Total Dog Magazine

Search results for: “What Dog Food To Avoid”

  • How to Make This Christmas One Your Dog Will Love

    We all want to do what’s best for our dogs and Christmas time is no exception. Here are three tips to help make this Christmas extra special for your dog.

    1. Be Hazard Aware: Avoid These Festive Dangers

    Did you know that mistletoe is poisonous to dogs? Holly too?

    Many of the festive plants and flowers we bring into our homes at this time of year can pose dangers to our pets. Some mild, some more dangerous, but all avoidable if you and friends or family visiting your home know which to keep out of your pet’s reach.

    Here’s a full list of the plants to avoid this year. Read more about winter hazards for dogs here.

    2. Create Fun Moments: Gift Memories

    One of the biggest pleasures of gift giving comes from finding something we know a loved one will enjoy and perhaps wouldn’t buy for themselves, and this begins from the moment we buy (or make) to the moment we see them open their gift.

    When it comes to our dogs, most dog owners acknowledge that the biggest gift we share is time spent together. We’re building memories to last a lifetime, that’s why we try to give them the best home possible and for this using the Paws Plus One Quality Dog Products  could be a great choice, since these are the best accessories, beds and toys; so our pets can be really happy at their homes.

    K9 Magazine recommends using the same logic when selecting a gift for our dogs because let’s be honest, it’s fun seeing our dogs open their gifts, isn’t it?

    Whether you choose a practical or fun present for your dog, what we’re really building are memories. Memories of our dogs having fun, opening their presents – and possibly others if they get carried away.

    Get advice on how to choose the right gift for your dog today. Read the rest of K9 Magazine’s Christmas gift ideas for dogs here.

    Article continues below >> 

    ‘Tremendous fun throughout the year’

    Last minute Christmas shopping tip: The Furbo will be on sale from the 12th till 23rd of December for only £129. It’s the perfect gift for your furry loved one.



    Stay connected and make sure your dog is safe when you’re away from home with the Furbo Dog Camera. Capture videos, take photos and dispense treats too all!

    Buy It Now

    3. Create a Special Christmas Menu for Your Dog

    The Christmas meal. Many lists go into making sure we have everything we need for it, but it’s an important part of Christmas, isn’t it?

    Everyone gathers together to celebrate, ready to enjoy a special meal together before the board game battles commence.

    While dogs can’t really enjoy what we eat, why not make them their own special meal that avoids typical Christmas lunch ingredients like stuffing, onions and gravy, and other foods. 

    K9 Magazine has put together a simple menu for dogs this year, sharing a recipe for an alternative Christmas lunch and even some doggy mince pies!

    Get the Christmas dinner recipes for dogs here.

    The article is sponsored by Furbo.



    Find out more about how a Furbo could make your dog’s Christmas here.

  • 3 Ways to Make This Christmas Your Dog’s Best One Yet

    3 Ways to Make This Christmas Your Dog’s Best One Yet

    Christmas is all about making memories and spending times with loved ones. It’s all too easy to get bogged down in the to-do lists in the build-up to the big day, so we’ve put together a very simple to-do list below, which will help you and your dog enjoy the best Christmas possible together.

    1. Christmas Presents: What’s on your dog’s letter to Santa?

    We all love to see our friends and family open a gift and know we’ve chosen well, don’t we?

    When it comes to our pets, most dog owners choose something they know their dog needs or they splash out on something fun.

    K9 Magazine has put together a list to help you decide what your dog needs and might enjoy most this Christmas. Read more here.

    ‘Tremendous fun throughout the year’

    Last minute Christmas shopping tip: The Furbo will be on sale from the 12th till 23rd of December for only £129. It’s the perfect gift for your furry loved one.

    Stay connected and make sure your dog is safe when you’re away from home with the Furbo Dog Camera. Capture videos, take photos and dispense treats too all!

    Buy It Now

    2. Christmas Hazards: Make sure you know which plants pose the biggest dangers

    It’s common to take a plant or bunch of flowers to friends and family when we visit their homes over the festive period, but a lot of the most popular plants and flowers we give and receive at this time of year can be hazardous to pets.

    K9 Magazine has put together a list of the most common festive dangers to dogs to help you avoid the most common hazards. Read more here.

    3. Christmas Menu for Dogs: Your dog will love these festive treats

    While festive foods such as vast quantities of turkey, cooked bones, grapes, raisins and onions should be avoided, with the right ingredients, dogs too can enjoy a Christmas lunch.

    This Christmas menu for dogs, shared by K9 Magazine, includes some homemade doggy mince pies and a special Christmas lunch to help your dog join in the festivities throughout the day.

    K9 Magazine’s Christmas dinner menu for dogs, including a recipe for homemade mince pies for dogs has been approved by their three food loving review dogs, Chris, Danny and Mia. Read more here. 

    This article is sponsored by Furbo.

    Find out more about how a Furbo could make your dog’s Christmas here

  • Someone is Poisoning Dogs: Beware if Your Dog Shows Any of These Symptoms

    Someone is Poisoning Dogs: Beware if Your Dog Shows Any of These Symptoms

    Cases of deliberate dog poisoning are thankfully rare. But leaving out meat that has been deliberately poisoned is causing one charity to issue this stark warning to dog owners to be on the look out. Most dog owners are now aware of the human foods that are dangerous to dogs, but avoiding food that has been deliberately tainted is much trickier.

    The RSPCA is urging dog owners to be vigilant after a suspected dog poisoning in the Netherley area of Liverpool.

    On July 13, the animal welfare charity was alerted to reports of a dog who had eaten some meat the owner later believed was laced with poison.

    Dog meat poisoning in Liverpool

    The pet was very poorly and vomited up an orange substance but thankfully has pulled through from the ordeal.

    RSPCA Inspector Helen Smith, who is investigating, said: “At this stage, we do not know if the dog was poisoned, or if this was deliberate or accidental but we are now investigating, and would urge anyone with information to call our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018. With this in mind, I would also urge owners in the area to be extra vigilant.

    “Pet owners should be very careful and keep a close eye on what their pet may be eating or is able to get access to. We’d also ask people to be careful when using substances to ensure that animals are not affected – slug pellets and antifreeze for example – and that substances are securely stored and properly disposed of, rather than dumping them on a roadside or in a park.”

    A typical household has a variety of substances and foods which are capable of causing serious harm to our pets. Some of the most common poisons include: alcohol, antifreeze, aspirin, carbon monoxide, chocolate, drugs and medicines, fertilisers, grapes and raisins/sultanas, insecticides, lead (mainly from paints or old car batteries), metaldehyde (slug bait), mushrooms and toadstools, onions, other plants (such as lilies), rat and other vermin poisons, weed killers and xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum and baking).

    Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs

    depression

    lack of appetite

    vomiting and diarrhea

    breathing difficulties and bad breath

    twitching

    seizures.

    Different substances can affect animals in different ways. Some symptoms can take days to appear.

    Deliberately poisoning an animal could mean a six-month prison sentence and/or an unlimited fine, if prosecuted of an offence under the Animal Welfare Act.

    Dog owners worried about poisoning should also be aware of foods that are toxic to dogs.

  • False Rabies Rumours in Thailand Result in 1400 Dog Deaths

    False Rabies Rumours in Thailand Result in 1400 Dog Deaths

    At least 1,400 dogs have died as a result of an ongoing rabies outbreak scare in Thailand – a scare that by all verifiable accounts is not real, according to Thailand based charity, Soi Dog Foundation.

    The animal welfare charity tells us that a couple of weeks ago three thousand dogs were rounded up in Nakhon Phanom province, which borders the Mekong River, and dumped in a government pound. In the crowded conditions, diseases, particularly deadly parvo and distemper, spread like wildfire.

    In such close quarters, fights between dogs and death by starvation of small or sickly dogs, unable to compete for food, added to the toll.

    However for the 1,500 dogs who remain, there is now some hope because an Emergency Reaction Team from the Soi Dog Foundation were given permission to go into the pound to treat the dogs inside.

    The sight that greeted them was grim.

    One member of the emergency medical team described it. “I would like to stay positive, but I can’t,’ he said.

    “The pound is overcrowded and dog fights break out all the time. When it is feeding time, the weaker dogs don’t have the strength to eat. So the stronger dogs take all the food and the weaker ones don’t survive.

    “The dogs are scared, depressed, and traumatised by their experience. It’s hard to stay positive about this place. It’s simply heartbreaking.”

    Upon arrival, the team first sorted the dogs.

    The small dogs, the puppies, and the weak were separated from the large dogs, and as none of the animals are yet sterilised, the males were separated from the females.

    They also did the same with cats that had been rounded up by the local office of the Thai government’s Livestock Department.

    They then vaccinated every animal in the pound – injecting 60 an hour and daubing them afterwards with green dye so that no animal would be vaccinated twice by mistake.

    The animals may survive but they now face spending the rest of their lives in captivity. This is because officials kept no record of where each dog came from, so they cannot be returned to their home territory.

    In any case, those territories have already most likely been taken over by stronger, fitter or more wily dogs who managed to avoid the government dragnet.

    The deaths in the pound are not the only ones to result from official knee-jerk reactions to a public panic over a “rabies outbreak” in Thailand that started in the new year. The panic has resulted in public calls for all eight million street dogs in Thailand to be killed, a “solution” dubbed “Set Zero”.

    In March, 20 dogs in a Buddhist temple in the upper south of the country, including a family of puppies, were poisoned by government officials, causing outrage among animal lovers.

    Poisoning – in Thailand usually using strychnine – results in a horribly painful death for the animals, that spend hours shuddering and spasming in agony, drowning in their own fluids, before death finally comes.

    The officials later claimed that tests had shown that 16 of the 20 poisoned animals had rabies, but the test results were never released, leading to widespread suspicion that they were made up.

    A number of activist groups have come together to bring criminal charges against the officials concerned, under Thailand’s Animal Cruelty Law.

    The Thai Livestock Department has come under fire for not reassuring people that there is, in fact, no rabies outbreak at all, and for its inept and understaffed handling of captured dogs.

    In March, fuel was added to the flames when the department also came under scrutiny over alleged irregularities in its procurement of poor quality canine rabies vaccine.

    An internal investigation came to the conclusion there had been no irregularity, and that inferior-quality vaccine had not been the cause of a spike in rabies deaths at the beginning of the year.

    However, the reports of poor quality vaccine had already spread, resulting in the calls for “Set Zero”. The department has denied having any plans to kill all stray dogs in Thailand.

    Thailand has in fact been effective in reducing human deaths from rabies from hundreds a year in the 1990s to single figures in recent years.

    In 2018, to date, there have been just seven human rabies deaths.

    The Nakhon Phanom emergency is not the first time that Soi Dog has stepped in to save animals, particularly dogs, after the government has proved unable or unwilling to do so.

    In 2010 it sprang into action to successfully contain an outbreak of parvo disease through a massive vaccination programme. In 2011, it rescued thousands of dogs from devastating flooding in Bangkok and in 2016/17 it did the same during floods in the south of Thailand.

    Soi Dog – founded in 2003 by husband and wife John and Gill Dalley from Leeds in the United Kingdom – also played the leading role in stopping the horrific trade in dogs from Thailand to the dog meat restaurants of Vietnam.

    It has launched an appeal for funds to help tackle the fallout from the rabies panic, such as the horror in Nakon Phanom. People may donate through the Soi Dog website at www.soidog.org

  • Is Human Sunscreen Safe For Dogs?

    If you’ve seen the warnings about the need to protect dogs from the dangers posed by the sun, you may have asked yourself whether human sunscreen is safe to use on dogs.

    Well, the answer is yes. But you need to select the type carefully.

    It’s possible to buy pet safe sunscreen, but if that’s not available to you & your dog is at risk of sun-burn, choose baby sunscreen.

    Do not apply products containing zinc oxide is as that is toxic to dogs.

    Sunscreen & Dogs – You Need To Be Aware of Another Danger

    Summer can be a wonderful for the nation’s pets to enjoy long walks, playtime in the park and lazing in the garden but many owners are not aware of the hazards to animals, particularly in very hot weather. If pets are exposed to too much sun, it can cause heatstroke and can cause a pet’s skin, particularly delicate areas such as the nose or ears, to become sunburnt. Long-term sun exposure can prove fatal, as like people, pets can also develop malignant skin cancer so sunscreen for dogs is a valuable precaution to take.

    Pets can also develop a skin disease called solar dermatitis, caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It can affect dogs on their nose, trunk or limbs and in cats solar dermatitis normally affects those with white fur or damaged skin that is not protected by enough hair.

    To prevent your cats and dogs getting sunburnt, you need to reduce their exposure to the sun, especially between the hours of 8.00am and 5.00pm. Also ask your vet to recommend a suitable sun block, as they will also be able to identify the areas of your pet’s skin that are most likely to burn or be damaged.

    To help keep your pets healthy and happy during the summer particularly in very hot weather, PDSA has put together some useful tips for owners.

    5 Tips For Protecting Your Dog From Sun Related Dangers

    1. Never leave pets in cars, not even for just a few minutes with windows open as temperatures can soar dangerously high, causing potentially fatal heat-stroke.

    2. Don’t let pets sit out in strong sun, or leave hutches and bird cages in direct sunlight.

    3. Use a suitable pet-safe sunscreen as advised by your vet.

    4. Long-haired pets may need their fur trimming to prevent them from over-heating.

    5. Walk your dog before 8am and after 5pm and only when outside temperatures have cooled as hot road surfaces, pavements and sand can burn a pet’s feet.

    6. Make sure pets have access to plenty of clean, fresh water at all times that is changed regularly throughout the day.

    7. Make sure you regularly treat your pets and home for fleas as they are a particular problem during the summer, particularly in hot weather.

    8. Leftover pet food can quickly go off in hot weather so discard any scraps as soon as possible to avoid flies.

  • Don’t Poison Your Dog at Christmas – Warning

    Don’t Poison Your Dog at Christmas – Warning

    The RSPCA is urging pet-owners to be prepared for any emergencies which arise over Christmas – and to ensure that the festive time is as non-stressful as possible for our fluffy friends.

    From toxic foods, the dangers of decorations and keeping your pet calm among the Christmas chaos, here are some of the RSPCA’s top tips for a ‘pet-safe’ Christmas…

    Prevent your pets from being poisoned

    Most pet owners know that chocolate and onions can never be given to dogs and if your dog does accidently eat these foods you should ring your vet straight away for advice.

    However, less well-known is that raisins, currants and sultanas – commonly added to festive bakes – are also extremely dangerous to dogs.

    [Don't give your dog alcohol – party hats are probably fine though]

    West Highland terrier Harry, pictured above, spent a worrying few days recovering at a vets over Christmas last year after pinching a bag of raisins from his owner’s handbag.

    His owner, Rachel Butler-Mallett, from Derby, said: “Fortunately I realised what had happened and called an emergency out-of-hours vets straightaway. Blood tests showed that Harry’s kidneys had started to fail as a result of eating the raisins.

    “He was put on a drip for more than 20 hours – we were extremely worried about him and whether he would be left with permanent kidney damage. Thankfully he was OK.

    “We were left with a large bill at the end of it but we were just so grateful he recovered.

    “Hopefully other people will read this and will know what to do if they are ever in the same situation.”

    Other foods to keep away from your pet include leeks, garlic, macadamia nuts, cooked bones (e.g. chicken bones), alcohol and any leftover food which has gone mouldy.

    If you believe your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your vet immediately.

    Perilous presents

    “It’s not just food which is a hazard to our pets – some household items can be dangerous too,” said Alice Potter, from the RSPCA’s Companion Animals team. “Popular festive plants including poinsettias, holly, ivy, mistletoe can be mildly toxic, so avoid these if you have pets.

    Lilies are extremely toxic to cats – never have these in the home if you have cats. Tinsel and wrapping paper might be tempting for your pet to play with – but make sure they don’t eat it!

    “Silica gel, which is often put in packaging, can cause your pet stomach upset if ingested, as can pot pourri.”

    Avoid overindulging your pet

    “It’s normal for us to overindulge over the Christmas period – but don’t pass on this habit to your pets, no matter how tempting it may be to shower them with tasty treats!” said Alice.

    “Extra weight gain can lead to health problems, so to keep your pet healthy and happy, keep treats to a minimum.”

    Don’t forget to stock up

    There is always so much going on at Christmas that it can be hard to remember everything! But planning ahead can avoid any potential panic. Alice said: “Make sure you have the number of an emergency vet to hand, just in case. If your pet is on medication, stock up before the holidays so you don’t get caught short.”

    Keeping your pet calm among the chaos

    Christmas is a chaotic time and this could cause our pets to feel stressed.

    “You can help your pet cope with the chaos by keeping to their normal routine as much as possible,” said Alice. “It will also help your pet if you provide them with somewhere cosy and quiet where they can retreat to if the excitement gets too much.

    “You might have lots of guests coming and going, so make sure doors aren’t left open because there would be a chance that your pet could get out when you aren’t watching."

  • Christmas Might Not Be as Fun for Your Dog as You Think, Here’s Why

    Christmas Might Not Be as Fun for Your Dog as You Think, Here’s Why

    Christmas is a time of year we all look forward to, some of us revert to childhood memories to drive our enthusiasm, others look forward to the time off and turkey. But as much as we include our pets in our plans for the day, the disruption to their normal routine can be uncomfortable to some dogs.

    Here are 6 ways to help your dog cope with the changes this Christmas, according to Siobhan Griffin at Lintbells.

    Make visiting new places less stressful for your dog

    The most important lesson here is how to make travelling enjoyable so your dog stays calm.

    Siobhan says, “If you’re escaping the madness and treating yourself to a Christmas getaway, or perhaps you are driving home for the festive season and taking your pooch with you, it’s important to bear in mind a few tips and tricks to make sure they are calm and happy.

    “If you are travelling in a car make sure your canine companion is safe and secure by using a harness, fixed crate or a partition in the back. You will also need to monitor the temperature, don’t let the car get too hot or too cold, and never leave them in the car alone. To ensure a stress free journey allow your dog to become familiar with the car beforehand, let them have a sniff around and even put a blanket in there with a familiar scent if needed.”

    Try to make life at home as stress free as possible

    With guests flowing in and out of the home, it can make home life stressful for dogs – not to mention potentially dangerous if they sneak past and can run outside (many dogs have gone missing this way).

    Siobhan says, “Christmas can be a busy time in many households and this can be overwhelming for some dogs, from excited children running around, friends and families visiting to carol singers knocking at the door. If your dog does experience anxiety in situations like this try to keep them as calm and relaxed as possible by creating a cosy area for them away from the fuss with some of their favourite toys and blankets. You could also give them something tasty to chew on that will keep them occupied when you have guests over.”

    Hide a present for your dog and make it a game to find and open!

    Planning what we give our loved ones is a lot of fun, and on Christmas morning the atmosphere can be positively electric. Make sure your dog has just as much fun finding and opening their gift as you did choosing and wrapping it for them.

    Siobhan says, “It isn’t Christmas without presents under the tree, so don’t forget to hide something exciting for your dog to find on Christmas morning, they are a member of the family after all. Treat them to a new toy, their favourite healthy treat or even something that will benefit you which they will enjoy, such as a brain training game to keep them occupied when they are home alone.”

    Give them a dog-friendly Christmas lunch

    That means no turkey, chocolate, mince pies or Xmas pudding pudding, dried fruit or gravy with onions.

    Siobhan says, “We all know one of the best parts of the festive season is the delicious foods; however what you enjoy indulging in may not be the same for your pooch. It can sometimes be hard to resist your furry friend when they are staring up at you at the dinner table, but you should always think before feeding them any leftover turkey or mince pies.

    “The key foods your furry friends should avoid this Christmas are anything with onions or garlic in including stuffing and gravy, dried fruits which can be found in mince pies and Christmas pudding, along with alcohol, cheese and of course chocolate. Try to stick to lean meats, vegetable scraps (without onions) and boiled potatoes.”

    Get out into the fresh air on Boxing Day

    After a big meal the day before, you might not need any convincing that this is a good idea but getting out and about into the fresh air will make you and your dog feel great – plus you can show off your new Christmas jumpers, coats and boots.

    Siobhan says, “Feeling a bit sluggish after all that Christmas indulgence? Then why not get up off the sofa and go for a Boxing Day walk with your canine companion. Not only can you get outside and enjoy so some fresh winter air and burn off some of those mince pies, but this will also keep you dog active and their joints fit and healthy.”

    Prepare early for fireworks on New Year’s Eve, especially if your dog has noise phobias

    If you have a dog with a noise phobia or separation anxiety, you’ll no doubt be dreading this day of the year but hopefully it draws a close to the year’s fireworks season so think of it as one more night to get through.

    Siobhan says, “New Year’s Eve is a cause for celebration all over the country, with lots of fireworks being set off to mark the occasion. Whilst these are beautiful to look at and enjoyed by most, the loud noises can cause anxiety in many dogs.

    “If your furry friend isn’t a fan of fireworks and they appear distressed and/or nervous there are a number of things you could try. Why not try muffling the noise with a TV or a radio, distracting them during the noise or even create them a small, well insulated doggy den.”

  • Why Is Thanksgiving Such a Dangerous Time For Dogs?

    Why Is Thanksgiving Such a Dangerous Time For Dogs?

    The Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons are full of joy and family fun for many but for dog owners it can be a minefield of danger.

    Veterinarians see the same trends every year during the holidays – gastrointestinal issues such as an upset stomach and diarrhoea rank among the top reasons owners take their pet to the vet. Here are some ways to avoid the risks, and keep your pet safe during the holidays:

    Avoid Human Foods That Are Dangerous For Dogs:

    It’s no secret there are more treats around the house during the holidays, many of which can be especially harmful to pets. Guests may not realize that your dog or cat isn’t allowed to eat table scraps, or that they should keep all food and leftovers out of reach. A change in diet can cause an upset stomach, especially if introduced rapidly. Holiday foods that are particularly hazardous to pets include: chocolate, especially dark chocolate, unbaked bread dough, macadamia nuts, turkey, alcohol, sugar-free candy and baked goods that include artificial sweeteners.

    See: Human foods safe for dogs to eat.

    Beware of Decorations That Your Dog Might Eat

    Holiday décor, such as tinsel, poinsettias, or pine needles, as well as drinking water from the tree stand can also be potentially dangerous for curious pets. If your pets nibble on the holiday greenery, the results can run from mild illness and irritation to kidney failure or worse. The poisoning effects of pine needles, mistletoe and holly are all fairly similar, ranging from vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, erratic behaviour and even death. Keep pets away from the Christmas tree, and be sure to secure it against toppling over, just in case. Consider installing a barrier to keep pets away, or spraying the tree with a repellent such as Bitter Apple to keep cats from climbing.

    Minimize or Avoid Stressful Situations:

    The holidays aren’t just stressful times for humans, but pets, too! Pets are exposed to potentially overwhelming situations, such as boarding at a kennel, travelling, or being introduced to several new guests, which cause irregularity in routine and can lead to stress-related digestive issues. Any deviation from a pet’s normal behaviour can be an indication of stress, such as: poor appetite, decreased interaction with their owners and gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Owners can minimize pets’ stress by providing a stable living environment and avoiding unpleasant interactions and experiences.

    Know How To Reach Your Veterinarian:

    If your pet’s routine is disrupted during the holidays, you may notice irregular digestive signs, and they could actually be signs of an infection, or a more serious condition. If your pet experiences any signs or vomiting and diarrhoea, you should contact your veterinarian immediately to determine the best course of action. Signs of gastrointestinal issues include: vomiting, regurgitation, diarrhoea, lethargy, tender abdomen and decreased appetite. Always keep these numbers posted in an easy-to-find location in case of emergencies:

    – Your veterinarian’s clinic phone number
    – 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic (if different)
    – ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 1-888-426-4435

    Beware of Gastrointestinal Changes to Your Dog

    "Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea are common in cats and dogs year-round, but can be especially common during the holiday season," said Dr. Catherine Lenox, a veterinary nutritionist and Royal Canin Scientific Affairs Manager. "When there is additional stress such as house guests or boarding, as well as more food around the house – including foods that humans can eat but that are toxic to pets – there is an increased risk of gastrointestinal disturbances in our pets."

  • What Can Dogs With Diabetes Eat?

    What Can Dogs With Diabetes Eat?

    If your dog has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you will no doubt be processing the news and working out your next step because although diabetes can’t be cured, it can be managed very successfully.

    A dog’s diet and how their body reacts to it is one of the most common indicators they can give us about how they’re handling the condition, which is why weight loss or a sudden increase in appetite is considered one of the most common early signs of diabetes in dogs.

    Why diet is important to dogs with diabetes

    According to a recent article about the symptoms of diabetes on Dogmagazine.net:

    “Typically, once we eat, the body breaks down the nutrients of our food, converting some of the nutrients into glucose which becomes a source of energy for our body’s cells and organs. It then gets absorbed into our intestines and into the bloodstream before filtering through our body’s system.

    “Our body also produces insulin, which is released from the pancreas. Insulin takes hold of the glucose which our body has created from the bloodstream (alongside other nutrients) and uses them as fuel.”

    When insulin and glucose stop working as they should it means two things.

    1. A larger quantity of sugar is left in the body’s bloodstream instead of being taken to create insulin and this can damage other organs.

    2. The body’s cells are deprived of vital fuel for energy, normally aided by the body’s glucose supply. Instead, to try and replicate, the body starts breaking down its fats and proteins to create and use as an alternative fuel source.

    This is why a dog’s diet is so crucial and why many dog owners turn to specially created diabetic dog food because they know it has been created for dogs with the condition.

    The importance of mealtimes for dogs with diabetes

    Dogs with diabetes who need to be administered insulin by injection once or twice a day often need to have scheduled mealtimes and portion sizes too.

    For example, a dog’s first meal (which may be ¼ or ½ of their daily intake) will be given prior to their first injection.

    This is so owners can see their dog is feeling well and eating normally before insulin is given.

    If the dog is being given an insulin injection once a day, the balance of their meal will be given 6-8 hours later. Dogs who are prescribed two injections daily will often have the process repeated around 12 hours later.

    What can dogs with diabetes eat?

    Veterinary formulated diets are often low in carbohydrates to help regulate blood sugar levels and they are usually high in fibre to help dogs to slow down the digestion process and the rate at which food is absorbed.

    They will also be low-GI (low-glycemic) recipes, so they help dogs to process sugars more easily.

    Dogs with diabetes don’t need to cut out treats altogether, but because diet is crucial to their condition, your choice of treats may alter. (Find out more about the definition of prescription dog food for conditions such as diabetes in this dog food glossary article).

    There are some diabetic dog treats on the market to choose from, but as long as you read the pet food label you can choose from some of the healthier treats on the market.

    Look for treats which include whole grains, such as oats, avoid corn, soy and treats with sugar listed in their ingredients.

    Some dog owners swear by high fibre sources, like vegetables and fruits, which will help to stabilise a dog’s blood sugar levels.

    Favourites include broccoli, green beans, cabbage and cucumbers, and to a lesser extent, fruit, such as pears and apples. They can even be frozen to give your dog a crunchier experience!

  • French Bulldog Close to Death After Eating This VERY Common Garden Substance

    French Bulldog Close to Death After Eating This VERY Common Garden Substance

    Our dogs are natural wonders of the world. Smart, loyal, affectionate and sometimes prone to acts of self sabotage that requires the intervention of vets to save them from themselves. Bella is one such dog. She needed veterinary attention after eating something that is present in the gardens of many thousands of dog owners all over the UK.

    A young dog has been saved by PDSA vets after wolfing down gravel from her owner’s garden.

    Bella, a one-year-old French bulldog, was rushed into the vet charity’s pet hospital in Croydon after her owner, Victoria Sherrin, noticed she had suddenly gone off her food and was being constantly sick.

    When PDSA vets examined the stricken pet they could feel something in her abdomen and Victoria (37) of Chipstead, Surrey, immediately feared the worst.

    She said: “I took Bella for a check-up because she wasn’t herself at all. She started snapping at us and couldn’t keep anything down.

    “I wondered if she’d eaten something odd or had worms but then the vets said they could feel a mass in her stomach and I just broke down.”

    Victoria feared a life-threatening illness but an X-ray soon revealed the true cause of Bella’s woes. She’d eaten a large collection of gravel stones which were now sitting in her stomach.

    PDSA vet, Laura Heaps, said: “Bella’s condition was very worrying, she was very lethargic and was suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting. We examined her and could feel something in her stomach and to be sure what it was, we x-rayed her.

    “Thankfully, we’d just received a new £10,000 x-ray machine, thanks to funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and the images were very detailed. When we saw the images on the screen we couldn’t believe our eyes!

    “You could clearly see the gravel in her stomach and colon. Luckily because the stones were so small and unlikely to cause a fatal blockage we were able to avoid surgery. Flat-faced breeds such as French bulldogs are a higher anaesthetic risk than other breeds.”

    Bella was given fluids and laxatives to try and flush her system of the gravel stones and was kept in overnight for close observation. Thankfully, she made a good recovery and was allowed home the following day after receiving the all clear.

    There is a name for this type of behaviour where pets eat strange objects – known as pica. Pets, especially puppies and younger dogs, like to use their mouth to investigate objects as well as to eat. Sometimes a pet will swallow an item by mistake, even though they had only meant to investigate it.

    With Bella safely back home, relieved owner Victoria said: “Bella was out of sorts for a couple of days but she was soon was back to her normal self. I can’t thank PDSA enough for the fantastic treatment she received. I’m keeping a close eye on her now to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

    “She’s quite an inquisitive dog and is into everything so I’ve cleared the garden to try and ensure there are no gravel stones she can get her little paws on.”

    PDSA sees many cases of pets eating inappropriate items every year. These can be fatal if they cause a blockage in the intestines. Owners are advised to speak to their vet for advice if they suspect their pet has eaten something it shouldn’t have.

  • TV Presenter Adam Henson Fronts Campaign Encouraging Dog Owners to ‘Dump the Junk’

    TV Presenter Adam Henson Fronts Campaign Encouraging Dog Owners to ‘Dump the Junk’

    A campaign has launched in the UK to encourage dog owners to take note of what’s in their dog’s diet and learn how to identify good ingredients from bad on pet food labels.

    Backed by research which claims that 85% of UK dog owners are unsure of the ingredients in today’s dog food, the Dump the Junk campaign has been launched by natural dog food company, Forthglade and is fronted by farmer and TV presenter Adam Henson.

    Henson says, “We all want what’s best for our dogs, but we lead such busy lives, we often don’t have the time to stop and decipher confusing dog food labels. We put too much trust in what we see on packs and tins; clever packaging and vague phrasing make it all too easy to assume you’re getting something you’re not.”

    The campaign is encouraging pet owners to improve their own dog’s nutrition and help spread the word across the UK to ‘dump the junk’.

    Henson continues, “Dump the Junk is an important campaign set to lift the lid on the real contents of poor quality dog food and help pet owners make informed decisions about what they feed their canine companions. Good nutrition is at the heart of what makes a happy, healthy dog, which is why I am asking UK pet owners to make their pledge today for the benefit of dogs nationwide.”

    Find out what foods your dog should be avoiding as listed on the campaign’s Dog Food Nasties Watch-List and take the pledge here: www.forthglade.com/dump-the-junk

    By taking the pledge you can also enter a competition online for a chance to win 6 months’ worth of Forthglade natural pet food plus a 2-night stay at the luxury Deer Park Country House Hotel in Devon.

     

  • This Event Happens Every Year & It Can Be Very Dangerous For Dogs

    This Event Happens Every Year & It Can Be Very Dangerous For Dogs

    Since dogs were invented they’ve managed to find many spectacular, weird and not so wonderful ways of getting themselves in trouble. Actually no. That’s not strictly true. You see, dogs in the wild don’t tend to find themselves in dire emergencies as a result of some of the things that legitimately do kill our domestic canine pals. So it is in fact dogs living in our human world that need to be protected from things that are perfectly harmless – or even fun – for us, but deadly for them. An event is around the corner that poses particular danger to dogs…

    http://i.imgur.com/38c1Bg3.png

    As hot cross buns, daffodils and chocolate eggs establish their place on supermarket shelves, a pet insurance specialist is urging dog owners to beware of the dangers of EASTER!

    With an abundance of chocolate around the house, Easter is well known as a time of over indulgence for humans but, according to NFU Mutual, pets could be put at serious risk of harm or even die if they join the Easter excess.

    Rebecca Davidson, Insurance Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “It is well known that chocolate is poisonous to dogs and can even prove fatal but pet owners may be unaware that raisins, currants and sultanas, found in hot cross buns or Simnel cake, are also toxic. Add to the ingredients some foil packaging or cake decorations, and you are looking at a recipe for disaster.”

    Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine (rather like caffeine) that is poisonous to dogs if eaten, while the compounds found in sultanas, currants and raisins can cause rapid kidney failure.

    Other risks around the home at Easter include traditional spring flowers, such as daffodils and tulips, which are toxic to pets. As well the flowers being dangerous, water drunk from a vase of daffodils can make dogs unwell.

    In 2016, the average vet’s bill for dogs who had eaten the wrong thing was £600¹. Rat poison or slug pellets continued to be the most common culprit, while nearly one in four claims involved chocolate and nearly one in ten dried fruit or grapes.

    Rebecca added: “Dogs will eat almost anything and swallowing toxic substances and foreign objects takes place all year round. Stones, socks, skewers and even half a doormat were on the list of ingested items that made dogs unwell last year.”

    “As a nation of dog lovers, the last thing we want to do is put our four legged friends in danger so it’s worth taking some extra precautions this Easter to avoid an emergency visit to the vet.”

    Easter danger list for dogs:
    1 Chocolate – keep Easter eggs well out of your dog’s reach and make sure your dog doesn’t find any leftover ‘treasure’ from Easter Egg hunts
    2 Anything with currants, raisins or sultanas – so hot cross buns and simnel cake are all off the menu
    3 Bones from cooked food – especially chicken bones
    4 Easter flowers – such as daffodils, tulips and crocuses and bulbs
    5 Alcohol

  • Dog Nearly Died at Christmas From Eating This – Stay Vigilant

    Dog Nearly Died at Christmas From Eating This – Stay Vigilant

    Jack Russell-cross Luna narrowly avoided a Christmas catastrophe after wolfing down a family-sized bar of dark chocolate she found in her owner’s bedroom.

    Thankfully, she recovered after emergency treatment at PDSA, but the charity’s vets are warning that thousands of dogs are at risk of serious illness or death from chocolate poisoning.

    In Luna’s case, she helped herself to the goodies but, according to PDSA research, nearly 200,000 dogs* are regularly fed chocolate as a treat. At Christmas, there is more chocolate around as we indulge so the risks only increase. Advent calendars, boxes of chocolates and gifts under the tree mean more inquisitive pets could get their paws on chocolate without owners’ knowledge.

    http://i.imgur.com/BOLrbQy.png

    As well as being toxic, human chocolates are inappropriate for pets due to their high calorie and sugar content, making it bad for their teeth and waistlines.

    PDSA vet Emma Tipton explains: “Our research has found that thousands of dogs are fed human chocolate as a ‘treat’, because some owners don’t realise it’s highly poisonous to pets and can be fatal.”

    PDSA sees hundreds of chocolate poisoning cases every year and the charity’s vets are on standby for an increase over the festive period.

    That’s why PDSA is using Luna’s story to get the message home.

    The six-month-old pet ate around three quarters of a family-sized 200g bar of Bournville chocolate that was hidden in an upstairs bedroom.

    Owner Gillian Garrity (48) from St Helens, Merseyside, said: “Luna was whimpering and pacing up and down before she suddenly became violently sick.

    “My husband spotted the chocolate wrapper and we realised she must have got her paws on it. We know chocolate can be toxic to dogs so he rushed her straight to PDSA.”

    Luna was given emergency treatment by PDSA senior vet Matt Forshaw, from PDSA’s Liverpool Huyton Pet Hospital.

    He said: “Chocolate is poisonous to dogs as it contains a chemical called theobromine, which can cause severe heart problems.

    “To make matters worse, Luna had eaten dark chocolate which contains even higher levels of theobromine. Just a small bar of dark chocolate contains enough of the chemical to kill a small dog like Luna, so she was in grave danger.”

    Luna was given medication to make her sick and prevent further absorption of theobromine. She was kept in overnight and given IV fluids to ensure she was well hydrated before being allowed to go home the following day.

    Vet Matt added: “Luna is just one of the lucky pets to benefit from PDSA’s A&E service which receives funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

    “Thanks to their support we’re also raising awareness of the dangers of human chocolate to pets, and are encouraging owners to avoid feeding such treats and also to keep them out of paws reach.”

    Luna’s owner, Gillian, said they were extremely grateful for the care Luna received.

    She said: “I can’t thank PDSA enough for everything they did. I’d warn anyone with a pet not to leave chocolate lying around as you could end up losing your dog.”

    The effects of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appear within four hours of eating, and can last as long as 24 hours. Initial signs can include excessive thirst, vomiting, a sore stomach and restlessness. These symptoms can then progress to tremors, an abnormal heart rhythm, raised body temperature and rapid breathing. In severe cases dogs can experience fits and kidney failure, which can be fatal.

    PDSA advises owners to store chocolates and other poisonous foods in the same way as medicines when they have pets in their household – safely and securely. And for those who can’t resist giving their four-legged friends a little Christmas treat, a new toy or a nice long walk is a better alternative than treats.

  • People Eat These Regularly But When This Dog Did It Very Nearly Killed Him

    People Eat These Regularly But When This Dog Did It Very Nearly Killed Him

    A hungry hound from Glasgow has undergone life-saving surgery to remove 4ft of his intestines – all because he swallowed an item of food that many people eat on a regular basis.

    Food based emergencies are frequently seen by vets, whether it’s food that is toxic to dogs, dogs eating too much of a food or dogs eating things they thought were food but weren’t. Regularly human food often finds itself in to the stomachs of our dogs and in most cases it’s no cause for alarm, but sometimes dogs eat things that can prove fatal to them.

    Eating a corn-on-the-cob is not a good idea if you’re a dog.

    Rhodesian Ridgeback crossbreed, Sam (7), had an emergency operation to remove around half of his small intestine after PDSA vets discovered the corn husk was causing it to rot away.

    PDSA Senior Vet, Susie Hermit, from the vet charity’s Glasgow Shamrock Street Pet Hospital, said it was one of the most severe cases she had ever seen:

    “We found that the corn on the cob husk was causing a major blockage in Sam’s small intestine, restricting the blood supply.

    “Unfortunately, some of the damage was irreversible and we had to remove around half of his intestine, which had begun to die off and rot. Sam was very lucky to survive. He was at high risk of developing potentially-fatal blood poisoning and the operation to remove such a large section of his intestines was incredibly risky.”

    Sam’s owner, Lorraine Graham (43), from Tollcross, was petrified at the thought of losing her beloved pet.

    She said: “We first noticed something was wrong was when Sam started being sick. and it gradually got worse until he was being sick every 20 minutes.

    “I couldn’t believe it when PDSA x-rayed him and told us what was causing the blockage. We hadn’t been eating corn on the cob so he must have picked it up while outside,” she said.

    “He was so weak and lethargic that I knew he was facing the fight of his life. Thankfully he pulled through and I can’t thank PDSA enough for saving him.”

    “We’re extra careful with him now but I’m really happy that he’s made such a good recovery. He’s back to his old self again and is eating normally which is great.”

    PDSA vets are issuing a warning to pet owners ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, as many people may be planning barbecues.

    Corn on the cob was one of the most common items removed from pets last year with 28 cases treated by PDSA. Other strange items swallowed by pets include bones (51 cases) and kebab sticks (7).

    Thanks to funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, PDSA is educating pet owners about the phenomenon of pets eating strange objects – known as ‘pica’ – and how to keep their animals’ safe.

    Susie added: “Pets like to use their mouth to investigate objects as well as to eat. Puppies and younger pets will often swallow an item by mistake, even though they had only meant to investigate it.

    “Something like corn on the cob might seem harmless enough but if an object moves along the digestive system, as it did with Sam, it can cause a tear or life-threatening blockage.

    “If you have pets at home, try to keep anything dangerous or easy to swallow out of paws’ reach. Only let them play with suitable pet toys and try to supervise them to avoid any accidents. If you do suspect your pet has swallowed something you should contact your vet for advice immediately.”

    BBQ safety tips

    Skip the scraps: Eating barbecue scraps can upset your pet’s stomach. Undercooked, unfamiliar or fatty food can cause vomiting and diarrhoea
    Bit it: Throw away any leftover food and rubbish into a lidded dustbin. At PDSA our vets often see pet who have eaten corn on the cob cores. These can cause a serious blockage and need removing by surgery
    Keep fuel well out of reach: Lighter fluid can prove fatal if ingested as it contains hydrocarbons, which are derived from crude oil
    Keep pets well away from flames and glowing embers: With all that fur around, your four-legged friends could get severe burns. So make sure they steer clear
    Slap on the suncream: Pets can suffer from sunburn and heatstroke just like us. So give your pets some suncream, shade and plenty of water. For white fur or damaged skin, special pet suncreams are available from pet shops
    Think when you drink: Keep glasses and drinks out of reach of thirsty pets. Alcohol can be particularly hazardous for pets. Use plastic cups as glass bottles, mugs and tea cups can easily smash into splinters to pierce paw

  • Why Are Dogs in Bradford Swallowing These Weird Things?

    Why Are Dogs in Bradford Swallowing These Weird Things?

    The Yorkshire city of Bradford is home to strangely high proportion of dogs who, it seems, are eating some odd things that were not designed to be processed by the natural digestive system of the canine body.  Stones, babies’ dummies, socks and even kebab sticks were among hundreds items vets working on behalf of the charity PDSA had to surgically removed from dogs in 2015.

    The vet charity treated nearly 400 pets for swallowing things they shouldn’t. And it appears that pets in Bradford are the most curious in the country, as the charity’s vets saw a whopping 33 cases in the city alone.

    PDSA, which has 51 Pet Hospitals across the UK, has compiled a list of the ‘top ten’ items pets swallowed according to the number of cases:

    1. Bones – 59 cases
    2. Stones – 29 cases
    3. Corn on the cob – 28 cases
    4. Plastic e.g. parts of kids toys, food wrapping – 25 cases
    5. Rubber balls – 19 cases
    6. Rubber e.g. parts of dog toys – 19 cases
    7. Socks – 11 cases
    8. Thread – 9 cases
    9. Babies’ dummy teats – 9 cases
    10. (Joint) Kebab sticks/Peach stones – 7 cases of each

    PDSA vet Rebecca Ashman said staff have also removed more bizarre objects in the past, from tent pegs and knives to radio aerials.

    Rebecca said: “You’d be amazed at some of the crazy things pets eat. Our top ten list highlights the objects we saw most frequently last year, but every now and again we see even more unusual cases.”

    Thanks to funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, PDSA is educating pet owners about the phenomenon of pets eating strange objects – known as ‘pica’ – and how to keep their animals’ safe.

    Rebecca added: “Pets, especially puppies and younger dogs, like to use their mouth to investigate objects as well as to eat. Sometimes a pet will swallow an item by mistake, even though they had only meant to investigate it.

    “We might think it’s comical but in some cases it is incredibly dangerous and can even prove fatal. If an object moves along the digestive system, it can cause a tear or life-threatening blockage.

    “If you have pets at home, try to keep anything dangerous or easy to swallow out of paws’ reach. Only let them play with suitable pet toys and try to supervise them to avoid any accidents. If you do suspect your pet has swallowed something you should contact your vet for advice immediately.”

    PDSA vets say training pets from a young age can help to curb their temptation to chew objects, and they can learn basic commands like ‘drop’ and ‘leave’.

    For more free pet health information and advice visit www.pdsa.org.uk

    UK hotspots for pets swallowing strange things:

    PDSA Pet Hospital (city) Number of pets swallowing strange items
    Bradford 33
    Glasgow Shamrock Street 23
    Gateshead 19
    Oldbury 17
    Bow 16
    Sheffield 16

    Corn-on-the-cob down the gob requires veterinary job for unfortunate Bulldog

    Greedy American Bulldog Hooch needed emergency surgery after wolfing down a corn-on-the-cob husk from his owner’s bin.

    Sarah Baldwin, from Elland, West Yorkshire, had placed the husk in the bin after having a quick bite to eat before work. But no sooner had she left the house when Hooch (11) stuck his head in the trash and got his paws on the tasty treat.

    “The next day he wasn’t himself at all,” said mother-of-three Sarah (40).

    “He was sick, he wasn’t eating and didn’t want to walk. One of my sons had seen him finishing off the corn-on-the-cob so we did a quick Google search and were horrified at how dangerous they can be for dogs.”

    Hooch was rushed straight to PDSA’s Bradford Pet Hospital where vets performed X-rays which revealed something lurking in his intestines.

    The family were warned that their beloved pet would need an emergency operation to remove the cob as it could cause a fatal blockage.

    PDSA Head Nurse Miriam Wilson, said: “We could feel an obstruction in Hooch’s intestines and the X-ray was consistent with a foreign body.

    “As Hooch was getting increasingly unwell we knew we had to perform emergency surgery to remove the corn-on-the-cob husk. We had to open up Hooch’s intestine to remove a large piece of corn husk and some smaller pieces that had broken off”.

    “Unfortunately Bradford seems to be a bit of a hotspot for pets swallowing strange items and corn-on-the-cob cases are ones we see quite a lot. It’s important pet owners recognise how dangerous they can be, especially at this time of year as it’s barbecue season. In most case it is fatal if it’s not treated, as the husk can completely block the digestive system.”

    Hooch was kept at the hospital for two days before being discharged on pain relief and antibiotics. He has since gone on to make a full recovery.

    Sarah said: “I was so worried when Hooch was in hospital but I can’t thank PDSA enough for saving him.

    “The whole thing has really scared me, so much so that it’s put me off corn-on-the cob for life!”

More posts