Pineapples are a great low-calorie treat for dogs, so can dogs eat pineapple? The answer is yes, dogs can eat pineapple. They are packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and enzymes that protect against inflammation and can help improve your dogs digestion.

Can dogs eat pineapple: Five health benefits of pineapples for dogs?

The majority of the beneficial effects of pineapples come from the enzyme bromelain.

1. Pineapples are low in calories and fat

Although they are pretty low in calories they still have a ton of nutrients. A cup of pineapple chunks has about 83 calories and 1.7 grams of fat.

2. Pineapples are packed with vitamins

Pineapples have a lot of vitamin C and manganese. In addition, but to a lower extent, they can provide lower amounts of vitamin B6, thiamine, copper, folate, magnesium, potassium, iron, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. Pineapples also contain trace amounts of zinc, calcium, vitamin K, vitamin A, and phosphorus.

With the large amount of vitamin C and manganese available to your pup, you should know how each vitamin affects your dog. Read our article about vitamins and your dog.

3. Pineapples have fiber

If you have a dog with digestive issues that do well with fiber a cup of pineapples provides over two grams of fiber. While you probably wouldn’t give your dog this much pineapple it is a beneficial treat to give to your dog in an appropriate amount for their body size.

4. Pineapples have antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that help prevent oxidation and oxidative stress due to free radicals in your dog’s body and can help with inflammation which may help with cancer and arthritis. Pineapples are rich in the antioxidants phenolics and flavinoids specifically. (Source)

5. Pineapples can help with hydration

Pineapples contain over 80% water so that’s some serious hydration for your pup

Can pineapples really stop my dog from eating poop?

The answer to this question is it depends. Success rates with this issue vary greatly with many owners seeing no signs of their dog stopping the practice of coprophagia.

The tanginess of the bromelain in pineapples is supposed to give your dogs poop a nasty taste, although if they don’t think feces tastes disgusting there’s a good chance this won’t do much.

There has actually been little scientific research that corroborates the statement that pineapple will end this act. If you have a coprophagic dog it is worth giving pineapple a try, but if you are looking for other tips that may help read our latest article here about coprophagia and puppies.

Which dogs benefit the most from eating pineapple?

1. Dogs with digestive issues

If you have a dog with digestive issues such as constant constipation they benefit from the added fiber in pineapples. In addition, the bromelain helps to break down protein molecules which can aid in digestion.

2. Dogs with arthritis

Dogs that have arthritis may benefit from eating pineapple every once and a while due to their anti-inflammatory effects.

3. Dogs with cancer

Because pineapples have tremendous antioxidant effects they are often included in dogs diets that have cancers. If you have a dog with cancer, make sure to read our article about how to feed a dog with cancer.

4. Dogs with pancreatic insufficiency

In humans with pancreatic insufficiency, the bromelain enzyme has been shown to be helpful because it breaks down the protein molecules, which assists the pancreas since it is not making enough digestive enzymes. Bromelain is used in meat tenderizers to help break down tough meat proteins, so it should be extremely helpful to dogs with pancreatic insufficiency

What are the risks and dangers of feeding my dog pineapple?

While there are many beneficial aspects to feeding your dog pineapples there are some detrimental ones as well. This is why it is important to feed pineapples to your dog sparingly

Sugar Overload

One large pineapple has an average of 89 grams of sugar which is about a whopping 21 teaspoons of sugar! If you have a diabetic dog you should refrain from feeding your dog pineapple.

Allergic Reaction

Pineapples are a very low-risk allergen but if you are feeding your dog pineapple for the first time keep an eye on him or her to ensure they don’t have a reaction to the fruit.

Obesity

Due to the high sugar content if given too often your dog can develop obesity and possibly diabetes, especially in smaller dogs

Tooth Decay

Again due to the excess sugar in pineapples in fed too often accelerated tooth decay can occur

Choking

Choking is of concern if you aren’t giving your dog pineapple the correct way (cubbing it for them) and feeding parts of the pineapple they shouldn’t eat like the skin or core

Allergic Reactions

While rare, it is possible that your dog may be allergic to pineapple. If you want to read more about how to recognize allergic reactions to pineapple skip to that section in this article.

Can all dogs eat pineapple? Which dogs should not eat pineapple?

Most dogs can eat pineapple but there are exceptions

• Due to the high sugar content dogs with diabetes should not be given pineapple
• Dogs on a blood thinner should not eat pineapple as the bromelain can decrease blood clotting time
• Obese dogs should not get pineapple due to the high sugar content

How to feed your dog pineapple

• Ensure that the flesh is a light to medium yellow
• Always give your dog raw fresh pineapples
• Never give your dog an entire pineapple as they can not eat the crown, core or the skin (just like us)
• Cut your dogs pineapple into small chunks
• Do not feed your dog canned pineapple as these are usually preserved in sugary syrup and have added sugar for extra sweetness

How much pineapple should I feed my dog?

Fruit should play a very small part in your dog’s meals, if you are feeding your dog an over-the-counter diet you may notice a tiny amount already in the ingredients list.

If you are making your dog’s food at home and want to add pineapple the fruit should not exceed more than 10% of his or her total food consumption for the day.

If a small cube is about 4-5 grams (think the size of a sugar cube) it contains about 2 calories.

You should still check with your vet for an amount specifically tailored for your dog

How do I know if my dog is having a reaction to pineapple?

While rare, if your dog has a reaction to pineapple they may present with

• excessive drooling: if you’ve ever eaten a lot of pineapples then you know that sometimes it can cause your tongue to burn this is due to, you guessed it, the bromelain
• gastrointestinal signs: nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
• Constipation: if your dog gets too much fiber from pineapples they could become constipated
• Obesity: If you are giving your dog too much pineapple they may eventually become obese and diabetic due to the high sugar content
• Swelling: If your dog is going into anaphylactic shock due to eating pineapple you may notice some swelling of the face or body
• Difficulty Breathing and Fainting: If your dog is severely allergic to pineapples they may go into anaphylactic shock and pass out or faint due to the inability to breathe properly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dog stink after eating pineapple? Some owners may notice some unwanted smells coming from their dog after eating pineapple and it is usually caused by excess gas due to the high fiber content in the fruit.

Can dogs have dried pineapple? Yes, dogs can have dried pineapple as long as there are no additives or sugar. You can even buy a dehydrator and make your own dried pineapple jerky

Can my dog drink pineapple juice? No, dogs should not have pineapple juice. There is already a lot of sugar in pineapple and since most of the pulp and fiber are stripped away in juice they can’t counteract the insulin spike that the sugar will cause, so refrain from giving your dog pineapple juice

Things to remember when feeding your dog pineapple

• Your dog’s digestive system isn’t built for handling a large amount of fruit and sugar, so feed it sparingly and in moderation or you may have to clean up a lot of unwanted messes
• When feeding your dog raw pineapple make sure to only give him or her the flesh
• Dogs that have diabetes, are obese or on blood thinners should not have pineapple

References

• The potential role of bromelain in clinical and therapeutic applications

What are the symptoms?

If your little guy or gal recently got in the garbage, ate a piece of fatty ham, or has been receiving table food on a regular basis you should keep an eye out for these signs of pancreatitis in dogs.

These are by far the five most commonly seen symptoms in dogs with pancreatitis. If you notice your dog doing any of these things you should get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible!

Pancreatitis in dogs symptoms: Five common signs of pancreatitis in dogs

1. Anorexia

Loss of appetite is a common symptom of pancreatitis in dogs

Anorexia is a loss (or decrease) of appetite and is one of the first symptoms owners notice in dogs with pancreatitis. If you notice that your dog is usually a voracious eater and suddenly has no interest in food no matter how tasty, you may want to see your veterinarian ASAP.

There are two types of anorexia

1. True anorexia – This is the type of anorexia seen in dogs with pancreatitis and other systemic diseases. Dogs with true anorexia simply have no desire to eat. You will notice that your dog has no interest in food and may sniff the food but not partake or stay away from their food bowl altogether
2. Pseudo-anorexia – dogs with pseudo-anorexia are hungry but they can’t due to something causing difficulty chewing, picking up, or swallowing their food. You may notice your dog returning to their food bowl over and over again but unable to actually eat or whining while at the bowl. This usually occurs with tooth pain, abscesses, gingivitis

2. Weakness

Weakness is the second most common sign seen in dogs with pancreatitis

A lot of owners may notice their dog seems weak and wobbly when they walk or extremely lethargic and does not want to walk or move a lot. If your dog is usually very energetic and bouncing off of the walls and you suddenly notice that he or she is acting sluggish and tired you may want to see your veterinarian.

You may notice that your dog may not want to go for walks or play as much as usual and just laying around the house.

3. Vomiting

Vomiting and nausea may also be seen in dogs that have pancreatitis

If your dog does eat you may notice that they aren’t able to keep any food down and will have vomit that sometimes has whole pieces of food in it.

4. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common symptom of pancreatitis in dogs

The diarrhea is usually a darker color but if left untreated it will usually progress to have a light yellow color with a distinct foul odor and a greasy appearance. In addition, you may also notice blood in the stool due to pancreatitis bleeding because of blood vessel rupture.

5. Abdominal Pain

Stomach pain is a very notable symptom of pancreatitis in dogs

Your dog may wince or nip when touched on the abdomen and they may also cry out when picked up by their stomachs. You may also notice that your dog takes a ‘praying position’ which means their rear end is up in the air and their front legs are lowered to the floor.

It should be noted that the combination of these clinical signs could indicate pancreatitis or another illness which is why it is extremely important for your dog to see a veterinarian as soon as you can if you notice any of these symptoms. Usually, the combination of upper stomach pain and vomiting is fairly indicative of pancreatitis in dogs.

Signs of pancreatitis your vet might notice

Your veterinarian may also notice some additional symptoms once presented to the clinic

1. Dehydration

Your vet will probably do a skin tent test and run some blood work to check dehydration in your dog. You can also do a skin tent test at home as well.

A skin tent test is to check your dog’s skin elasticity as when they are well hydrated it is normal. To perform a skin tent test you gently pinch the loose skin away from the body at the scruff and release it. Well dehydrated dogs’ skin will return to normal immediately whereas if dehydrated dogs will form a ‘skin tent’ it will take a couple of seconds to return to normal.

If your dog has been vomiting or has some diarrhea they will most likely be dehydrated as they are losing water and electrolytes.

2. Icterus

Icterus or jaundice is yellowing of the skin due to excessive accumulation of pigment in the blood and tissues. This is usually for prolonged cases of pancreatitis that aren’t treated immediately. You may also notice some yellow tinting of your dog’s eyes and gums.

3. Fever

You can take your dog’s temperature at home as well but part of your vet’s physical examination will be getting a temperature. If your dog’s temperature goes above 102.5 they have a fever (most dogs are under 102.3)

Reference

Golden Retrievers are a popular breed among owners, in fact, they are consistently in the top 10 for most owned dogs in the United States.

However, like most dogs, they can come with their own set of genetic and inherited issues. Aside from the common digestive issues that most dogs get like bouts of diarrhea, here are some congenital issues of Golden Retrievers and how food may help.

Cancers

Cancer is a leading cause of death in dogs and unfortunately, Golden Retrievers top the list for dogs prone to developing cancer. In fact, a study showed that approximately 60% of Golden Retrievers will develop cancer in their life span, which is twice as much as most dogs. It is good to note that most Goldens can still live very long lives, usually between 10-12 years of age even with the prevalence of cancer.

How might diet help Golden’s with cancer?

While there are no guarantees when attempting to feed for cancer in dogs, along with treatment with a veterinarian, owners often try the ‘cancer diet’ for dogs. It consists of feeding your dog a clean diet, usually mixed with their current diet or in lieu of what they are eating over the counter. To learn more about feeding your dog a cancer diet, read our article here.

In addition to feeding your Golden the right things you should help them shed any extra weight as some studies like this one published by the AVMA, showed a slightly increased prevalence of cancer in overweight and obese dogs

Also, if you have a dog with cancer the Dog Cancer Blog may be a great resource!

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is fairly common in Golden Retrievers, like most larger breed dogs. It is a multifactorial condition that persists for life after diagnosis, however, there are some things you can do to help your dog like hydrotherapy, keeping them at a healthy weight, and some supplements have been shown to help as well.

Hip dysplasia in dogs usually presents at two times in a Golden’s life, when they are growing, usually between 6-12 months of age, and when they are older, usually between 4-8 years old.

What can I feed my dog to help with hip dysplasia?

Just like people collagen has been shown to help dogs that have hip dysplasia, common ones include:

• Egg white supplements (source) – there are over-the-counter supplements available.
• Glucosamine
• Chondrotin
• MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)

Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is a skin condition seen in dogs that carry the recessive genetic mutation, while it is rare, Golden Retrievers are one of the breeds that carry the mutation.

The genetic mutation prevents the outer layer of skin from developing and sloughing properly which causes the skin to be rough (most owners initially notice it on the paw pads) and feel greasy. There are often times very large flakes, thickened skin, discoloration of the skin, and a greasy like feel to the skin.

If anyone has ever had fish, then you may be familiar with the fish disease ‘ich’ and that is where the word ichthyosis comes from since it is the Greek word for fish.

The disease usually worsens with age and requires a biopsy for diagnosis.

How can diet help my dog with ichthyosis?

Along with medicated shampoo some owners have had success in shifting their dog’s diet to include more fatty acids like Omega 3’s and fish oil.

GDV or stomach bloat

GDV is not necessarily only found in Golden Retrievers but is more common in larger dogs like the breed. What happens is that because they have such large barreled chests and large bodies after eating a large amount and especially if they are extremely active after eating the stomach can ‘twist’ and cause a blockage that prevents anything from passing (gas, water, food). It can be deadly if not treated quickly since gas continues to build up in the stomach.

If the stomach continues to twist, it can cause other complications like the spleen twisting and cutting off blood flow or twisting the esophagus

While there isn’t one known specific cause of Bloat in dogs some contributing factors are:

• Overeating
• Eating quickly
• Exercise after eating
• Genetic Predisposition
• Older dogs

Symptoms are usually seen in a couple of hours and some signs of bloat in dogs are

• Pacing the floor and unable to rest or relax
• Pain in the abdomen
• The abdomen may look distended or severely swollen (like a balloon)
• Attempting to vomit but nothing coming out
• Drooling
• Panting
• Collapse
• Pale gums
• Difficulty breathing

How can what and how I feed my Golden help prevent gastric bloat

• Feeding smaller meals throughout the day may help prevent bloat
• Not allowing your dog to run around after eating
• Avoid foods that expand in the stomach, like cereal-based foods or excess amounts of chia seeds
• Use a slow-feeder to prevent your dog from eating too fast

Muscular dystrophy in Golden Retrievers (GRMD)Golden Retriever

Muscle Dystrophy is a degenerative muscle disease in dogs where the muscle fibers generate and die. The muscle protein dystrophin is not produced and these dogs suffer from muscle weakness and wasting, inability to walk, and in some cases eat.

It is an X-linked recessive inherited trait and symptoms usually begin at about 6-10 weeks of age. The same disease occurs in humans and is termed Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to help a dog that has this genetic defect as far as feeding is concerned. The best thing to do is to keep their stress levels down and feed a whole, quality, nutritiously balanced meal.

References

• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/vco.12599
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ichthyosis/
• https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0192578
• https://www.nature.com/articles/ng.1056?message-global=remove&page=3
• https://downloads.hindawi.com/archive/2013/941275.pdf
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6044796/

Similar to humans, dogs can be allergic to certain foods. Besides beef and dairy, chicken allergies in dogs are the next most common food allergy seen at most veterinary clinics, so yes dog’s can be allergic to chicken.

Canine food allergies are caused because of an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to proteins in the diet. However, what most pet owners believe to be food allergies is actually food intolerances or a food sensitivity and this usually shows up as skin and/or stomach issues.

Chicken is used in a lot of dog foods because it is highly palatable, an excellent source of protein, and relatively inexpensive but because it is used so much in dog foods veterinarians tend to see an elevated rate of food sensitivities. (Source)

Is chicken okay for dogs to eat?

Yes, chicken is a great choice of protein to feed your dog as an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Not all dogs have a food sensitivity to chicken, in fact, most don’t.

How do I know my dog is allergic to chicken?

Common Signs of a chicken sensitivity in dogs include:

How are chicken allergies detected in dogs

1. Food trials

The best and gold standard method for detecting chicken allergies in dogs is by doing a food trial. This is done by slowly introducing your dog to a food with a novel protein that he or she has never eaten. Then after a period of time reintroducing an old protein to determine if chicken is the culprit.

However, due to the time required (about 2-3 months) and strict feeding regimen during an elimination diet, most dog owners opt to forgo doing a complete food trial and stop at the elimination diet. If you are interested in doing a food trial read our article here for a step-by-step guide.

2. Elimination Diet

An elimination diet is when an owner gets rid of or eliminates every protein that the dog has had previously and a novel protein is introduced. Your vet may proceed with doing a food trial depending on the results of the elimination diet.

3. Allergy test

There are several allergy tests on the market and your vet can give your dog an allergy test as well. Unfortunately, research shows that many of the tests that are readily available are not extremely reliable. Although the patch testing and serum antibody tests can still be slightly helpful when determining which ingredients to choose for an elimination diet. (Source)

How do I treat my dog for a chicken allergy?

If your dog is diagnosed with allergies to chicken, the best route of treatment is to avoid it at all costs and feed your dog a chicken-free diet. This means no chicken from the table and if you have guests over make sure they know not to feed your dog.

Some things to keep in mind when eliminating chicken from your dogs diet:

-There are many treats and medicines that have chicken added in that you would not consider so ensure you read all packaging before feeding your dog anything. Chicken may be in:

• Some supplements include chicken flavoring
• Many treats are made with chicken
• Some chews may include chicken like rawhides
• There are chicken flavored toothpastes for dogs as well

-Keep in mind that even though you have eliminated chicken from the diet, your dog can eventually become allergic to the novel protein and you may have to do the process of determining what is causing the allergy again if you feed a diet that includes more than one protein.

-In addition, some over-the-counter dog foods have been shown to mislabel their lists of ingredients and oftentimes include trace amounts of other types of protein than those listed on the packaging. This study determined that over-the-counter diets are not recommended for the diagnosis and treatment of food hypersensitivity.

What are some good foods for dogs allergic to chicken?

Hydrolyzed Prescription Diets

There are several hydrolyzed diets available for pet owners and these diets work because the protein is broken down into much smaller pieces and are not recognized by the body as a threat.

Hydrolyzed diets are broken down proteins from chicken, beef, and other proteins like fish or even chicken feathers. You read right, there are some foods like the Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Anallergenc diet where the main protein is hydrolyzed poultry feathers. In a study done on dogs that were allergic to chickens, it was noted that feeding a diet of hydrolyzed poultry feathers did not induce pruritus flares. (Source).

Insects & Fish

If you’re horrified by the thought of feeding your dog chicken feathers you may not be too keen on feeding them crickets either but that is just what some owners have had success with. Jiminy’s Cricket Crave Dry Dog Food is one that owners that have dogs with chicken allergies like. Another option is a complete fish meal.

Novel Protein Limited Ingredient Diets (LIDs)

Feeding your dog a limited ingredient diet with a new protein is optimal since they won’t have had a history with that protein and the LID do not have a lot of ‘fluff’ or extras that can sometimes also cause issues. These diets usually only have one protein so if they become allergic to it you will know right away what the cause was.

Feeding your dog a chicken-free diet with a novel or new protein like kangaroo or bison may prove to be the best option for your pup. Zignature has some great options for novel protein diets.

Homemade Diets

There are many owners that have had success with giving their dog a homemade diet. For some great ideas on what to cook for your dog with chicken allergies check out our list of homemade recipes.

Treats

Here are some treat options for dogs with chicken allergies:

FAQs about chicken allergies in dogs

1. What percentage of dogs are allergic to chicken?

While a definitive number is not known it is said that food allergies account for only 10% of all dog allergies with the most common being seasonal and environmental. In one study of over 200 dogs, it was noted that 15% of the dogs had chicken allergies.

2. Can a dog be allergic to chicken and not turkey?

Turkey is used as a replacement for chicken, many times a dog that is allergic to chicken is not allergic to turkey but each dog is different so keep an eye out for signs of a reaction when feeding complete turkey.

3. Can a dog with chicken allergies eat chicken meal?

If your dog is allergic to chicken you should refrain from feeding them chicken meal is basically powdered chicken parts and by-products.

4. Can a dog with chicken allergies eat eggs?

You would think a dog that was allergic to chicken would also be allergic to eggs, but this isn’t always the case. Just like with turkey some dogs are allergic to eggs and some aren’t.

5. If a dog is allergic to chicken can they eat duck?

Duck is many times used as an alternative to chicken in meals but it has a lower incidence of allergic reactions than turkey

6. Can a dog be allergic to raw chicken?

If your dog is allergic to chicken they will also react to raw chicken as well

7. My dogs food has chicken fat in it, is that safe?

Dogs can eat chicken fat or foods with chicken fat in them even if they are allergic or sensitive to chicken because it doesn’t contain any protein.

8. Do dogs in the wild have food allergies?

While it is rare it has been noted that some wild dogs do have food allergies. However, this is far from the norm and it is thought that domesticated dogs have food allergies due to their environments.

9. Can dogs be allergic to chicken liver?

If your dog is shown to be allergic to chicken, they should not eat chicken liver. This study showed that 40% of dogs that ate a diet of hydrolyzed chicken liver still had allergic flares.

References

• Article 1
• Determining the efficacy of allergy tests in dogs
• Feather Meal in Dog Foods
• Homemade Diet vs Hydrolyzed Diets for Chicken Allergies in Dogs

About the author: Dr. Jackson has over 15 years of clinical experience as a small animal veterinarian and has worked as an educator for 7 years. She enjoys spending time with her dogs Chi-Chi and Cha-Cha who were the catalyst for the creation of The Pets Digest blog. Read More

If you’ve ever gone to an Indian restaurant then you have probably had curry a time or two and turmeric is what gives it the yellow color. Turmeric has been used in Indian, African, and Asian dishes for centuries but the spice is becoming more well known for its anti-inflammatory properties in the West and many owners are now curious about turmeric for their dogs.

Yes, turmeric is safe for dogs, it is an extremely beneficial spice to use in your dog’s diet on a regular basis due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and its modulatory benefits on the immune system.

Aside from being used in food to spice things up, turmeric is a common ingredient in many traditional medicinal practices as it has some extremely powerful health benefits. In fact one study found that it helped decrease chronic inflammation in dogs within 3 days to 3 months, along with other treatments for the conditions (Source)

Curcumin is what gives turmeric its tremendous health benefits, however, it only makes up about 2-5% of turmeric, which is not very much, and why many people opt to use extracted curcumin instead of turmeric.

In clinical trials, curcumin for dogs has shown efficacy against numerous ailments including arthritis, diabetes, cancer, gi issues, heart disease, immune diseases, and liver disease.

Let’s look at some of the many health benefits your dog can get from eating turmeric

10 Tremendous Health Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Turmeric

While turmeric touts several health benefits for dogs, most are due to the spice’s tremendous anti-inflammatory and immune-balancing properties.

Inflammation isn’t always a bad thing because in short acute burst it can help the body heal and repair itself but chronic or long-lasting inflammation is extremely detrimental to your dog. Chronic inflammation is the foundation of almost all diseases. Chronic inflammation can last for weeks, months, or years and often contributes to many diseases like arthritis and autoimmune disorders.

There have been thousands of studies on turmeric and curcumin in humans (a lot less in dogs) so we will look at some of those throughout the article. One study claimed that curcumin along with other anti-inflammatory compounds like resveratrol, celecoxib, and tamoxifen were more potent at decreasing inflammation than aspirin and ibuprofen. (Source)

1. Anti-Cancer

Unfortunately, according to the AVMA, approximately 1 in 4 dogs will develop tumors, and almost half of the dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer.

So what does inflammation have to do with cancer? Chronic inflammation can cause cell mutation and proliferation creating an environment that is extremely conducive to cancer development. (Source)

Curcumin helps to decrease tumor cell growth or proliferation, metastasis, and death of normal cells (Source). In fact, the spice is now added to some chemotherapy treatments to improve outcomes (Source).

2. Immunomodulation

Aside from its anti-inflammatory effects, turmeric has been shown to be able to positively modulate the immune system via the expression of the systems cells like macrophages and t-cells.

3. Arthritis

Inflammation of the joints causes tremendous stiffness and pain in dogs. Usually, owners will notice their pup not wanting to walk up the stairs, getting up slowly, or not running and playing the way they used to. Your vet can officially diagnose your pup with arthritis by taking an x-ray and looking at the cartilage surrounding the affected bones.

Most likely your vet will put your dog on pain and anti-inflammatory medications, you should also inquire about giving your dog curcumin or turmeric powder since they have been shown to help with arthritis in both humans and dogs. Some owners even notice that they can eventually wean their pups off of over-the-counter medications in lieu of turmeric only.

4. Promotes Gut Health

The gut is known as the second brain and there is some speculation as to if the positive effects of curcumin on the gut microbiota are the reasons for its overall health effects (source). There are currently two main ways known that turmeric has been shown to help the gut

• Pre-biotic and probiotic like effects: Turmeric extract has been shown to have better resistance to the acidic gastric environment of yor dog’s stomach than the standard prebiotic given and is digested by and supports the growth of beneficial bacteria including Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animals.
• Helps with inflammation in the gut: It has been shown that turmeric can help with leaky gut due to the spices relationship with the gut microbiota but it has also been shown to suppress IBD colitis in humans and reduce the relapse in patients with chronic IBD. These studies are done in humans, but they are also promising results for our fur babies. (Source)

5. Improves Heart Health

It is estimated that 10% of dogs in the United States have heart disease, this is approximately 7.8 million dogs. (Source) Studies have shown that curcumin can reduce the risk of heart disease in humans by improving blood flow and in turn help to reduce blood pressure and help regulate blood clotting factors.

6. Diabetes

Turmeric supplements have also been shown to help with blood sugar management (Source)

7. Antioxidant

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and as we all know by now, antioxidants are beneficial for decreasing the effects of aging and cellular degradation by protecting your dog’s cells and eliminating free radicals & oxidative stress in the body.

8. Antifungal

Turmeric seems like the spice that does it all and it even wards off some fungi, like Candida Albicans, according to several studies (Source)

9. Antibacterial

Turmeric has been widely used in some cultures as a natural antimicrobial for centuries, recently it has proven to be effective in fighting off certain types of bacteria like Streptococcus. (Source)

10. Adaptogen

Just when you thought the spice couldn’t have any more beneficial properties, it turns out that turmeric is also an adaptogen! This means that it can help your dog’s body manage stress and anxiety. I wrote an article about dogs and adaptogens here so you can find out other scientifically backed adaptogens for your dog.

7 Dangers of Feeding Your Dog Turmeric

Is turmeric dangerous for dogs? No turmeric is not dangerous in the right dosages for dogs. The spice is generally considered safe for dogs but there are some instances where it can be harmful. Here are some other things you should be concerned about when feeding your dog turmeric

1. Medicine Interactions

Turmeric can interact with some medications like NSAIDs, some cancer drugs, blood thinners, blood pressure medications, and diabetes medications. Always speak with your vet prior to placing your dog on new herbs or formulas especially if they take an over-the-counter medicine

2. Black pepper

While a small amount of black pepper probably won’t harm your dog, feeding him or her large quantities should be avoided since it provides little to no health benefits and can cause irritation to the airways and eyes. Most pet owners have no issues but there are other, less irritating options to pair with curcumin for optimal absorption.

Some turmeric contains black pepper in their formulations, so if you do not want to feed your dog black pepper always read the ingredient list

3. Constipation

While not a serious danger, too much turmeric can cause constipation in your dog. Your dog would have to eat a ton of turmeric for this to occur so this is not likely to occur, but if you notice your dog straining to use the bathroom stop feeding the spice.

4. Allergies

This is extremely rare but allergic reactions to turmeric can occur. Signs of allergic reactions to turmeric in your dog are usually:

• swollen skin or hives
• itchy skin (most common)
• trouble breathing (extremely rare)

5. Anemia

Turmeric has been known to cause iron deficiency anemia in humans

6. Kidney Stones

In humans, turmeric has been associated with the formation of oxalate crystals which can increase the risk of kidney stones. Dogs that are prone to forming kidney stones should refrain from eating turmeric.

7. Overdose

If you give your dog too much turmeric over a long period of time it can cause issue like:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Incordination and dizziness

How to give your dog turmeric

How much turmeric do I give my dog?

In general, the recommended dose of turmeric for dogs is 15mg–20mg per pound of body weight per day, or more simply put, 1/8 to 1/4 tsp per day for every 10 pounds of body weight. You should start with half a dose increase to the max dose over a couple of weeks.

For example, A 9-pound dog would get 1/8 teaspoon at the lowest dose and up to 1/4 teaspoon at max dose

How often should I give my dog turmeric?

You can feed your dog turmeric daily and to ensure it still functions optimally in their body, you can use the ‘on for a certain period of time and off for a short amount of time’ method as an elimination period (for example on turmeric for 3 weeks and off for 1 week).

In addition, turmeric leaves the body fairly quickly, so it is best to give it throughout the day. Ideally, you would split your daily dose into the number of feedings you give your dog and feed at each meal, for example, a 9-pound dog would get 1/8 teaspoon in the morning and 1/8 teaspoon in the evening if you feed twice a day to make up 1/4th of a teaspoon.

How do I use turmeric so my dog processes it efficiently?

If you are simply sprinkling turmeric over your dog’s food you should probably just sprinkle it over the trash can as the spice requires paring with piperine or a fat to be used efficiently by your dog’s body. Since you don’t want to give your dog too much black pepper try using a small amount of coconut oil. You can even make frozen treats using the recipe provided from Pawsomely Delicious.

Where do I get turmeric for my dog?

There are several places to pick up ground or whole turmeric which you can grind yourself.

Health Food Store

Choose to buy your turmeric from the health food store and not the grocery store as many of the grocery store spices have other ingredients that may be harmful to your pet since they are usually made to bring out a better taste in foods and not for supplemental purposes

Grow Your Own

Growing turmeric is easy to grow if you live in a warm and sunny climate

Pre-Formulated Treats

There are a ton of over-the-counter supplements for dogs that contain turmeric, if you want to take the guesswork out of dosing these are your best bet

Which dogs should not have turmeric?

• Pregnant dogs
• Dogs with bile tract obstruction or gallstones
• Dogs blood clotting issues
• Dogs on medications that turmeric may interfere with the efficacy of the treatment
• Dogs with allergies to curcumin
• Dogs with kidney stones
• Dogs getting ready to have a surgical procedure (as it promotes thin blood)
• Dogs with renal failure or kidney disease

Summary
1. Get your turmeric from the health food store or buy one formulated specifically for dogs to prevent excess chemicals and ingredients your dog shouldn’t ingest
2. There are certain dogs that should not have turmeric
3. Turmeric should be combined with a fat for optimal absorption
4. The general dose of turmeric for dogs is 1/8 to 1/4 tsp per day for every 10 pounds of body weight
5. Turmeric leaves the body fairly quickly, so it is best to give it throughout the day

Important Facts You Should Know Before Feeding Your Dog Turmeric

• Turmeric stains EVERYTHING, when mixed with a liquid it will stain your hands, your kitchen counters, the floors, and your dog’s fur! So use gloves or be extra careful when handling it if you are making treats
• You may already be giving your dog turmeric so check your dog’s food to make sure it is not already in the formulation before adding it to his or her diet
• Buy organic when possible
• Purchase from a reputable company to ensure the pureness of the contents
• Look for products that have a Certificate of Analysis

Below is our recipe for Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Rolls feel free to add other anti-inflammatories and antioxidants such as chia seeds to pack in the goodness

Print Recipe

Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Puree
• 1 Cup White Rice
• ½ tbsp Turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon Coconut Oil

Instructions

• Cook the rice until soft and slightly over cooked so that it will stick together
• Mix together Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Puree with coconut oil, rice and turmeric
• Roll into balls (you may want to use gloves since the turmeric stains)
• Place in oven at 350° for 20 minutes
• Remove from oven and allow to cool

Notes

Store in the refrigerator up to 7 days 

References

If you’re a dog owner, chances are you’ve wondered about the correct way to feed your pup. While each dog is different (as most pet owners come to learn), there are some key tips that every pet parent should follow about feeding your dog.

Knowing the right tips for giving essential nutrients is important and this begins when they are still fun-loving and adorable puppies as this early age of development require core attention.

For most pups, puppyhood lasts anywhere from one to two years as most begin to peak at 7 months. Since so many changes are occurring in our canine babies, they need the correct diet to stay healthy.

In this article, I am going to share some useful diet tips for feeding small dogs. Read carefully!

1. Feeding Small Breed Puppies

Do you know that the little tummies of adorable pups grow an average of twenty times faster than adult dogs? This doesn’t mean that they eat more food but there may be a need to adjust their food proportions. Since their tummies are small and energy requirements are more it is expected that they may need to eat more often.

Give Multi-Portion Meals

You can divide their food into three or four meals, instead of the common two for adults. These meals will give them the energy they need to stay active for the entire day. Otherwise, they won’t be able to have enough food at one time and become easily tired.

Gradually Increase Portion Size and Time Gap

It’s great if your pet is able to adjust to the routine of multi-portion meals but as they grow you may also need to gradually increase the portion size, considering the time between meals. This will allow the dog to preserve energy for a longer period which enables you to increase the time gap and decrease the number of meals as they grow.

Try not to guess at the amounts you need to feed your pup always read the back of the packaging or use this chart to determine how much your pup should be eating. Our furry friends have extremely sensitive tummies, and one mistake can make them sick for a long, so follow the diet chart as per their age and weight while making changes to the amounts based on their individual hunger levels.

2.   Change the Type of Food Infrequently

Like human babies, these little dogs’ stomachs do not do well with a variety of meals. Once they have the habit of eating a specific type of food they can eat it for several days. Another key reason for not changing the type of food is the ease of increasing quantity.

Understanding that the purpose of a gradual increase in food intake is to increase the number of nutrients, fats, and vitamins for the dog as they grow is critical in determining how much to feed. Additionally, changing the brand is also not preferable. So, stick with one brand or one recipe. If you offer too many different recipes with varying amounts and types of starches, proteins, or vegetables maintaining gastrointestinal balance may be difficult causing GI upset.

3.   Go for an All-Natural Diet

Many pet parents opt to serve their pups homemade meals, which if you are going to do this make sure you do these five things first. However, if taking out time to create meals for your dog is difficult, you can go for readymade food, here are a couple of tips when choosing food from the shelves for your dog

• Read labels before picking up your dog food is essential. Never trust the bold words written on the front like “all-pure” or “all-natural.” Always go through the ingredient list to ensure they are as whole and natural as possible.
• Stay away from foods that have unnecessary preservatives
• If there is added sugar in the diet skip it
• Choose diets that have been made from real whole foods
• Watch out for unecessary fillers like corn or mill (especially as one of the first 5 ingredients)
• Nix anything with dyes

We Love Doodles has a great article about dog food brands to avoid but a couple that are quite beneficial for your pup per Dog Food Advisor.com include:

4.   Select Hypoallergenic Foods

Choose hypoallergenic foods or hydrolyzed diets for dogs that may be prone to food sensitivities. If you want to know how to tell if your dog has an intolerance to foods here are the common signs.

Among pets, food allergies are less common than airborne allergies. Any breed can develop food allergies, but there may be an increased risk for Labrador Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels. (source)

5.   Choose Low-Fat Treats

When you bring a dog into your family, either as a puppy or adult you will most likely grab a ton of treats as they are in many cases an essential part of training. However, oftentimes these treats can contribute to unnecessary weight gain. Since the majority of the training occurs at the developmental age, loading the pup’s tummy with fat and sugar is a bad idea.

Therefore, analyze the daily amount of fat intake and make sure that you are not giving extra fat. Always have a look at the diet chart. Some good options in low-fat treats include:

• Carrots
• Cucumber
• Apple
• Watermelon
• Green peas
• Broccoli
• Sweet potato

6.   Offer Dog Food Only

It’s so tempting to offer a scrap of food from your plate when your little companion is sitting beside you. But, once this habit is developed, it becomes hard to reverse.

Additionally, many of us do not know about some foods that can be dangerous for dogs, here is an article about some human foods that can be dangerous for dogs.

Grapes are a good example. Yes, this fruit is good for humans but not dogs. Likewise, onions, avocado, and beer can cause your dog to vomit, cause irregular heartbeat and digestive problems.

7.   Consult a Veterinarian

If you are a new parent always consult your vet shortly after bringing your pup into the home. There are countless things to be taken care of and risks to be evaluated before offering any food. Apart from it, a vet has enough knowledge to analyze the number of nutrients, carbs, and vitamins necessary for your dog. It becomes even more important if the dog has some dietary issues.

What’s the Best Time?

But, at what stage is it ideal for visiting a vet? After adopting a pup, we take it to the vet for a thorough checkup or vaccination. This is the best time to discuss the diet schedule. If you follow professional advice from the first day, you will never face any difficulty.

8.   Always Keep Abreast of Dietary Developments  

Be prepared to face some challenges in the first few days. But do not worry. Your new pooch will take some time to adjust to a new diet. For any confusion and worries, you should keep researching. Read articles, watch videos, and join social media groups especially created for dog owners.

Gathering information from all these sources can clear doubts. If you are still not satisfied, book another appointment with a vet.

How much should I feed my dog?

Per the popular website Rover, the amounts listed below are a good general starting place for determining how much to feed your small dog. If your dog is leaving most of the food in his or her bowl or still hungry feel free to adjust as needed.

9. Choose a breed-specific food

While most pet parents find that it is unnecessary to feed a specific formula for the breed of their dog, many others like it and you might find it beneficial as well.

There are some breed-specific issues that these foods state they are formulated to assist with. For instance, the Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Diets are much smaller bites and are said to be made for picky eaters. In addition, the diet includes vitamins like vitamin C, EPA, and DHA which may help with liver issues, which Yorkies are prone to acquiring with age.

However, in most cases breed-specific foods are not a requirement of feeding your small breed dog a balanced, healthy, and nutritious diet.

Final Words

Conclusively, choosing the healthiest food for your puppy or small breed dog becomes easier with a few tips. Things like multi-portion meals, an all-natural diet, and low-fat treats can provide a balanced diet to small dogs. However, consulting a vet and researching about changes in diet is imperative.

How is your dog’s health? Which food are you giving, and what is the response? Share some tips with us!

Author Bio: Arslan Hassan is an electrical engineer with a passion for writing, designing, and anything tech-related. His educational background in the technical field has given him the edge to write on many topics. He occasionally writes blog articles for Dynamologic Solutions. You can find more of his posts about pets at We Love Doodles.

History has shown the world that early and rapid detection of COVID-19 is critical in keeping numbers down and curbing the spread of the virus.

Who would have thought that one of the greatest fighters of COVID-19 spreading could be sitting on your living room floor and will work for treats? Recently there has been a ton of notice given to dogs and their keen sense of scent for help in the fight against COVID-19 as many scientists have been studying them as preliminary ‘rapid’ detectors.

How can dogs smell COVID-19?

Dogs have almost 100 times the olfactory receptors in their noses as we do, almost three hundred million to our five million.

It has been shown that they are extremely sensitive to scents as dogs are able to sniff out the differences between healthy people and those with cancer, MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), and Parkinson’s disease. There have even been studies that show they are able to sniff out malaria infections in children with 73% accuracy just by smelling their socks.

Thus far there haven’t been too many studies published about COVID scent dogs but there are several ongoing at the time. One study published in PLOS ONE showed that the virus may actually have an odor that dogs can smell in urine and saliva. The same researchers of this study are now studying if dogs are able to sniff out the virus on T-shirts.

Since we are just learning more about how scent detection of the virus works in dogs, researchers are still unsure as to exactly how dogs are sniffing out the virus, it could be that they are actually smelling the virus itself or detecting a change in the body triggered by infection.

While it is still unclear as to the method dogs are able to ‘smell’ coronavirus it is quite obvious that they have the ability to do so and do it well. In a study at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine researchers found that they could detect infection with up to 94.3% sensitivity meaning that they correctly identified 94 out of every 100 people infected. This is just slightly less sensitive than PCR tests, at 97.2%. There was a total of 3,921 people and 1,097 of them were infected with the virus and they were 92% correct in identifying negative samples of 2,031 individuals.

Why use dogs?

Speed: The gold standard method for detection of COVID-19 has been PCR, but this takes time usually at least 24 hours, whereas dogs could possibly detect if someone was positive or negative with a quick sniff. This would be great for places that get crowded quickly and people are often on a tight schedule like airports, schools, and concerts. So while dogs may not be as accurate as a PCR test they are a great deal faster!

Cost: After the cost of proper training using dogs to detect the virus is an efficient and relatively inexpensive method that can be used to screen out those that need further testing

Invasiveness Currently, detection is accomplished through throat and nose swabs which can take hours to days for results and can possibly cause nosebleeds, irritation, and pain. But since all a dog has to do is sniff you or an item of your clothing it is extremely non-invasive and painless.

Global Impact: COVID sniffer dogs would be of great value in underdeveloped countries where they may not have the resources necessary to check a large number of their population for the virus. Detection dogs could be used to weed out those that need further testing, especially if test supplies are limited, this could be a much needed positive impact on screening in these countries

How are dogs trained?

It takes quite a bit of time to train a dog to sniff out diseases and viruses, about 8-10 weeks to be exact. The dogs are initially trained to detect a target scent and are rewarded once they have succeeded. After mastering this step, they are then trained to sniff out the virus on positive or negative humans or their clothing.

What breed of dog is best?

Dogs that make great COVID detection dogs have a great sense of smell, good temperament, and patience for being in large crowds of people

• Bloodhounds
• German Shepherd
• Golden retriever
• Spainels

Are there any downsides to using dogs?

Cost: it can be extremely expensive to train bio-detection dogs (although they are still cheaper than conventional testing methods)

Complimentary: While not really a down-side, but just something to keep in mind that the dogs are complementary to any other testing methods and should not be used as the sole source of negative or positive results

Overworking: One thing to keep in mind is that the dog’s care should always come first, while they are working dogs, they are still living creatures that deserve love and happiness. The dilemma of overworking should be heavily monitored and while most working dogs are well taken care of there should be a standard of care across the board to ensure the health and well-being of all the dogs used.

Infection: Ensuring that the dogs are also well-protected from the virus is essential as it has been proven that dogs can get COVID-19. If you want to read about dogs getting the virus, read our article here.

References

• Cambridge University Press
• Degruyter
• Frontiersin.com
• Researchgate.net
• National Geographic
• Nature
• PLOS ONE

Can dogs and cats get Covid-19?

Why are cats more susceptible to Covid-19 than dogs?

How do I keep my pets safe from Covid-19?

How is Covid 19 tested in dogs and cats?

What are the symptoms of Covid19 in cats and dogs?

If I think my dog or cat has Covid 19 what should I do?

How do I treat a dog or cat with Covid 19?

Should I separate myself from my pet if I test positive for Covid 19?

If my dog or cat tests positive for Covid-19 should I separate him from my other pets?

Should I put a mask on my dog when walking outside?

Is there a vaccine for dogs and cats?

Can Covid-19 attach to my dog’s fur and come in the house?

How long is quarantine for pets?

What is Canine Coronavirus?

What animals can get infected with Covid-19?

Can dogs detect Covid-19?

Can dogs and cats get COVID-19?

Yes, dogs and cats can get COVID-19. There have been a small number of pets worldwide that have tested positive for the virus.

A study done by the Univesity of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College tested 48 cats and 54 dogs from 77 different households that had positive human COVID-19 cases. The study showed a higher percentage of cats (almost 70%) than dogs (40%) tested positive for antibodies. The researchers compared this to tests done on shelter animals where only 10% of dogs and cats tested positive. When tested on stray cats the number of positive cases shrank to 3% indicating close contact of pets with positive owners as a major variable in their contraction of the virus.

Over two hundred pets have been tested in the U.S and there is a common occurrence of cats testing positive at a higher rate than dogs, 40% vs 39%.

Per the USDA, dogs and cats account for nearly 80% of all animal infections in the U.S as of July 2021 (182/217 cases). However, these numbers do exclude mink as there have been several mink farms that have had outbreaks during the pandemic.

Why are cats more susceptible to COVID-19 than dogs?

While studies are currently being done, it is most likely that cats are not more susceptible but spend more time in close contact with positive owners. Sharing beds seems to be one major cause of the elevated positivity in cats. Cats that rarely interacted with humans had a decreased chance of contracting the virus.

How do I keep my pets safe from COVID-19?

• To keep your pet safe from the virus make sure to:
• Keep your pet away from other animals as much as possible when out
• Refrain from going to high populated areas with your pets
• Regularly wash their dishes and bedding
• Wipe dogs paws with a gentle cleansing wipe meant for dogs after coming inside
• Keep your pet away from infected people and anmals
• Keep cats inside as much as possible

How is COVID 19 tested in dogs and cats?

Idexx laboratories made a PCR test for COVID available to veterinarians in 2020. However, most veterinarians don’t recommend general or regular testing for pets at this time. Tests are usually only administered if the dog or cat is exhibiting symptoms or suspected of having the virus.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19 in cats and dogs?

In many cases dogs or cats present with no clinical signs or transient symptoms.

If they do get sick they usually only have mild illness and recover fully. The majority of pets are cared for at home and hospitalization or serious illness in dogs and cats appears to be extremely rare.

Some symptoms of the virus in cats and dogs are:

• shortness of breath
• sneezing
• ocular (eye) discharge
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• fever
• coughing
• runny nose

If I think my dog or cat has COVID-19 what should I do?

If you believe your cat or dog has Covid-19 call your veterinarian and they will direct you further. If you are sick with COVID-19 do not take your pet yourself as you risk spreading it to other people. Some vets will ask that you come into the clinic (as long as the person bringing them in is healthy) or they may prefer to do a telemedicine consultation.

How do I treat a dog or cat with COVID-19?

1. The CDC recommeds caring for pets the same as you would care for an infected person at home and have your pet stay in a designated ‘sick room’
2. Those that are fully vaccinated or not at high risk of severe illness from the virus should care for the pet
3. Make sure your pet is eating regularly, they may need a bland diet (click here to read about bland diets)
4. Have items like pedialyte or electolyte replacers on hand in case your dog has severe vomting or diarrhea
5. Wear all PPE, gloves and mask, when treating your pet and handling their dishes, bedding, toys, and feces
6. Do not put a mask on your pet, as this can be dangerous
7. Keep a record of your pets symptoms so you can know if they are getting worse
8. If you are treating at home and notice shortness of breath, contact your vet immediately
9. Follow all the care instructions that your veterinarian gives you
10. Complete all medication as prescribed, even if your pet starts to act and feel normal
11. Wash your hands regularly and disinfect common areas and areas used by your pet  Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home
12. For multiple cat homes use separate litterboxes for sick and healthy cats
13. Keep your pet at home as much as possible, this means no trips to places like the dog park, groomer, or doggy daycare.
14. Do not allow your pet to interact with any people or other pets outside the home

Should I separate myself from my pet if I test positive for COVID-19 or vice versa?

If you test positive for COVID-19 you should quarantine and avoid all close contact with your pets, this includes sleeping with your pet and allowing them to lick you.

If you are the sole caretaker for your pets, make sure to put a plan in place prior to contracting the virus. This may include asking a friend or family member to stop by and care for your pets and having self-feeders. If you are unable to have someone else take care of your pet make sure to wear a mask when interacting with them.

Scientists have stated that while COVID-19 can be transmitted from humans to their pets it is far less likely that it spreads from pets to humans easily

If my dog or cat test positive for COVID-19 should I separate him from my other pets?

Yes, you should separate your pet from other pets in your home as they can give. itto them

Should I put a mask on my dog when walking outside?

Do not put masks on pets as masks can be harmful to your pet

Is there a vaccine for dogs and cats?

Scientists are testing an experimental COVID-19 vaccine from Zoetis on zoo animals. While the vaccine may eventually translate to cats and dogs it is not currently regularly administered at veterinary clinics.

Can COVID-19 attach to my dogs fur and come in the house?

The CDC states that there is no evidence that the virus can attach to fur and spread to humans. They advise against using things like hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes on pets and to use shampoos specifically for pets.

How long is quarantine for pets?

If you are treating a dog or cat at home, it’s important to follow your veterinarian’s advice as to the length of time your pet should be quarantined, but the general rule of thumb is that pets can come out of their ‘sick rooms’ if they have not shown symptoms for at least 72 hours without medical management and it has been at least 14 hours since the last positive test

What is Canine Coronavirus?

Canine coronavirus diseases (CCoV and CRCoV) are not the same as COVID-19. CCoV does not affect people and is an intestinal infection usually contracted by young puppies, which is why some veterinarians still vaccinate for it today. The vaccines that puppies get for CCoV will not cross-protect for COVID-19.

Puppies usually get canine coronavirus by eating infected fecal matter but they can also get it from contaminated food bowls or by direct contact with an infected dog.

Which animals get infected with COVID-19?

Several studies are being done to learn which animals can be infected with COVID-19 and how it affects them, so far the virus has been noted in:

• Cats
• Dogs
• Bank Voles
• Ferrets
• Fruit Bats
• Hamsters
• Racoon
• Mink
• Pigs
• Rabbits
• Non-human primates (Rhesus macaques, cynomolgus macaques, baboons, grivets, and marmosets)
• Tree Shrew
• White-Tailed Deer
• Mice (were not susceptible to the original strain, but maybe to mutated strains)

It has been shown that many of these animals can spread the infection to other animals of the same species.

Chicks and ducks seem to not become infected

Can dogs detect COVID-19?

Research groups around the world are currently testing dog’s abilities to sniff out COVID-19 in humans. So far the research has met with much success. If you would like to read more about how dogs may be able to detect COVID-19 read our article here.

References
CDC.Gov
DVM360.com
NBC News.com
NBC Bayarea.com
Scientific America

Unfortunately, having a dog means dealing with diarrhea at some point in their lives! Here are some pretty common reasons why your dog gets diarrhea.

1. Eating something they should not have

If you have a puppy that likes to put everything in their mouths or get in the garbage there’s a really good chance that they will end up with diarrhea and/or vomiting at some point in their lives. This type of diarrhea is easily prevented if you can keep the floor clear of debris and crumbs, make sure the garbage is out of reach from your dog, and let visitors know that they are not to give your dog table scraps.

2. Change of food

Sometimes a change of food is the culprit of diarrhea in your dog. This could be changing from dry to wet food or switching brands altogether. We usually buy our dogs food in bulk, which means they are eating the same thing for weeks and many times months at a time. If you all of a sudden deviate from this food and introduce a new food, their stomachs may have something to say about it in the form of diarrhea. While it is fine to change your dog’s food every now and then to introduce variety, refrain from doing so too often and too quickly. Try the 25% method, which is adding 25% of the new food to your dog’s diet daily until they are eating it 100%.

3. Infections and Parasites

Infections and parasites like roundworms, giardia, or parvovirus can often times cause bloody diarrhea in puppies. This is one big reason to make sure you are taking your dog to the veterinarian regularly especially as a pup since they will get their first series of vaccines and dewormer.

Refrain from letting your dog drink from puddles outside as this is often where they pick up parasites like giardia and leptospirosis.

4. Gastrointestinal Disorders

Illnesses like Irritable bowel syndrome and IBD (which are two different diseases) can often times cause diarrhea in dogs. If you want to read more about the differences between the two, read our article ‘What’s the Big Difference Between IBS & IBD’ here.

5. Nervousness or Stress

Yes, just like in some humans, nervousness and stress can cause diarrhea in dogs! While it is usually intermittent and acute, you may notice some blood as well, but they are usually fine after the cause of stress is relieved.

If your dog has diarrhea, especially bloody diarrhea, it will never hurt to give your veterinarian a call so they can tell you if you should go in for treatment.

Never let your dog go with prolonged diarrhea without treatment and if you want to know of some foods that may help soothe a dog’s stomach that has diarrhea read our article here, ‘What Should I Feed My Dog With Diarrhea?’

As dog’s age, they have different needs than younger pups and it’s important that pet owners are aware of the possible dietary needs that come along with aging and how to treat them. It isn’t uncommon for your pup to experience some digestive issues as they grow older, even if it’s just a passing issue. These are some things you may have to change when feeding them.

1. Less Food (or low-fat)

Many times we notice weight gain with age in our pets and much of this is due to a decrease in your pup’s activity level. Ever notice that many older dogs just lay around the house all day, whereas pups are always bounding through the house and getting into something they should not be?

All of that laying around can cause excess weight if you are feeding the same type of foods that you fed when your dog was younger and a lot more active. Changing your dog to a senior diet or low-fat diet is often helpful in these instances. Also, stopping any table food (I know it’s hard) will help your dog remain at a healthy weight.

2. Vitamins

Sometimes as dog’s age, their digestion processes may decrease and some of the foods they had when younger may not agree with them. Keep an eye on your dog for excessive gas or stomach pain and if you notice either of these see your vet to discuss diet. In addition, your dog may need vitamins to help replace any nutrient loss due to improper digestion or leaky gut.

3. Probiotics

Just like with improper nutrient absorption, your pup may have some issues like leaky gut that calls for probiotics to be added to their diet which will help increase the beneficial bacteria in their guts. If you want to know four that we love, read this article.

4. Fiber

Oftentimes senior dogs will suffer from gastrointestinal ills like constipation, flatulence, or diarrhea. You can choose to supplement fiber via over-the-counter products or naturally with foods such as pumpkin. Speak with your vet about the best way to supplement fiber in your dog’s diet.

5. Food specific for health problems

While diseases like kidney and liver disease aren’t solely noted in senior dogs, there is oftentimes an increased chance of them suffering from some type of ailment. In this case, it is extremely important that you speak with your vet about what foods should or should not be fed to keep your pup healthy. For example with kidney disease, you should cut back on the amount of protein fed, but many times your vet will start your dog on a prescription diet.

6. Soft foods

If you’ve noticed that your furry friend has lost a lot of teeth it may be time to start feeding more wet food or soaking their dry food in water or broth to make it easier for them to eat. If you want a good recipe for bone broth click here.

7. Feed for cognition

Many times as dog’s age they may decline cognitively and this is why it is important to start feeding their brains. Functional foods like coconut oils and Vitamin E oils should be added to their foods to improve their brains and stave off canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. To read more about these specific foods read our article here to learn about the specific foods and supplements that may help your dog remain active and healthy as they age.

Many times senior diets will take care of your aging dogs requirements, but if you’re anything like me, you enjoy cooking for your dog as a supplement. This is why it’s good to sit down with your vet and come up with a complete meal plan that works for you and your fur baby.

The fourth of July is the ultimate summer celebration for many. It is full of barbecues, pool parties, drinks, and fireworks. But the holiday may be down right nerve wrecking for your fur babies!

In fact more dogs go missing during this weekend than at any other time of the year. Why is this you ask?

There are usually two very good reasons dogs go missing on the 4th:

1. Parties

During many summer holiday celebrations, people are coming in and out of the house, which means your dog or cat may get lost somewhere in the shuffle and find their way outside.

2 Fireworks

sometimes dogs that are outside can be startled by fireworks and in an attempt to run away from the noise or hide from it find themselves far from home.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when celebrating the 4th of July

Keep your pets in a separate room

This way there is no chance of them accidentally getting outside and if they get apprehensive during gatherings they may want to be in a nice, quiet room anyway. Make sure they have a lot to play with and chew on while in the room. You can also keep all the windows closed and curtains drawn that will help muffle the sounds of fireworks. Also leaving the radio or television on may help distract them from any outside noises as well.

Get them microchipped

This is jut in case your pet does manage to make it outside. If they are picked up by the local authorities they can scan them and alert you to their whereabouts

Put their collars on

Even when they are in the house keep their collars on until the party stops, this way they have their pet id on at all times in case they get outside

Alert guest

Your guest may not know that you have a dog or cat so make sure they know to keep the door closed. Also, let them know to refrain from feeding them as well.

Keep the garbage out of reach

If possible keep the garbage in another room in a tightly closed bin so there is no chance your pet will be tempted to dig in

Try external methods

If your dog is apprehensive about loud noises like poppers and fireworks try something that will help soothe them like a thunder shirt, CBD for animals, or a mild sedative prescribed by your veterinarian.

Have a happy July 4th!

Check out our patriotic pup coolers that you can make for your own dog!

If you are a dog lover like myself then you understand the thrill of receiving a unique item for your fur baby. When shopping for my dogs I get so tired of seeing the same things over and over, variety is the spice of life right? So I decided to put together this list of over 20 unique items that all pet lovers will love

These gifts are sure to be a hit for doggie birthday’s, Christmas or just as a thinking of you present. One idea is to put together some of the cheaper options to create a great gift basket for your loved one!

1. Unique dog tags

Any pet owner would appreciate dog tags and these are too unique to pass up

2. Anything Personalized

I love anything personalized for my pet’s as most pet owners do. If you have a friend or loved one that loves their dog then they will certainly be head over heels for any of these items!

3. Owner/Pet Bestfriend Necklace

A bond between an owner and pet is special, this necklace serves as a dog tag and necklace for that special relationship.

4. Pet Treat Baker

As someone that likes to make my own dog treats sometimes, I understand the need to not only know what goes in my dogs mouth but also where the ingredients come from. This baker will be a real treat for any pet owner

5. Cuddle Clones Houseshoes

These houseshoes are not only functional but adorable! They are created to look just like the owner’s dog, who wouldn’t love a pair of these?

6. Customized Clothing

Who doesn’t like unique clothing for their pups? It’s so hard to find clothing that isn’t cookie cutter your loved one will be thrilled to get these

7. Pet Selfie Stick

Have a friend that loves taking pics with their dog or cat? The pet selife stick is the optimal gift for them.

8. Customized Puzzles

This puzzle can be created based on your friends pet

9. Customized Dog Portrait

If the person you are purchasing a gift for is an art fanatic they will be ecstatic at the thought of a customized pet portrait

10. GPS Tracker

Every pet owner knows that dreaded feeling of their dog taking off or being snatched, or at least have a fear of it. Why not put your friend or loved one’s mind at ease with a GPS tracker.

11. Personalized Pet Loss Gift

If you know someone that has lost their beloved pet this plaque will be a great way to remember them

12. Pet Pouch Hoodie

If your friend or loved one’s pet is basically attached to their hip, why not make it easy for them to be connected. This sweatshirt with a pouch will be a fun way to tote their best friend around.

13. Custom Kicks

These shoes are awesome and can be customized to showcase your friends own cat or dog

14. Hands-Free Leash or Bike Leash

If the person you’re buying a gift for is pretty active why not get them a hands-free leash so they can run and jog freely or a bike leash, so they don’t have to leave their dog home when they hit the trails.

15. Pet Camera and speaker and treat thrower

While this isn’t the only pet camera/video console for owners it is one of the few that integrates video, treats, and games together.

The PetChatzvideo allows you to stay connected with your pet while you’re out and about, there is a camera and video so you can see your pet and they can see you. In addition, it features games using the PawCall Dog Camera Accessory which releases treats while engaging your pet and exercising their mind using custom light and touch puzzles.

16. Unique Dog Carriers

Ask any pet owner and they will tell you that cute and unique pet carriers are hard to come by!

This Volkswagon carrier is stylish and functional, which means your loved one will love it!

17. Personalized Dog Book

If your loved one has children that enjoy a good bed time story surprise them with this personalized book. The book incorporates the owners pet into the story line.

18. Door Mat

These door mats are adorable and any pet owner would love them. They can be personalized and will leave visitors with smiles on their faces

19. A Treat Gift Basket

There are several to choose from but I would opt for organic and limited ingredient treats

20. Cute Treat Jars

There are several to choose from, but these are adorable!

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? Here are a couple of tips for seeking out unique gifts for pet lovers!

• Shop on Etsy, because many of the sellers customize you can get a one of a kind personalized gift
• Stay off of the major websites like Amazon or any big box stores
• Always include the word unique or different in any of your searches
• Search Pinterest for ideas

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