What if I told you that some of your favorite snacks come in packaging so dangerous, it could end your dog’s life in under 5 minutes?

While accidental suffocation is rare, it does happen; and with Halloween approaching, potential hazards will be everywhere.

A 2-year-old Corgi named Vixie passed away this year after getting her head trapped inside a chip bag.

When asked about the case, Dr. Michelle Gonzales explained: “What will happen is they will get their whole face inside of [the bag] and as they breathe in, they create negative pressure inside of the bag and they suffocate.”

Any dog of any age, size, or personality type can succumb to bag suffocation. Some dogs nab the bag out of the trash, others get into bags on counters, coffee tables, or in kids’ backpacks. And it isn’t just chip bags that pose a risk: candy, produce, bread, and shopping bags are also dangerous.

Read more about protecting your dog from suffocation.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Does your pup need to shed a few pounds? Try replacing a handful of kibble for some chopped carrots or green beans.

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

Allowing Dogs To Sniff Helps Them Think Positively

New research shows that allowing dogs to exercise their noses is good for them.

Most dogs like to sniff when they’re on the go. It’s been estimated that they sniff around 33% of the time when they’re moving here and there and this is how they pick up all sorts of information from their environment and the other dogs they encounter.

When rushed along, they don’t get to savor and properly assess and process various odors, and who knows what this does to them? Could this form of sensory deprivation be psychologically devastating, since they lose detailed information about their social and nonsocial worlds? Read on…

VET CORNER

Why 84% of Pet Owners Don’t Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets

by Dr. Karen Becker

Contrary to what many pet parents have been told and many veterinarians still believe, aging pets need more protein than their younger counterparts, and the quality is vitally important.

Dr. Becker writes:

Studies point to an increased need for protein as your pet ages.The reason senior dog food formulas have reduced protein content is based on flawed logic.

The exceptionally poor quality protein used in most commercial pet foods is difficult for the bodies of even young, healthy pets to process. Rendered protein sources put chronic strain on your dog’s kidneys and liver as her body attempts to digest and assimilate food that is not biologically suitable.

Years of a diet based on terrible quality, rendered protein compromises kidney and liver function, which is why commercial ‘senior’ dog foods contain less protein than adult maintenance formulas.

It’s an unfortunate situation, because your dog actually needs more protein as she ages – not less — in order to maintain healthy lean muscle mass and good organ and immune function.

Learn more about choosing the best diet for your aging dog.

TIS THE SEASON

The DO’s & DON’T’s For Halloween Safety From Veterinarian, Dr. Katherine Primm

DO:

Consider your dog’s personality. If you have a shy, fearful dog, he might not enjoy all the crowds. He may be happier given an option to hide in a safe place with low music to drown out the sound of visitors.

Include your outgoing dog. Most dogs love to be a part of festivities. If you have an outgoing and friendly dog, consider finding a comfy and durable costume for her to wear to make people notice and speak to her.

Allow your fearful dog to skip the festivities. Costumed figures may appear threatening to your dog, so if he barks or backs away, let him retreat to a safe distance without confrontation. Forcing interaction scares dogs and could get someone hurt.

Keep decorations and candy out of reach. Do not forget that your dog will be eye level with the things that are below yours. Halloween decorations and candy can pose a risk to a curious or hungry dog.

DON’T:

Don’t let your dog outside without a leash and ID. It is easy for a dog to slip out of a door that’s being opened so often. Make sure your pup is correctly identified and microchipped in case he does slip away.

Don’t forget to survey the area for hazards. Things besides the candy can be dangerous for dogs. Empty candy bags and shopping bags can become a suffocation hazard. Other overlooked Halloween dangers can include glow sticks or dry ice.

Don’t leave dogs unattended. Dogs can knock over candles creating a fire hazard. Even if you have a shy dog that prefers to be alone, don’t forget to check in on her regularly.

Do YOU have a question or topic you’d like The Healthy Hound to address in an upcoming newsletter? Reply to this email and let us know!

Quiz Answer:

3. More Protein. Contrary to popular belief a healthy senior dog’s diet should contain more protein as they age.

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