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Three Common Canine Cancers
Cancer is a debilitating disease affecting millions of Americans daily and can affect your furry friend too.
Posted: August 2, 2011, 3 a.m. EDT
Approximately 50 percent of all dogs over the age of 10 will be diagnosed with some form of cancer. Being aware of the possibility of cancer in your canine and having your veterinarian perform regular checkups can help to ensure that you are doing the best for your dog.
Dr. Heather Wilson, assistant professor in oncology at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), names the three most common types of cancer in dogs:
- Lymphoma
Commonly affecting the lymph nodes, Lymphoma can also affect other parts of the body such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and the central nervous system. While this disease is generally not curable, it is very treatable with chemotherapy.
- Osteosarcoma
A bone tumor, it most often affects the limbs of large and giant breed dogs. These tumors are generally not curable, but can be treated with amputation of the affected limb and chemotherapy does increase survival explains Wilson. It is important to catch this early as most dogs will eventually succumb to the disease if it spreads to the lungs.
- Mast Cell Tumors
Mast cell tumors commonly occur on the skin and tare the most common type of malignant skin tumors in dogs. Most of these tumors can be removed and cured with surgery. However, some are very aggressive and are so likely to spread that chemotherapy must be integrated into the treatment protocol after surgery. Other tumors may require radiation therapy if they are not completely removed during surgery.
“Any dog can get cancer, but certain breeds such as the Golden Retrievers, Boxers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs are predisposed to many forms of cancer,” notes Wilson.
It is important to regularly perform at-home physical examinations on your pet. You should look for any lumps, specifically around the lymph nodes in the neck. However, not all tumors are visible; therefore, regular veterinary visits are crucial to guarantee your pet’s health.
While cancer can be extremely stressful for owners and pets, the good news is that with the amount of resources and specialists that are now available to treat cancer in pets, owners now have the power to make educated and responsible decisions to get their companion animals through this illness.
In recent decades, veterinary medicine has progressively advanced to offer technology and treatment of human quality for pets to help aid in cancer treatment and other illnesses.
To learn more about canine cancer and how it can be treated, visit the oncology section at the CVM website.
10 Plants That Can Poison Pups
Keep this greenery out of your house and yard.
Arden Moore
For eight years, Jill Richardson, D.V.M., was the voice of safety at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, Ill. She fielded calls from frantic owners worried that their dogs had eaten a toxic leaf, stem, or flower.
To protect her own dogs, Richardson made certain that poisonous plants never made their way into her Urbana home or her yard’s landscape. “People are often surprised to learn that there are actually hundreds of plants potentially poisonous to dogs,” says Richardson, who left the ASPCA to become associate director of consumer relations for Hartz Mountain Corp. in Secaucus, N.J.
Richardson identifies the top 10 most common poisonous houseplants and landscape plants dog owners should avoid:
Autumn crocus (Colchicum): Its active ingredient, colchicines, triggers an anti-metabolic effect that can cause rapidly dividing cells, shedding of the gastrointestinal tract, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
Azalea (Rhododendron): This popular plant can harm a dog’s cardiovascular system and trigger vomiting or gastrointestinal upset.
Daffodil (Narcissus): Toxic ingredients in the bulbs cause convulsions, tremors, lethargy, weakness, and upset stomachs.
Hyacinth (Hyacinth): This popular plant can cause severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, depression, and tremors.
Japanese yew (Taxis): Extremely toxic to dogs, this group of ornamental plants can cause seizures or cardiac failure. The plant and red berries are toxic.
Lily of the valley (Convalaria): This plant can cause heart failure, coordination problems, and vomiting.
Oleander (Nerium): Extremely toxic, this popular outdoor plant contains cardiac glycosides that harm the heart, decrease body temperature, cause abnormal pulse rate, and can cause death. Beware: Even people have died from eating hot dogs roasted on an oleander twig.
Rhubarb (Rheum): Although the stalks are used to make pies, the leaves pack the potential to cause kidney damage.
Sago palm (Cycads): Resembling an upside down pineapple, this plant thrives in sandy soils, especially in warmer states such as California, Texas, and Florida. A few seeds can kill a dog.
Tomato (Lycopersicion): Surprisingly, the greenery of this common plant, not the tomato itself, contains solanine, a toxic ingredient that can prompt gastric upset, depression, weakness, and a decrease in heart rate.
Richardson’s parting advice: Keep your dog away from any mushrooms. “Always assume any ingested mushroom by a dog is toxic and will cause liver failure,” Richardson says. “The problem is that many poisonous mushrooms often grow together with non-poisonous mushrooms.”
For more information on poisonous plants, tap into the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the American Veterinary Medical Association website.
Summer Plants Poisonous to Dogs
Summer sun of course brings fun, but summer can also bring flowers and substances that are dangerous to dogs.
Posted: July 21, 2011, 3 a.m. EDT
Most pets use their sense of smell and taste to investigate things that are new to them,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline. “When they come across interesting plants or other items, their first reaction is to smell it, which often leads to tasting it.”
Being aware of poisonous plants and substances can help avoid potential dangers that can result in emergency trips to the veterinarian.
4 of the most dangerous summertime plants:
Sago Palm
Popular in warmer climates, this household and outdoor plant can be extremely harmful to pets. All parts of the plant, including the fronds/leaves, nuts and seeds are especially poisonous to dogs. Ingesting just a small amount can cause severe vomiting, bloody stools, damage to the stomach lining, severe liver failure and, in some cases, death. This plant is one of the most deadly to dogs and long-term survival is poor when ingested. Without treatment, sago palm poisoning can result in severe, irreversible liver failure. Prompt treatment is essential for the best prognosis.
Lily of the Valley
When ingested by pets, the Convallaria majalis plant, also known as Lily of the Valley, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly seizures. This plant contains cardiac glycosides, which are also used in many human heart medications. Any pet with a known exposure should be examined by a veterinarian and treated based on their symptoms. Treatment may include blood pressure monitoring, heart monitoring, and, in severe cases, an expensive antidote to bind the toxin.
Crocuses
There are two types of Crocus plants: one that blooms in the spring and the other in the autumn. The spring plants are more common and cause only gastrointestinal upset accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. However, the autumn Crocus, also known as Meadow Saffron or Colchicum Autumnale, are highly toxic and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, and multisystem organ failure with bone marrow suppression. Symptoms may be seen immediately but can also be delayed for days. If you witness your pet eating a crocus and you are not sure what variety it is, it’s best to seek veterinary care immediately for decontamination and treatment.
Fertilizers or soil additives
In addition to flowers and plants, there are other gardening-related dangers that pet owners should be aware of, such as fertilizers and pesticides. While fertilizers are typically fairly safe for pets, those that contain blood meal, bone meal, feather meal and iron may be especially tasty – and dangerous – to them Large ingestions of these products can form a concretion in the stomach, obstructing the gastrointestinal tract and causing severe pancreatitis. Also ingestion of pesticides and insecticides, especially if they contain any organophosphates, can be life-threatening, even when ingested in small amounts.
Enjoy the outdoors with your dog, but always be aware. If you think a pet may have ingested something harmful, take action immediately and contact your veterinarian. Learn more at Pet Poison Hel
Go Canoeing or Kayaking With Your Dog
A kayak or canoe gives new meaning to “doggie paddle.”
James W. Keldsen
 The world’s waters have seduced humans for thousands of years. Although the great days of exploring uncharted waters on the Seven Seas may be long gone, the water still provides limitless recreation for us and our four-legged companions.
For more than 15 years, Wyatt Boughter has been a recreational paddler and canoe racer. One of his frequent paddling companions is his black Labrador Retriever Stanza.
“Taking Stanza with me when I paddle gives us both a chance to get outside and relax,” says Boughter, who is also the director of communications and marketing with the American Canoe Association. That relaxation is something that we all can use in our hurried lives, so why not try paddling with your dog?
According to the ACA, paddle sports are some of the fastest growing outdoor activities. Since 1998 canoeing has increased by 16.3 percent, while kayaking has rocketed 130 percent.
Today’s newcomer to the paddle-sporting world has more choices in boats than ever before — from beginner to advanced models. Now is a great time to try paddling and see how enjoyable it can be for dog and person alike.
You don’t have to live in a wilderness area or have access to a large body of water to enjoy the sport. Boughter lives and works in the Washington, D.C., area, and he and Stanza get great workouts in their canoe on Virginia’s Occoquan River and Reservoir. “Having her with me allows me to get in my workout, and gives her a chance to stay lean as well,” he says.
Dogs have a way of making the activities we share with them more fun. While Boughter and his dog both enjoy time in the boat, Stanza often swims alongside the canoe or runs on the shore as Boughter paddles. “I’d say she only stays in the boat with me about half the time I’m on the water,” Boughter explains. Her antics in and out of the water make Boughter laugh and give him a smile at the end of the day.
Before you start paddling with your dog, first assess whether your dog is ready. Does she love the water? If so, train her to jump in and out of the canoe on land, then progress to shallow water before moving on to longer trips. Outfit her in a canine lifejacket — just in case she tires or gets hurt.
If you are new to canoeing, you’ll need a bit of training, too. Boughter recommends that you contact your local paddle outfitter or retail outlet and try to meet others who canoe with their dogs. He also suggests taking a paddling course though the ACA.
When talking with retailers and instructors, tell them that ultimately, after you gain experience, you wish to paddle with your dog. They will recommend stable canoes or kayaks, well-suited to you and your dog.
Whether it’s canoeing, kayaking, or rafting, paddle sports offer limitless opportunities to explore our horizons, bask in the water’s hypnotizing effect and serenity, and get outside with our dogs. Boughter puts it best: “Paddling is great for building community, and so is owning a dog. It’s a perfect match.”
James W. Keldsen is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and enjoys many outdoor pursuits with his dogs.
Read Your Dog’s Body Language
By Brad Kloza
The movie Up features a dog with a collar that translates his thoughts into sentences like “I have just met you, and I love you!” Real dogs, however, speak more with body language than with barks.
“While there are fewer than a dozen types of barks, there are hundreds of different ear positions, tail positions, paw positions and more, which dogs use to communicate,” says Lisa Mullinax, CPDT-KA (certified professional dog trainer-knowledge assessed), for 4Paws University Inc. “Body signals give dogs a much more elaborate language than vocalizations could.”
Focusing on just a handful of body parts will give you a sense of the basics.
Eyes
Direct stares often signal confrontation. Pay particular attention to the pupils, says Dr. E’Lise Christensen, a veterinarian and behaviorist at NYC Veterinary Specialists. “Pupils that are dilated indicate a dog that’s not comfortable,” she adds. Dogs with “soft eyes” that tend to avert their gaze are less likely to be confrontational.
Mouth
Tight lips are often a sign of stress, but the difference between uncomfortable and threatening can be subtle. Another clue might be changes in breathing: Going from panting to closed-mouth breathing indicates a shift to discomfort, and the opposite indicates increased happiness.
Two indicators of stress or anxiety are tongue flicking and yawning. “Yawning, when the dog is not relaxed or tired, is a common sign of stress or conflict,” says Mullinax. “Sitting in the waiting room at the vet’s office, you may see a lot of yawning in the dogs there.”
Ears
Erect ears reveal a dog on high alert, while ears pulled back show a dog that is anxious or stressed. And that spot on the back of the neck behind the ears? This area, called the hackles, sometimes stands up in a spiky row.
“This is called ‘piloerection’ and is the exact same thing as goose bumps in humans,” says Mullinax. “Since arousal and aggression are closely linked, hackles often get labeled as a sign of aggression, but it is not always the case. Just like we get goose bumps at a scary movie or hearing a really heartwarming story, dogs get goose bumps when emotions run high.”
Tail
The tail is perhaps the most expressive part of your dog’s body, but it might also be the hardest to read. A wagging tail is simply an indication of arousal, good or bad — it doesn’t mean the dog is friendly. A high, tense wag could indicate a potential for aggression, while a low wag could indicate nervousness. A happy, relaxed dog usually has a tail that swings in circles or from side to side. On the other hand, “tail between the legs” is a cliche for a reason: It indicates a scared or stressed dog.
Reading Specific Canine Behavior
Aside from communicating with body parts, dogs also convey information through behavior and posture. For example, bowing forward on the front paws, known as a “play bow,” is a sign of a dog’s playful mood. A slightly different bow is a greeting bow, which is usually accompanied by a stretch.
“Curving” is when dogs bend their whole body into a banana shape and move slowly in a circular fashion. This is a sign that the dog is trying to calm a situation.
One behavior that’s often misread is a dog that lies on its back. “Some dogs, especially those that are anxious, may roll on their backs to indicate their wish to end an interaction,” says Mullinax. “This is sometimes misinterpreted as the dog offering its belly to be petted or a sign of submission.”
Humans Often Misunderstood
Being aware of these subtle hints will make for a more harmonious existence with not just your dog, but other dogs as well. Consider how we tend to greet new dogs — we look them in the eye, bend over them and put a hand on their heads. In dog language, says Christensen, “these gestures can actually be pretty threatening.”
That doesn’t mean you should curve into a banana, pant and wag your butt every time you meet a new dog. But having a walk-a-mile-in-their-paws perspective could put you and your four-legged friends closer to being on the same wavelength.
Brad Kloza is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine and Discover.
Expert Cleaning Tips for Dog Homes
Keep your home fresh and clean with these simple tips.
Sally Deneen
Chasing tumbleweeds of pet hair through your house gets tiresome, as does wiping endless paw prints, deodorizing pet beds, and otherwise cleaning up after the king, er, canine. Surely, there must be an easier way.
We sought cleaning secrets from three home experts: Don Aslett, founder of Varsity Contractors, one of the nation’s biggest cleaning companies; Sarah Smock, a spokesperson for Merry Maids, which cleans more than 300,000 homes a month; and interior designer Kari Whitman, who has her own cable show, The Kari Whitman Show.
Some secrets for common problems:
Banish doggie smell. Odors can permeate your house even after washing dog beds and fabrics favored by pets. Open the windows and doors to let fresh air flow through the house, even if just for one hour, Aslett and Smock suggest. Fresh air does wonders — unlike spraying masking fragrances, Aslett says, although Smock also recommends fabric fresheners for carpet and upholstery. “Air will take 90 percent of the doggie smell out of the house,” Aslett says.
Stinky dog beds. Use a washable cover, Smock suggests, and use a fabric freshening spray on the bed itself. Some sprays now target pet odors. Aslett suggests odor neutralizing products that contain enzyme digesters which consume bacteria, then disappear.
Entice pets to lounge appropriately. Don’t let them take over the couch’s hard-to-clean sweet spots. Instead, drape comfortable throws over the ends of the couch if pets are permitted there, Whitman advises. “Any faux fur or faux sheepskin-type throw will be irresistible to your pup. My dogs both love their Woolrich throws,” says Whitman, of her mixed breeds Lucy and Lucille.
Dog hair on fabrics. Pet hair practically weaves itself into couch fabrics and looped carpets — despite vacuuming. Swipe the surface with a pet rake, a 12-inch brush with crimped nylon bristles, advises Aslett, who has demonstrated it on HGTV. Smock agrees, plus offers alternatives: Wrap tape around your hand — sticky side out — and swipe away; use a special dry pet sponge sold in pet supply stores; or use the rubber bottom of a clean tennis shoe.
Dog hair on hard floors. “Electrostatic dusters do a good job,” says Smock. Available in both cloth and feather-duster form, they attract dust as you swipe, and won’t send dust floating around the room.
Better vacuuming. Use a vacuum with a good beater brush or brush roll, says Aslett, author of such books as “Is There Life After Housework?” (Adams Media, 2005) and “Pet Cleanup Made Easy” (Adams Media, 2005). The brush bounces and vibrates the carpet to free hair, dander, dirt, and fleas, then sweeps them into the air flow and into the vacuum bag.
Minimize paw prints. Place a 3-by-4-foot nylon mat inside your dog’s entryway, and keep an old towel or some baby wipes nearby for quick paw cleanups. Nylon mats with a vinyl or rubber backing are sturdier than throw rugs and don’t absorb odors, Aslett says.
Smock adds: “Be sure to clean your dog’s paws if there is even a hint of moisture on the ground, as dogs seem to be able to find mud at any opportunity.”
A Pet Supplier Gives Old Dogs a New ‘Leash’ on Life
By Alissa Wolf, About.com Guide
Watson’s Senior Pet Supplies was inspired by a beloved pooch of the same name.
Photo courtesy of Arnie Costell
Thanks the wonders of medical science, pets are living a lot longer. As such, pet supplies entrepreneur Arnie Costell, owner of the Internet company Watson’s Senior Pet Supplies, can certainly attest to the need for products for old dogs. It all began when the former New Yorker, who now makes his home in Southern California, invented the Bottom’s Up Dog Leash to meet the needs of his own beloved senior pooch, a sheepdog/Labrador mix named Watson who lived to the ripe old doggie age of 18. Costell came up with the idea after Watson developed hip dysplasia and arthritis. “Necessity is the mother of invention,” Costell said. “I didn’t consciously set out to invent this. I came up with the idea because Watson could no longer walk. I would have to pick him up and carry him.” Old Dogs Learn New Tricks When Costell and Watson began using what became the prototype for the Bottom’s Up leash, the pair caused quite a stir when they’d stroll on the beaches of Malibu. “People kept walking up to me and asking where I got the leash,” he said. After going into production with the leash, his invention generated the attention of a famous Hollywood actor (whom Costell promised not to name) during one of his walks with Watson. “This well-known actor came up to me and said, ‘That’s awesome. Where can I get one?’ He offered me $500 for the leash right then and there. I didn’t accept. But I said I would get him one. I gave him one, and just asked that he donate $500 to a charity, which he did. I then realized that people are really desperate for things like this.” An Old Dogs Pet Supplies Business is Born Upon realizing the increased demand for products for senior pooches, in 2004 Costell decided to launch a business specializing in products for older and disabled dogs. In addition to the leash, Watson’s Senior Pet Supplies now distributes everything from doggie diapers to pet steps, pet strollers and grooming supplies for old dogs, among numerous other special needs canine products. “The life expectancy for dogs has jumped from 9 to 12 years,” he pointed out. “Like people, dogs are undergoing such operations as hip replacements. People are now doing the same things they do for themselves for their animals.” A ‘Dogged’ Pursuit Costell arrived at this juncture in his life’s journey in a roundabout, colorful, rather ironic way. Interestingly, he was terrified of dogs when he was a kid, because he got mauled by one at a very young age. So his late mom, whom he adored, decided to get him a dog, a Belgian Shepherd /boxer mix that he named Barkey, to help him overcome his fear. An accomplished athlete, Costell’s first career was in baseball. He pitched in the minors and “cups of coffee” capacity for the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees, among others, during the 1970s. After his baseball career ended, he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He then embarked on a successful career in the garment industry and later launched a marketing firm through which he marketed an invention called the Putt Miser, a putting training device for golfers. He was also a devout animal lover who was parent to numerous dogs. But Watson, whom he adopted in 1992 as a pup, was his best bud who accompanied him everywhere. When Costell’s Malibu home was destroyed by wildfires, he prayed during the drive to survey the damages that Watson would be spared. Sure enough, he found his beloved pooch sitting unharmed among the ashes. “We had a very strong bond,” Costell said. “I know he’s up in heaven telling the other puppies, ‘I have my own Internet business!’” Old Dogs Gain New Dignity Since the Bottoms Up leash has been on the market, it has been featured on “Good Morning America” in a segment about senior dog products hosted by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, and on CBS Los Angeles affiliate KCAL9 News. And thanks to the booming older pet supplies industry, Costell’s other products are very much in demand, as well. Costell claims he owes his success to his gone but not forgotten best doggie bud, and his genuine love for what he does. “I am very passionate about this,” he said. “Walking a dog is not just ‘walking a dog’; people and their dogs bond when they walk together. People now refer to themselves as ‘pet parents,’ and their pets as ‘fur babies.’ Pets are a simplistic way to get away from all of the crap in the world. They give us something we really need. Sure, I do want to make a few dollars, but I really do care.”
If you discover cockleburs on your dog, remove them as soon as possible.
By Kathy Salzberg, NCMG
Q: My neighbor just brought home a dog from the shelter. She took a long walk with her new dog and came home to find cockleburs throughout the dog’s coat. What should she do?
A: Once you discover cockleburs on your dog, you need to remove them as soon as possible. The longer they stay in the coat, the deeper they will dig in, making it more difficult to get rid of them. The best way to remove them depends on how many your furry friend has picked up. If there are just a few, you can usually remove them with a coarse brush or a stainless steel comb. If some are already stuck in, you can try splitting them with scissors to make brushing them out easier. Do this very carefully; always point the scissor’s tips away from the dog’s body to avoid injury.
Detangling spray or coat conditioner will make it easier to remove the cockleburs. You’ll be able to work them out without tugging too much on your dog’s coat. In a pinch, a little vegetable oil will also do the trick.
You’ll need to bathe your pet after using any of these products. Any good pH-balanced pet shampoo will do, but if the coat is extremely oily, you might want to use de-greasing shampoo or Dawn dish detergent followed by a soothing crème rinse or conditioner. After the bath, brush and comb the coat to make sure you haven’t missed any cockleburs. Check your dog thoroughly, including the pads of his feet. These tiny tanglers can find a home in any crevice, including armpits, ears and even the genital area.
When dogs loaded with cockleburs come to the grooming shop, we normally clip them down and start the coat over again. Even if it were possible to remove them with a dematting tool, it would be extremely time-consuming and painful for the pet. In fact, if your four-footed friend loves to romp in the woods and fields, keeping his coat in a short trim will help you to easily detect the burrs. When you are enjoying the great outdoors, avoid any areas that contain cockleburs. If they are growing on your property, remove them – wearing gloves, of course. Their prickly dry seedpods are usually visible on plant stems, protruding above other wild vegetation.
Another serious botanical hazard for dogs that romp outdoors is the foxtail, a hard seed-bearing structure on some kinds of wild grasses that contains sharp points at one end with microscopic barbs that allows it to embed like a fish hook. Like cockleburs, these become stuck in the hair, especially the paws and ears, and sometimes even in nostrils and eyes. If they work their way into the skin, they can cause serious infection. These grasses are common in weedy areas around roads, paths and woodland trails. As annuals, they are soft and green from January through March or April, but after the seed heads dry in the spring, they become dangerous, remaining that way throughout the summer and fall. Foxtails can cause severe injury, so if you uncover any on your pet, be sure to get all of them out with your brush and comb. If they have become embedded, take your dog to a veterinarian for removal.
One interesting cocklebur factoid: Despite their nuisance quality, they are responsible for an invention that has become ubiquitous in our daily lives. In 1941, Swiss engineer Georges de Mestral noticed that his wool socks, his jacket and his dog’s fur were covered with cockleburs after a walk in the woods. Observing them under a microscope, he noticed their hundreds of hooks and how easily they attached to fibers, especially if those fibers were looped. By 1948, he had duplicated this hook and loop configuration in nylon, naming his new creation Velcro.
Fit & Fed
Everything you need to know about a healthy diet and exercise regimen for your dog.
By Eve Adamson
Is your dog too fat? Is he getting enough exercise? And what the heck should you really be feeding him? Providing your dog with the best nutrition and fitness regimen can be confusing. That’s why we’ve rounded up 40 facts, tips, and tidbits to help keep your dog healthy.
Maintain or regain weight
1. The most common chronic problem veterinarians see in dogs is obesity, says Susan Nelson, D.V.M., a veterinarian at Kansas State University. “As dogs get older we spend more time by far talking about weight with our clients than any other issue.”
2. If you can’t see or even feel your dog’s ribs, if his stomach hangs down from his chest rather than tucking up, and if he has no discernible waistline when viewed from the top, your dog is probably overweight, according to the Purina Body Condition System.
3. Your veterinarian might not tell you your dog is overweight, Nelson says. “A lot of pet owners get very offended when told their dogs are overweight, so we try to put it in gentle terms. Some veterinarians may be hesitant to mention it at all. However, if you ask them, they should let you know the truth.”
4. Keeping dogs lean is crucial for good health, says Jennifer Larsen, D.V.M., a board-certified clinical nutritionist at the University of California, Davis. “A long-term study demonstrated that dogs kept lean throughout life showed an improved quality of life, less orthopedic disease, and a longer life span by almost two years.”
5. If your dog is overweight, it’s a good idea to start counting canine calories. “That includes meals and treats,” Nelson says. “Calories from treats add up quickly.”
6. Sometimes, all it takes to help a dog lose weight is to cut down on or eliminate treats.
7. Calories from treats should make up no more than 10 percent of the diet.
8. When cutting back on treats doesn’t work, Nelson recommends discussing a diet formula with your veterinarian. “All diet foods aren’t the same,” she says. “Your veterinarian can recommend a good one.”
9. Only your veterinarian can tell you how many calories your dog needs each day. “Veterinarians have tools for calculating how much your dog should weigh and how many calories he needs, based on activity level, metabolism, and other factors,” Nelson says.
10. Many dog food packages now publish calorie content, but the numbers may not be per serving, so you might have to do some math. If calories are not listed, check the company’s website or call the customer service line on the package.
11. Feeding guidelines on dog food bags and cans tend to be generous, Nelson says. “Start by feeding on the low end of what they recommend, or even a little less, then adjust from there depending on your dog’s progress.”
12. While helping your pet lose weight, aim for slow, gradual weight loss.
Choose the best food
13. Don’t believe everything you read about pet food on the Internet, says Rebecca Remillard, D.V.M., a veterinary nutritionist at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. “All information out there does not have equal value, so consider the source. I spend most of my day debunking bad information or trying to put information in its proper perspective for people.”
14. By law, dog foods have to list ingredients, but that information doesn’t have to be specific, and says nothing about quality, digestibility, or bio-availability — the extent to which a nutrient can be used by the body.
15. Dog food labels list ingredients in order of how much the food contains. However, this can be misleading. If a label lists chicken, cornmeal, barley, oatmeal, and wheat, in that order, the food probably contains a larger proportion of grain than meat.
16. Choose a food that states on the package that it is formulated to meet nutritional requirements established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. “These are minimum requirements. I wouldn’t choose a food without that statement,” Nelson says.
17. Food ingredients with bad reputations, like byproducts and grains (including wheat and corn), aren’t necessarily bad and are fine for most healthy dogs, Remillard says.
18. Food allergies aren’t as prevalent as people think they are, Nelson says. “Some animals really do have food allergies, but they aren’t the cause of every problem.”
19. Organic food may be better for the environment, match a pet owner’s ethical choice, or fit into a certain lifestyle, but research hasn’t proven it is more nutritious than non-organic food.
20. “People like to talk about the wild, feral diet,” Remillard says. “Just because a diet is ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s optimal. Nutrition science allows dogs to live much longer and healthier lives than they did living from garbage can to garbage can, when their only evolutionary imperative was to reproduce as soon as possible.”
21. Different foods are appropriate for different dogs. “What applies to a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy doesn’t apply to a senior Chihuahua,” Remillard says. “A formula should fit your dog’s life stage, size, and health condition.”
22. Puppies need puppy food, and that applies to large- and giant-breed puppies, too, despite what some breeders and even vets might say, Larsen says. “Research has debunked the notion that large-breed puppies need less protein. Instead of an adult formula, choose a large-breed growth formula, which will be less energy dense, so you will be less likely to overfeed.”
23. Home-prepared pet food can be safe and nutritious if formulated to meet your dog’s individual needs, Remillard says. A veterinary nutritionist can formulate a diet for your dog.
24. The American College of Veterinary Nutrition advises that most commercial pet food is safe, but pet owners should keep an eye on websites that contain accurate, updated information about recalls. The American Veterinary Medical Association provides such information, as does the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
25. The contaminated wheat gluten implicated in the pet food recalls in spring 2007 was a human-grade ingredient. “Human-grade food products are just as likely, if not more likely, to be contaminated or be subject to a recall than pet food,” Remillard says.
26. Well-known pet food companies engaging in nutritional research with internal quality control procedures are likely to produce safe, high-quality, nutritionally complete dog food. For questions about quality control, check the company’s website or call the customer service number on the package.
27. Nutritionists still have a lot to learn, Remillard says. “We don’t yet know what the perfect canine diet is, and many more advancements are on the horizon, including some exciting things like how diet can actually influence how DNA is expressed.
Move it or lose it
28. Exercise is one of the most important ways to address behavioral problems. “It’s the first thing we look at when dealing with annoying behaviors,” says Joanne Reaney, owner of DogSports training and activity center in Lancaster, Pa. “Destructiveness and hyperactivity in particular can be caused by insufficient exercise.”
29. Active dogs can eat more, but small dogs need a surprisingly small amount of food to maintain weight if they aren’t exercising.
30. Walking is just as important as running or playing, Reaney says. “Walking wears them down physically and mentally.”
31. Dogs aren’t likely to get enough exercise alone in a fenced yard, Nelson says. “A walk provides sustained aerobic exercise. Otherwise, they might run the fence once or twice, but then are more likely to just amble about or lie down.”
32. Doggie daycare or day camp is a great way to keep dogs exercised. “When the dog is moving around all day, he won’t run around like a maniac when you get home,” Reaney says.
33. Couch potato dogs need to start slowly. “Gradually increase the length of walks, roll a ball instead of throwing it, and keep it low impact at first,” Reaney says. “Slowly introduce higher intensity activities.”
34. Dogs, just like people, can overtrain and burn out. “Keep exercise fun, not exhausting. Stop before the dog wants to stop so they are eager to do it again,” she says.
35. Of all the canine sports available to dogs, agility offers the best variety of physical and mental activity, says M. Christine Zink, D.V.M., a canine sports medicine consultant in Ellicott City, Md.
36. Puppies younger than 6 months should not be exercised for the purpose of conditioning for dog sports, Zink says. “Limit training to body awareness and good-citizen-type training, such as Sit, Down, Come, and walking on a leash.”
37. From 6 to 14 months, dogs can begin strength training and jump training, but no higher than elbow height, she says.
38. “Only after 14 months of age should dogs begin gentle endurance-aerobic training, such as running distances over a mile or two, and only then should they begin to train [for activities] where they bend their backs and jump full-height jumps,” Zink says.
39. Dogs lighter for their size tend to do better in sports, suffer fewer injuries, and have longer performance careers, Zink says. “A Corgi and a Papillon have the same job to do, but a Corgi weighs five times what a Papillon does.”
40. When in doubt about any information regarding nutrition or exercise advice for your dog, always ask your veterinarian.
Eve Adamson is a New York Times best-selling author, DOG FANCY contributing editor, and award-winning pet writer. She lives in Iowa City, Iowa.
What you should know about your dog’s food.
Sally Deneen
Knowing what to feed your dog may be one of the most confusing and conflicting areas of dog ownership. But it’s also one of the most important things you can do to positively impact your dog’s health and well-being. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the maze of canine nutrition, from choosing a food, reading a label and preparing a homemade diet, to staying up on commercial pet food recalls.
Choices abound
Store shelves heave with hundreds of dog foods, requiring choices beyond merely dry food versus canned. With so many offerings — exotic venison and bison, weight control formulas, dental diets, premium products, bargain fare and so on — how can you determine the best food for your dog?
Lots of pet owners don’t take at face value the claims they hear, whether from manufacturers, critics or ordinary websites purporting to offer expert advice. But there are some basic guidelines to consider:
Know your dog’s age, size and activity level. A gangly puppy with growing bones needs up to twice the energy intake as an adult, so choose a food formulated for pups. Small breeds — under 20 pounds — reach adult size in nine months to a year; giant breeds may take until age 2. Adult dogs with normal activity levels need a lower-energy diet, so look for foods marked with the term “maintenance.” Ask your veterinarian for guidance on whether to switch to a food specially formulated for seniors when your dog gets older. Generally, senior status occurs when dogs less than 50 pounds reach age 7, large dogs hit age 6 and giant breeds mark their fifth birthdays.
Healthy dogs need a high-quality, balanced diet. Dry or canned or pouch — it’s your call. Pick a brand that you’ve heard of, advises Ana Hill, DVM, Ph.D., who lectures on nutrition at Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences. Most well-known brands devote research to the product and have quality controls in place, creating consistency from container to container and better accountability, she says.
Look at the ingredients panel. Choose a food with the words “AAFCO” — the Association of American Feed Control Officials — printed on the label. This means the food meets the basic requirements for providing complete, balanced nutrition for dogs. Also check out the top four or five ingredients listed. Maybe you don’t want your dog eating “animal byproducts,” which may contain feet, heads and other parts — though the protein quality sometimes is superior to muscle meat, according to FDA Consumer magazine. Or maybe you prefer foods with natural preservatives such as vitamin C instead of BHA or BHT — though natural preservatives have a shorter shelf life. Go with a food whose ingredients you’re comfortable with. As long as the AAFCO assurance appears on the label, it’s really a matter of personal preference.
It is worthwhile, however, to keep an eye on which ingredients potentially contain the toxins that prompted the latest pet food recalls, advises board-certified veterinary nutritionist Tony Buffington, DVM, Ph.D., a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition and professor of clinical nutrition at Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital. Until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has assured consumers that the melamine-tainted wheat gluten and rice protein ingredients are no longer being used in pet foods, “I would not” feed products containing them, Buffington said in May. (To see a list of recalled dog foods, go to www.fda.gov)
Price isn’t everything. The most expensive foods aren’t necessarily best. Price is the last thing to consider. Nutrition and quality aren’t necessarily higher in pricier foods, Hill says. A better judge: Does the bag or can mention AAFCO, meaning the food is formulated to be complete and balanced? Foods that meet or exceed standards are generally priced in the same ballpark — $1 to $1.50 per pound for dry dog food; 75 cents to $1 for canned food, Hill says. “Premium,” “natural” and “gourmet” are marketing terms that aren’t regulated and have no standard meaning.
Keep your dog’s health problems in mind. Ask your veterinarian whether a special diet is advisable for your pet’s health issues. For instance, does your dog’s breath smell foul because of gum disease, which can lead to infections and other issues? The Veterinary Oral Health Council gives its seal of approval to 11 dog foods and treats that meet standards for retarding plaque and tartar (www.vohc.org/accepted_products.htm).
Factor in obesity risk, and make your dog work for his meal. An estimated 25 to 40 percent of dogs are overweight — which can lead to a host of problems, including diabetes, arthritis, herniated discs and ruptured ligaments. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs under a thin layer of fat. Preventing obesity is ideal, and as any human knows, it’s easier to keep off weight than to take it off. Ask your veterinarian whether she recommends feeding a “light” food.
Nutritionist Sarah Abood, DVM, Ph.D., of Michigan State University, suggests providing your dog thumbnail portions of regular food as treats, and making him do a trick for every meal. Give him the trio command: Sit, Down, Sit, which are like doggie pushups, Abood notes. It’s exercise — and fun.
In the end, there is no single best dog food. Every owner has his own preferences and often chooses foods based on personal experience, referrals from friends or recommendations from vets. And despite the high-profile pet food recall, it affected only about 1 percent of all commercial dog and cat food available at the time, and most recalled foods weren’t associated with illness or death, according to various sources, including the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. There are still many safe pet foods and treats available, assures the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Sally Deneen is a DOG FANCY contributing editor.
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Grooming and housebreaking
