appetite and energy. GDV is life-threatening because the flipped tissues of the intestines get cut off from their blood supply and start to rot. Signs of GDV at home are lack of appetite, unproductive retching (looks like they are trying to throw up but can’t get anything up), a distended stomach, a higher than normal heart rate, generalized weakness, collapse, and death.

To add insult to injury, the rising yeast dough produces carbon dioxide while in the stomach. Carbon dioxide absorbs into the bloodstream and can cause alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning in dogs can cause significant decreases in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature and can result in seizures and death.

Edibles/Pot-Laced Foods

Edibles refer to edible products that contain THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis. Edibles are becoming more commonplace. If your pet ingests an edible, bring your pet to an ER right away.

Bring the packaging of the edible and an approximation of how much of the edible was consumed OR the brand and type of edible and the concentration of cannabis within the product.

In pets, THC can cause abnormal walking (looks like they are walking around drunk), a lower than normal body temperature, heightened sensitivity to movement, light and sound, and urinary incontinence (they start to dribble urine while laying down or walking around). Depending on the concentration of THC consumed, your pet can become stuporous—they fall asleep and it is difficult to wake them up. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs may need breathing support while the THC is in their body.

Another consideration is the edible itself. Was it a brownie? A cookie? A candy? If there is chocolate in the edible, then you should also be concerned about chocolate toxicity, and candies may contain artificial sweeteners. If your pet ate your edible, please be open with your veterinarian and tell them. If your veterinarian knows what they are treating, they can help your pet easier.

Wild Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a potentially deadly food for dogs. Culinary mushrooms that you find in the grocery store should not cause a problem in your dog or cat, but beware of any wild mushrooms your dog decides to harvest from your yard or during your outdoor adventures.

Mushroom identification is incredibly complex and identifying and harvesting edible wild mushrooms is something experts practice for years. Wild mushrooms have varying levels of toxicity from “nothing to worry about” to rapid disorientation and death.

If you know your pet has ingested a wild or unidentified mushroom, try to have the mushroom in question identified before any clinical signs develop to determine if medical treatment is warranted. If clinical signs have already developed, bring your pet and the same species of mushroom to the veterinary emergency hospital right away.

Protecting Dogs From Harmful Foods

As evidenced above, there are many potentially harmful foods to keep away from your pets. Some strategies for keeping your pet safe include:

Keep toxic foods for dogs secured away. If there are toxic foods for dogs in your home, make sure to put them away as soon as you get home and keep them stored in a secure place. Counter-surfing dogs are talented and motivated and can find anything left on counters.

Make sure friends and family know not to feed your dog. Ask any friends or family members visiting your home not to feed your dog.

Stop feeding table scraps. Don’t feed your dog table scraps. Sometimes foods have hidden ingredients, and even if your meal is not toxic, it could lead to gastrointestinal upset or dangerous health conditions such as pancreatitis.

What Foods Can Dogs Eat?

The best human foods you can feed your pet are vegetables—except for the ones mentioned above. Each dog will have a different palate and different vegetables they will eat.

Vegetables as a treat will help your pet feel full while keeping them from gaining weight from too many commercial pet treats. Some favorite options include:

• Carrots
• Celery
• Broccoli
• Cherry tomatoes
• Green beans

It is also safe for dogs to eat the following fruits. Only allow your dog fruit in moderation to limit calories and excess sugar consumption.

• Apple slices
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Pears
• Seedless watermelon

Remember that treats should account for less than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

The post 14 Toxic Foods For Dogs appeared first on Great Pet Care.

But is coconut oil actually good for dogs? And do all the claims and anecdotal evidence really stack up? 

While this natural product shouldn’t be considered a cure-all for dogs, and there are concerns involved with using too much, coconut oil may help your dog’s skin, coat, digestion, and brain health. Let’s explore the risks and benefits of using coconut oil for dogs.

Is Coconut Oil Safe for Dogs?

When used in small quantities, coconut oil tends to be safe for dogs both topically and orally. However, it’s important to remember that each pet is an individual and will react differently to coconut oil. 

When used topically, coconut oil shouldn’t pose any major threat to dogs. But if pet owners slather large amounts of coconut oil on a dog’s skin, it can trap moisture and make an infection worse. 

When ingested, coconut oil can cause significant health concerns for dogs such as diarrhea, weight gain, diabetes, and pancreatitis. If your pet has a history of diabetes, pancreatitis, or is overweight, coconut oil may be more likely to exacerbate these health concerns.  

If your dog does not suffer from these health concerns, the key with coconut oil is not to give too much. And if your pet reacts poorly, discontinue its use. 

If your pet is healthy, there is no additional health benefit to giving coconut oil, and you may actually cause harm. 

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs 

Coconut oil is not a remedy to everything, but it does have the potential to help with specific health concerns in dogs. The benefits will not increase with the amount of coconut oil given, however, and higher dosing levels can make your pet sick. 

With the correct dosing, coconut oil can potentially benefit your dog’s skin and brain. Here are some potential benefits of coconut oil for dogs:

It can moisturize dry skin. When used sparingly, coconut oil can help hydrate a dog’s dry skin, especially after bathing. It will also make your pet smell nice.

It can be a barrier to allergens. Coconut oil can act as a barrier to environmental allergens, and help prevent secondary infection in some dogs.

It can aid wound healing. Coconut oil applied lightly to minor wounds on dogs can help speed up the healing process. 

It can boost your dog’s brain. Coconut oil contains Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), essential fatty acids that feed brain cells in older dogs helping them with mood, memory, problem-solving ability and clarity of thinking.

It may help dogs with liver disease. MCTs may also be beneficial for pets with liver disease or any condition with abnormal fat or energy metabolism such as lymphangiectasia.

It can entice dogs to eat. If your dog is a picky eater, adding small amounts of coconut oil to your food might make mealtime more appetizing.  

How to Use Coconut Oil for Dogs 

The use of coconut oil is not widely used in traditional western veterinary medicine, although some alternative medicine practitioners will recommend its use. 

Some of the most common ways to use coconut oil for dogs are addressed below. Discuss any intended use of coconut oil with your pet’s veterinarian before giving to your pet. 

Coconut Oil for a Dog’s Paws

Coconut oil can be used to moisten dry, cracked paws. Application should occur while your pet is laying on their side on the floor. Have some treats ready to reward them for letting you apply something to their feet. 

To apply, take a pea-sized amount of coconut oil and rub it between your hands until there is a very light coating on the palm side of your fingers. Gently rub the coconut oil onto each paw pad. Use verbal praise and reward with treats. 

If possible, keep your dog on his side for the next 5-10 minutes until the coconut oil can absorb. If your dog won’t stay put, he may track coconut oil wherever he walks. 

Coconut Oil for a Dog’s Skin

If your dog has dry, flakey skin, coconut oil—which is rich in vitamin E—may be able to help. If you notice flakes or dandruff on your pet, or you notice your pet scratching, check them for fleas before applying. Coconut oil will not help with fleas, but may help with dry skin, especially after bathing.  

Applied topically, coconut oil will likely not have any lasting effects on your pet’s coat quality or tolerance to environmental allergens.

For the easiest application, have your dog stand directly in front of you. Have some treats ready to reward them for letting you apply something to their skin. To apply, take a pea sized amount of coconut oil and rub it between your hands until there is a very light coating on the palm side of your hands. Gently pat the coconut oil onto the dry areas of skin, then use your fingertips to gently massage the oil onto your dog’s skin. Use verbal praise and reward with treats as you apply. 

For any pet with red, aggravated skin, coconut oil has the potential to make the condition worse. In these cases, always consult a veterinarian before applying coconut oil. 

Coconut Oil in Dog Food

Adding coconut oil to a pet’s food is the easiest way to dose your pet. Many dogs will enjoy the taste of coconut oil and won’t mind the addition. Start small to make sure you don’t make your pet sick. 

Below is a guideline for recommended amounts of coconut oil to add to your dog’s food:

Dogs should be given the starting dose of coconut oil once daily for two weeks. If you see a beneficial effect after two weeks, continue at this lower dose. If you don’t notice improvement in clinical signs after two weeks, increase to feeding coconut oil twice daily (*daily intake should not exceed the maximum dose listed above). 

A tablespoon of coconut oil is too much for any sized dog. Your pet can become significantly ill from too much coconut oil, so feed it to them with caution. 

If, after giving coconut oil, you start seeing vomiting, diarrhea, or inappetence (not wanting to eat), discontinue giving coconut oil and bring your pet to your veterinarian for care. 

Precautions When Giving Your Dog Coconut Oil

Since coconut oil is a fat source, it increases the number of calories your pet is taking in on a daily basis. If you plan on adding coconut oil to your dog’s food, you should decrease the amount of food you are giving to your dog daily to prevent weight gain. 

Overweight pets are predisposed to chronic health conditions. Any weight gain should be discussed with your pet’s veterinarian. 

Coconut oil should not be used in a pet’s ears, either alone or in combination with any other products. 

In a mostly enclosed space like the ear canal, coconut oil can trap moisture making ear infections worse. Coconut oil does not have any anti-itch properties and will not help relieve itchy ears or headshaking. 

Where to Buy Coconut Oil 

You can find coconut oil for dogs in any grocery store, vitamin store, online retailer, and in many pet stores. Make sure to review labels to make sure that there are no added sugars or extra ingredients.  

If you are planning to use coconut oil for oral or topical use in dogs, look for organic, virgin, or cold-pressed coconut oil in a glass (not a plastic) container–bonus if it’s also sustainably sourced and fair trade. 

There is no need to refrigerate coconut oil. If it smells rancid (unpleasant), then it is time to buy a new jar.  

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If you notice that your dog has paw swelling, get them in to see your veterinarian. Since dogs aren’t great at letting us know they are in pain, it’s up to us to get them help. 

Let’s look at some of the common causes of paw swelling in dogs, what you should watch for, and how to treat your dog’s paws so they no longer feel pain or discomfort.  

What is Paw Swelling?

A dog’s paw is made up of several different tissues: bone, muscles, nerves, joints, ligaments, tendons and skin. A swollen paw can involve one or more of these tissues. 

Often, a swollen paw won’t be noticed until the dog starts limping. If your dog is limping, check for swelling by comparing paws to each other. If one paw looks larger than its opposite, then it may be swollen. Swollen paws may be red and warm to the touch.

What Causes a Dog’s Paws to Swell?

It is important to determine the cause of a swollen paw because treatments vary wildly depending on the cause. The context around the development of a swollen paw and how quickly the swelling develops can also help determine cause. 

Causes of swollen paws in dogs may include: 

Bone Problems

• Fracture of a bone
• Inflammation of a bone (called panosteitis)
• Infection of a bone (called osteomyelitis)
• A bone cyst or bone tumor

Joint Damage

• Inflammation of one or more joints (called arthritis) 
• Infection of one or more joints of the limb or paw
• An immune system attack on the body’s joints
• A tumor in a joint of the limb or paw 

Paw Trauma

• Burns
• Stepping on foxtails 
• Sharp objects (wood, glass)

Tissue Damage

The skin and the connective tissue just underneath, called subcutaneous tissue, can suffer from infection, a leaking of fluid from the vessels or cancer can develop within these tissues. 

Tendon and Ligament Damage

Bones that come together at a joint are supported and stabilized by tendons and ligaments and are moved by muscles. Injury or rupture of a ligament, tendon, or muscle within a limb or in the paw itself can cause swelling. 

Systemic Diseases

A few examples of systemic diseases that can cause paw swelling include blood clotting disorders, severe heart disease, severe liver disease, significant kidney disease, or allergic reaction conditions. 

Symptoms of Swollen Paws in Dogs

The symptoms of paw swelling in dogs can be obvious if you notice the visible signs, but other symptoms might not be as recognizable. Many causes of paw swelling cause inflammation and pain. When a pet feels pain, they may display more generalized symptoms such as difficulty moving and not acting quite normal. 

Common symptoms of paw swelling in dogs can include: 

• Foot pain
• Redness of the toes, or foot itself
• Ulceration of the skin
• White fluid between the toes or footpads
• Open bleeding
• Paws that are warm to the touch 
• An abnormal walk or a limp
• Holding up a foot or not wanting to place a foot down 
• Reluctance to walk up stairs 

More general signs that may manifest if a dog is experiencing paw swelling include lethargy (low energy), inappetence (not willing to eat as much), fever, weight loss, exercise intolerance, and depression (interacting less than normal). These clinical signs can be seen in many medical conditions, not just in paw swelling.  

Diagnosing Swollen Paws in Dogs

Paw swelling is a painful condition that often needs veterinary care to improve. If your pet has a swollen paw that does not improve by itself in a few days, if your pet is limping, or has any of the general signs above indicating they are not feeling well, it is important to make a veterinary appointment.

Because there are so many potential causes of paw swelling, it is important to be detailed when talking with your veterinarian. Your veterinary team may ask you a variety of questions—be patient and answer those questions to the best of your ability. Tell your veterinarian exactly what you noticed and when. 

You should also document any recent trauma, how quickly you noticed the swelling develop, or if anything has changed in your pet’s medication regimen. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about your dog’s eating and drinking habits, whether you have noticed any changes in their bathroom habits, or if you have noticed any signs of sickness (coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy). 

Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam on your pet to look at the paw for clues. During this exam, your veterinarian will examine the eyes, ears, mouth, heart and lungs, intestinal tract and abdominal organs, lymph nodes, musculoskeletal and nervous system and, of course will examine the skin and paws. 

The veterinarian will examine the bones and joints of the affected limb from the bottom up, feeling each bone. They will make sure there is an appropriate range of motion and look for any areas of specific sensitivity or pain. Depending on the history you provide and the physical exam findings, additional diagnostics may be necessary. 

These include:

X-rays (also called radiographs): May be performed to look at the bones and soft tissues.

Blood and urine tests: Performed to determine the overall health of the body. This examination needs to include blood cell counts, body chemistry, and urinalysis. All three parts need to be included in this examination to give your veterinarian the information they need. 

Puncture of a swollen paw: This may be recommended if an abscess is suspected. This procedure is painful and should not be performed without sedation or anesthesia.

Biopsy: This may be recommended if the swelling is thought to be associated with an inflammatory or cancerous process. 

A joint tap: A veterinarian may recommended this procedure if an inflammatory, autoimmune, cancerous, or infectious process within a joint is suspected. 

An echocardiogram: A heart ultrasound, called an echocardiogram, may be recommended if heart failure is suspected. 

How to Treat Paw Swelling in Dogs

Management and prognosis will depend on the cause of the paw swelling. Veterinarians will usually recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• Antibiotics may be used to clear up an infection
• Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed for arthritis, inflammation, allergic reaction, or to help control pain regardless of cause. 
• Steroid medication or immune-modulating medications may be used for autoimmune conditions. 
• Chemotherapy or surgery may be recommended if a cancerous process is identified.
• Surgical intervention may be necessary if an abscess is present or foreign material is in your dog’s paw.

General Costs to Treat Paw Swelling in Dogs 

Examination cost: Approximately $50 – $150 + depending on where you live in the country and what type of veterinary service you are requesting (brick and mortar vs in-home)

Bloodwork: Approximately $150 – $200 depending on the particular diagnostic panel that is most appropriate for your pet. 

Surgical intervention: Approximately $500 – $2,000

Joint tap: Approximately $500 – $1,000

Echocardiogram: Approximately $400 – $700

Antibiotics: Approximately $30 – $200 depending on antibiotic chosen and appropriate dosage for pet. 

Pain or anti-inflammatory medications: Approximately $50 -$200 depending on medication chosen and appropriate dosage for your pet.

How to Prevent Paw Swelling in Dogs

The best thing you can do to prevent paw swelling in dogs is get your pet used to you touching their feet. Once your dog is comfortable, make a ritual out of checking your dog’s paws on a weekly basis. 

During these weekly assessments, look between the toes and between the foot pads for abnormalities. 

Keep your dog’s nails trimmed to prevent nail problems or infections. Use paw moisturizers, if your dog’s paws are dry and cracked. It’s effective on cuts, abrasions, sores, scratches, wounds, and more. And always protect your pet’s paws from extreme temperatures. 

Staying on top of your dog’s paw health will help you identify paw problems early and help you and your veterinarian identify the best course of treatment. 

Related Conditions 

• Abscess
• Osteomyelitis
• Infectious polyarthritis
• Autoimmune polyarthritis
• Lameness
• Hot pavement pad burns
• Arthritis
• Paronychia

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As soon as your dog shows signs of intestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, not eating), remove food and let their stomach rest for 4-8 hours. Offer small amounts of water or ice chips hourly during the fasting period— if they drink too much, they are likely to start vomiting again. 

While your pet’s stomach is resting, you can start preparing a home cooked bland diet. A good recipe is easy to make, and often can help address the clinical signs you are seeing. You can also ask your veterinarian for a commercial bland diet recommendation if you don’t want to cook at home.

In this article, we will discuss the definition and elements of a bland diet and why certain ingredients are used when cooking one at home. We will also discuss bland diet considerations to help you make the best choices for your dog. 

What is a Bland Diet for Dogs?

A bland diet refers to a food given to a dog that is easily digestible (easily broken down and absorbed into the body). This diet is also called “bland” because it does not have any seasonings, spices, fiber, or fat added. It is designed to meet your dog’s caloric needs but not over-tax the digestive system while it is healing.

When to Use a Bland Diet for Dogs

Dogs with mild cases of intestinal upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea or inappetence (not wanting to eat), often improve when fed a bland diet. However, bland diets should not replace veterinary care. If your dog has bloody diarrhea, ongoing diarrhea, continual vomiting, and is not eating for more than one day or is acting lethargic, it’s important to make a veterinary appointment to rule out potentially serious health problems.

Ingredients in a Bland Diet for Dogs?

A bland diet is a combination of a few simple ingredients. The diet must contain a protein source and carbohydrate source. 

Bland diets for dogs typically consist of:

A low-fat protein. Examples include chicken, turkey, or lean ground beef. Sometimes low-fat cottage cheese is fed instead of meat. A protein source higher in fat is generally too heavy for pets with intestinal upset. High-fat proteins can make vomiting and diarrhea worse and can make dogs that are vomiting from pancreatitis very ill. 

A carbohydrate source. Classically, white rice is used because it is easy to digest and low in fiber. Alternative carbohydrate sources can include oatmeal, brown rice, sweet potato, or potato. 

A probiotic (optional). Balanced intestinal bacteria are incredibly important to our dog’s health. Supplementing dogs with a probiotic can help rebalance the intestinal tract and prevent the worsening of symptoms.

Things to Consider When Feeding a Bland Diet

A bland diet is generally an excellent first step for pets with intestinal upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea). However, sometimes a bland diet is not the correct choice.

There are many causes of intestinal upset, and some of them can be life threatening. If, for example, you witness your pet eat a sock, toy, rock, or other object, and they begin vomiting, the condition can quickly turn fatal. A bland diet will not help.

There are also organ diseases that can cause vomiting and other secondary medical complications. Pets suffering from significant medical conditions will likely eat little if any food, and will likely demonstrate low energy and enthusiasm. A pet who is not eating and exhibiting low energy should be seen by a veterinarian right away.  

A pet who continues to throw up their food after eight hours should be seen by their veterinarian. 

Diarrhea that does not improve with a bland diet after 24 hours likely needs additional medications to help stop the diarrhea. 

Young dogs with intestinal upset need special attention. Puppies get low blood sugar and dehydrated very quickly and their health can decline much more rapidly than adult dogs. If your dog is under 6 months of age, seek veterinary intervention for intestinal upset.

If your young dog is vomiting for more than four hours, has diarrhea for more than six hours, is eating less than normal or not eating and/or has low energy, they need to be seen by a veterinarian right away.

A bland diet is not complete and balanced. A complete and balanced diet has all of the vitamins and minerals a dog needs on a daily basis. The majority of commercially available dog foods are considered complete and balanced. 

Feeding a bland diet is safe on a short term-basis, but if fed too long, it can start to cause nutrient imbalances in a dog, resulting in illness, weight abnormalities, and an inability to protect the body from infectious diseases. 

If your pet needs to be on a bland diet for an extended period of time, the diet needs to be formulated by a veterinary nutritionist to prevent nutrient imbalances. There are also several dog food brands that produce and sell bland diets for dogs if you do not like to or want to cook.

Bland Diet for Dogs Recipe

When cooking a bland diet for your dog at home, the meat should be boiled or cooked without any added butter, oils, or spices. 

You can use the options below to customize a bland diet for your dogs at home, using the recipes based on your dog’s body weight. 

Protein choices = White meat chicken or turkey with no skin, lean ground beef, venison, bison, (90% or above), low fat cottage cheese

Carbohydrate choices = White rice is preferred, can substitute rolled oatmeal, brown rice, potato or sweet potato

DISCLAIMER: Please discuss this recipe with your pet’s veterinarian before feeding it to your pet. Please do not feed your dog any ingredients that you know they are allergic to.

Cooking Directions

1. Bake or boil your protein until cooked through. Cottage cheese is served raw. 
2. Cook the carbohydrate of choice as directed on packaging. Boil, mash, or bake potatoes.
3. Do not add any seasoning, butter, or other fats. 
4. Combine protein source, carbohydrate source in an approximate 1:1 ratio.
5. Stir ingredients together until well mixed.

Serving and Storage Instructions

Wait until the food is room temperature before serving.

Start by giving your dog a portion that is ¼ to ½ of their normal meal size to start. If they eat it and keep it down, then you can give a little more.

Store food in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

Warm food to between room temperature and mildly-warm before feeding. Do not feed cold. If after warming, the food feels hot, allow it to cool before feeding your dog. 

Duration of a Bland Diet for Dogs

Continue feeding the bland diet for the next 3-7 days. If your pet is known to have a sensitive stomach, it may be wise to give this food for 5-7 days after symptoms clear. In either case, once symptoms resolve, then slowly transition them back to their normal food over a period of days by mixing regular food with a bland diet.

Within 24 hours of the first meal, you should see improvement. If you do not, then a veterinary exam is needed. In addition, if your pet stops having intestinal upset with a bland diet, but the vomiting and/or diarrhea reappear as you transition back to their normal diet, call your vet.

The post Bland Diet for Dogs: All You Need to Know appeared first on Great Pet Care.

For all the canines readily eating their meals, as long as the food packaging has a label from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the food is considered complete and balanced. If the food you feed daily is complete and balanced, you are giving your dog everything they need to live. 

There are a few good reasons to consider switching dog food. If you need to make a diet change (due to a veterinary recommendation or a lifestyle change), following a diet transition timeline will help your dog adapt to the new ingredients, and may help prevent some unwanted consequences. 

This article will help you understand reasons to switch dog food, how to switch diets, and what to do if you accidentally switch too fast. If you do need to make a change, you will be ready.  

Switching Dog Food: Should You Do It? 

There are a few situations in a dog’s life that may justify a food change. 

These include:

• A transition from puppy food to dog food 
• A transition from dog food to a senior dog food
• A transition from kibble to a canned version
• A transition to a veterinary-recommended prescription diet 

Many pet owners will switch from a puppy-specific formula to an adult dog food formula as their puppies grow up. A food change may also be recommended when dogs enter the senior phase of their lives as nutrient and calorie needs change. 

If your dog was born with a medical condition, or develops one during their life, a change in diet prescribed to address the condition may help your pet to feel better and even live longer. For instance, if your dog has digestive problems, your veterinarian may recommend switching to a dog food for sensitive stomachs.

When Switching Dog Food is Not Recommended

There are situations where changing a dog’s diet is not recommended. One such situation is switching a dog’s food to prevent food allergies. Currently, there is no evidence to support this concept. 

Since food allergies develop because of a dog’s genes, and not because of the number of foods they have been exposed to, it is best to keep your dog on the one food they do well on and manage any allergies if/when they become prevalent in your dog’s life. 

How to Switch Dog Food 

A diet transition timeline varies from 10 days to three weeks in duration depending on the individual dog and their individual gut tolerance. 

If your dog’s intestines can manage most foods, then a 10-day diet switch schedule is most appropriate. For more sensitive dogs, it’s best to take things nice and slow and use the longer transition schedule. 

Short Dog Food Transition Timeline

Long Dog Food Transition Timeline

The percentages in the timelines above refer to the quantity of food fed. For example,  if before the transition you were feeding 2 cups of the current food, then day 1 of the transition you would feed 75% of the current food which is 1½ cup. This leaves ½ cups of the new food to fill the bowl.

Regardless of which diet transition schedule is used, it is generally recommended to give your dog a pet-specific probiotic during the transition to help your dog’s stomach break down and digest the new ingredients in a healthy way. Consult your veterinarian to find the best probiotic that is recommended for your dog.

Side Effects of Switching Dog Food

If you didn’t take the time to follow a diet transition schedule, or if you otherwise tried to switch too quickly, you might get to see what intestinal upset looks like. 

Consider a time when you have eaten a brand new cuisine or a food you were otherwise not used to eating. The stomach pain and/or bathroom consequences you experienced are similar to what a dog goes through after eating something their body is not used to. Intestinal upset can manifest as throwing up, little or no appetite, or diarrhea. 

Diet-Switch Diarrhea and What to Do

For dogs, the most prevalent consequence of switching food too quickly is diarrhea. 

When the intestines come in contact with new food suddenly, it can start secreting water into the intestines. Water mixed with these foreign ingredients can then quickly make their way toward your dog’s hind-end and you might see the following symptoms:

• Your dog showing an urgency to go to the bathroom
• Needing to go more frequently
• A softer or liquid stool quality
• Possibly even some blood in the stools 

If you changed your dog’s food suddenly and now they have diarrhea, generally a bland diet is recommended.* 

A bland diet recipe consists of approximately 50 percent white rice and 50 percent boiled, low-fat, boneless, skinless, seasonless chicken or turkey. The white rice helps to absorb the extra moisture in the intestines, while the bland protein provides an easy-to-digest energy source. 

Along with a bland diet, a dog probiotic should be started and given for at least five days. Think of giving a probiotic like an antibiotic course, but instead of killing bacteria, we are simply providing the dog’s system with the bacteria that will help them digest food normally again.  

Keep in mind that a bland diet is not meant to be a long-term solution. It does not provide all of the nutrients that a dog needs, so it shouldn’t be used for more than a few days. If your dog is having vomiting and diarrhea for more than 24-48 hours, he should see a vet.

*If your dog is less than 1 year of age and is having diarrhea for more than 6 hours, bring them to your veterinarian right away for care and rehydration. 

Diet-Switch Vomiting and What to Do

In a small subset of cases, a dog fed a diet they are not used to may throw up (vomit).  

As some of the abnormal food ingredients are sensed by the intestines and absorbed into the body, the brain may initiate a reflex that causes the stomach to push food back up towards the mouth in a forceful manner (retching). The process is complete when the food material is expelled from the body.  

Your dog may throw up once or several times depending on what they have eaten and how sensitive they are. 

If you changed your dog’s food suddenly and now they are vomiting, give them free access to water, but do not give them any food for a couple of hours** to let their stomach rest and recover. 

After 2-4 hours, try giving a small amount, about ¼ of the current meal quantity, of their current (not new) food and see if they are interested and are able to keep the food down. If they do, you can then offer them the remainder of their meal. 

**If your dog is less than 1 year of age and is vomiting, do not withhold food from them. If they continue to vomit for more than 6 hours, bring them to your veterinarian right away to help them stop vomiting and get rehydrated. 

Diet-Switch Inappetence and What to Do

Eating less (inappetence) or not eating at all (anorexia) may result because of stomach upset or nausea when switching dog food. If you have started a diet transition and your dog is now eating less or not eating at all, it is generally recommended to follow the same guidelines as for if your dog is vomiting after eating a new food***. 

Let their stomach rest for a few hours with free access to water. After the rest, try to offer them a small amount of food to see if they will eat it. If they do not, try again in a few hours. 

***If your dog less than 1 year of age and is eating less than normal or not eating at all, do not withhold food from them and be sure they have free access to water. If they are not eating for more than 6 hours, bring them to your veterinarian right away for care. 

When to Switch to Adult Dog Food

Depending on your dog’s breed and individual variation, puppies can become adults at different ages. 

Smaller dogs become an adult at around 8 months of age; medium-sized dogs around 12 months of age; large dogs around 18 months of age; and giant-breed dogs, around 24 months of age. 

When your dog becomes an adult, switching to an adult dog food is highly recommended. While some dogs may do well long-term on puppy or all-life-stages food, the extra calories in these diets can create problems with weight gain and obesity. 

Note: Dog foods labeled “all life stages” have the energy content and composition of puppy food.

How to Pick an Adult Dog Food

Here are a few guidelines to help you choose an adult dog food when the time is right:

• To make the transition as smooth as possible, consider keeping the brand of adult food consistent with the brand of puppy food you were feeding. 
• It is important that the food is “complete and balanced” so that your dog will receive all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need in the correct proportions to support a functioning body. 
• Make sure you are happy with the ingredients list. If you have any concerns, speak to your veterinarian.
• Be sure you are happy with the price tag. Since your dog will be on this long-term, make the food fits within your budget . 

Once you have found the right food for your young adult dog, be sure to follow the diet transition schedule above to minimize stomach upset. 

When to Switch to Senior Dog Food

A dog is more or less considered a senior at around 7-8 years of age. A senior dog food provides fewer calories to your dog during a given meal. The assumption behind the design of a senior diet is that, as dogs age, they are not as active as they once were  and do not need the same number of calories as an active adult dog. 

The problem with that assumption is that each dog is an individual whose energy, appetite, and metabolism are unique to that individual. 

Here are a few guidelines to help you decide whether and when to switch your dog to a senior diet: 

• If your senior dog is healthy, maintaining a healthy body weight: It is generally recommended to continue feeding your dog the adult food they know and love. 
• If your senior dog is healthy but is gaining weight or overweight: A senior diet might be a good idea so you can meet your dog’s calorie needs without the extra weight and stress on their body.
• If your senior dog is seemingly healthy but unintentionally losing weight: Consider an exam with your veterinarian to figure out the cause of weight loss before making a decision about your dog’s diet. 
• If your senior dog has a disease condition (diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, etc.), there are many commercial and prescription diets you can feed to help manage those conditions. 

How to Choose a Senior Dog Food

If you and your veterinarian decide that switching to a senior dog food is correct for your dog, choose a senior dog food with the guidelines below and follow the diet transition (switch) guidelines above according to their intestinal sensitivity.

Guidelines for choosing a senior dog food:

• Look for an AAFCO label stating that the food is complete and balanced
• Consider staying with the brand of food that has worked well in the past
• Consider a formula that includes joint support for arthritis
• Look for ingredients you feel comfortable feeding
• Find a senior dog food that fits within your budget

Switching to Grain-Free or Raw Dog Food

Some of the trendiest dog food diets on the market are grain-free diets and raw food diets. There are pros and cons to choosing either one. Before purchasing either, speak to your veterinarian about your intention to switch so they can guide you in your selection. 

Grain-Free Diet Considerations

Pro: One possible reason for choosing a grain free dog food is a lower incidence of mycotoxins—chemicals created by fungi that can have negative effects on the body when consumed. 

Con: Grain-free diets have lost popularity throughout 2019 after an FDA article made a loose connection between grain-free diets and the discovery of a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Unfortunately, we are unsure of the actual cause of the heart condition. This link needs to be investigated further.   

Raw Diet Considerations 

Pro: Raw diets are claimed to have superior digestibility to kibble and canned diets, increasing the nutrient absorption by the body. However, freshly-cooked diets also boast superior digestibility and are safer to have in your home and feed to your pet. 

Cons: Remember that “raw” means little/no processing has been done to ensure your pet isn’t eating bad bacteria that can cause intestinal upset. Those bacteria can end up on you, your family members, and all over your home. Raw diets have been found to be nutrient deficient and on occasion, have sharp bone pieces that can do damage to the mouth or intestines. 

Switching Dog Food: Final Tips

If you choose to switch your dog’s food due to a lifestyle change, a recommendation from your veterinarian, or a budgetary need, there are some things you should keep in mind. 

Follow these additional tips when changing your dog’s food:

Plan ahead. When a diet transition is needed or desired, planning ahead is important. Starting a diet transition a day or two before going out of town and leaving your dog with a sitter, or before bringing your dog on vacation is asking for trouble. 

Have enough current food. Make sure you start the transition while you still have enough of the current food to last through the whole transition timeline. 

Adjust the timeline if needed. If your dog has intestinal upset during a diet transition, start over and try a slower transition. The same transition speed will likely result in the same intestinal upset.

Observe your dog during and after the switch. After any diet transition, keep a close eye on your dog over the next several weeks. If they appear to be losing or gaining weight, alter the amount you are feeding by 5-10 percent and then watch them again. 

Consult your veterinarian with questions. If you need help with your dog’s daily calorie intake, and how much you should feed, give your veterinarian a call—they know best. 

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