When the days start getting longer and the sun seems to shine just a little brighter, I know summer is approaching. More importantly, it’s pool time. Countless hours in the pool with my two favorite fur balls. In and out of the pool, chasing a ball or some improvised chew toy. Their coats hold so much water, that each time they get out of the pool, I swear I see the water level drop an inch. I love it. What … Read more
Is your dog less active or having trouble with everyday activities like rising after sleeping, climbing stairs, and hopping in and out of the car? Pain caused by the degeneration of joint tissue is very common in older dogs. While pharmaceutical drugs offer relief, they also carry the risk of serious side effects leading many vets and pet parents to seek out natural supplements like Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM. Cartilage – the moist, spongy tissue that cushions the joints – … Read more
We know it by many names and fear it by them all. Cancer. The word alone has the power to conjure up deep and dark feelings in those of us whose lives have been impacted by it, which is most of us. Statistics show that the majority of American families have relatives who have been diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, our canine family members are at risk in high numbers as well. Stats vary largely depending on breed, but overall between … Read more
Does your dog chew her paws? Is she always biting at her feet, no matter how much you encourage her otherwise? Does nonstop paw licking drive you and the dog to madness? Licking and biting of the toes and paws is a common behavior among dogs. While some degree of licking is considered normal, dogs with red, swollen paws or chronic saliva staining likely have an underlying medical problem. If this sounds like the state of your dog’s feet, it … Read more
Keeping track of everything your pet needs to stay healthy can be tricky. There’s a lot to know and understand, and getting your facts straight is key to having a happy dog. One of the health-related topics pet owners often get confused about is the need for prebiotics. No, that wasn’t a typo. You’ve heard of probiotics, but prebiotics are different. Both prebiotics and probiotics are essential for canine gut health, but the majority of dogs in the U.S. are … Read more
Thanks to technological advances, pet parents have the option to conveniently feed their pups pre-packaged food rather than having them hunt for meals themselves. While this makes life easier for us and our domesticated friends, there’s one small issue: prepared foods don’t contain all the digestive enzymes that they need for a balanced and healthy gut. What are digestive enzymes? According to Dr. Karen Becker in an article by Mercola Healthy Pets, these are the four major digestive enzymes: Protease – … Read more
There are so many supplements being marketed toward dogs these days. How can you possibly know which one or ones are the best for your dog? While each dog has his own health, nutrition, and supplemental needs that you should discuss with your vet before adding supplements to your dog’s diet, one veterinarian believes that nearly every dog in the country would benefit from one supplement in particular. Which one would that be? Read on to find out! Dr. Karen … Read more
There are many supplements on the market these days for both dogs and humans. Are they all necessary? Is it possible to give your dog too many supplements? Is there such a thing as overdosing on a supplement? What about mixing medications with supplements? We know you have questions, and we aim to provide answers. After all, you just want to do what’s best for your dog. What is a supplement? According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): “The … Read more
Approximately 70% of a dog’s immune cells reside in the gut, so it is extremely important to their overall wellness that digestive health is maintained. For this reason, veterinarians often recommend probiotics for their canine patients in addition to a healthy diet. Probiotics balance the “good” and “bad” bacteria in the gut in order to protect the dog’s natural defenses, promote digestive heath, and keep the body working to its full potential. According to Dr. Marcella D. Ridgway, Associate Professor of … Read more
As our dogs age, they undergo many of the same changes as humans. Their metabolism slows, potentially causing weight gain; the cartilage in their joints breaks down leading to osteoarthritis; their delicate immune systems become more susceptible to disease; and many experience the heartbreaking symptoms of canine dementia. While we cannot stop time, we can help slow its effects with the right combination of diet, exercise, preventive veterinary care and high-quality supplements. The following five supplements are among the most … Read more
You go out of your way to make sure your dog lives the best life possible, and taking care of their digestive health is an important part of that. How they absorb nutrients and breakdown food affects nearly all aspects of their overall health. If you want to give your dog a happy and healthy life, it’s time to consider all the many benefits of probiotics. What To Know About Probiotics Probiotics are the good bacteria found in the digestive … Read more
Probiotics are popular among humans, but did you know they can also help your dog? To be clear, feeding your companion probiotics formulated for humans is not recommended — the healthy flora in the gut is different in humans and dogs. But with that said, the benefits of taking a species-specific probiotic supplement are very similar! How can probiotics help my pooch? Probiotics are known for supporting gut health, which starts a ripple effect: regular, solid bowel movements, happier tummies, … Read more
You may have heard some of the health benefits of bone broth and thought it might be beneficial for your pup. After doing some research and deciding to add it to your dog’s diet, the next question is: How much bone broth should I feed my dog? And then: How much bone broth is too much? How much bone broth should I feed my dog? The short answer is that everything is best in moderation, but you shouldn’t stress about … Read more
If you’ve ever taken antibiotics or steroids, you know that they can do wonders for illness, but can also wreak havoc on your stomach and digestive system! The same can be true for your dog, especially if they cycle through the medication regularly. The big difference is, your pooch has no way to tell you he’s still not feeling well even after he gets a clean bill of health. But as an informed pup parent, you can help ease the … Read more
Up to 80% of a dog’s immune system is located in the gastrointestinal tract, so maintaining digestive health means far more than just preventing upset bellies and loose stools. Probiotics replenish the levels of healthy bacterial flora in the GI tract and prevent the “bad” bacteria from taking over. Dogs with unbalanced flora levels experience digestive problems and are more susceptible to illness. In general, probiotics are a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, no matter the issue – but … Read more
In recent years, bone broth has become increasingly popular among senior dog owners. Our recent survey to iHeartDogs readers shows that many dog parents see benefits in the following areas: Appetite encouragement: Bone broth is a perfect meal for senior dogs that are picky eaters, or simply don’t have an appetite. Digestive health: Bone broth is rich in glycine from gelatin and helps support a healthy metabolism. Supports healthy and flexible joints: Glucosamine and collagen are key nutrients in bone broth, and in … Read more
If your dog frequently chews on his paws, you know how painful it is to watch, let alone how excruciating it can be for your pup. Once you’ve ruled out infections, and environmental/food allergens, one of the most effective ways to soothe the itch is to ensure your dog is getting enough essential fatty acids in his diet. Sadly, most dogs aren’t. Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids are derived from fish oils and plant-based sources. They benefit dogs’ skin … Read more
You’re used to the shedding, but some dogs suffer from more extreme cases of hair loss. Patches of missing fur on your pup’s chest, belly, shoulders, or legs could mean a number of different things. Infections, irritations, and allergies all cause bald spots, and there’s also the risk of your dog developing painful hot spots. You’ll need to discern the exact cause of the issue to find the most efficient solution, but there’s one nutrient that could help bring back … Read more
Of all the potential problems facing senior dogs, household accidents may be the most preventable. As dogs age, their risk of injuries caused by slips and falls on tile, hardwood, and laminate floors increases. These surfaces can be difficult for any dog, but seniors have the added challenges of achy, unstable joints and decreased confidence in their mobility. Canines have thick nails designed to dig into the soft earth for traction. As they walk their toes flex, gripping the ground … Read more
#1: For Maximum Efficacy, Choose a Supplement for Your Chinese Crested with Multiple Active Ingredients When most people think of a joint supplement for their chinese crested, glucosamine comes to mind. And while glucosamine is the most popular active ingredient, other powerful nutraceuticals include MSM, chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin). If your supplement contains only one or two of these, you may be missing potential benefits. Different dogs respond to different treatments, so when in doubt, offer a broad spectrum of nutrients. #2: … Read more
#1: For Maximum Efficacy, Choose a Supplement for Your Yorkie with Multiple Active Ingredients When most people think of a joint supplement for their yorkie, glucosamine comes to mind. And while glucosamine is the most popular active ingredient, other powerful nutraceuticals include MSM, chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin). If your supplement contains only one or two of these, you may be missing potential benefits. Different dogs respond to different treatments, so when in doubt, offer a broad spectrum of nutrients. #2: Always Check … Read more
#1: For Maximum Efficacy, Choose a Supplement for Your Weimaraner with Multiple Active Ingredients When most people think of a joint supplement for their weimaraner, glucosamine comes to mind. And while glucosamine is the most popular active ingredient, other powerful nutraceuticals include MSM, chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin). If your supplement contains only one or two of these, you may be missing potential benefits. Different dogs respond to different treatments, so when in doubt, offer a broad spectrum of nutrients. #2: Always Check … Read more
#1: For Maximum Efficacy, Choose a Supplement for Your Staffordshire Bull Terrier with Multiple Active Ingredients When most people think of a joint supplement for their staffordshire bull terrier, glucosamine comes to mind. And while glucosamine is the most popular active ingredient, other powerful nutraceuticals include MSM, chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin). If your supplement contains only one or two of these, you may be missing potential benefits. Different dogs respond to different treatments, so when in doubt, offer a broad spectrum of … Read more
#1: For Maximum Efficacy, Choose a Supplement for Your Shih Tzu with Multiple Active Ingredients When most people think of a joint supplement for their shih tzu, glucosamine comes to mind. And while glucosamine is the most popular active ingredient, other powerful nutraceuticals include MSM, chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin). If your supplement contains only one or two of these, you may be missing potential benefits. Different dogs respond to different treatments, so when in doubt, offer a broad spectrum of nutrients. #2: … Read more
#1: For Maximum Efficacy, Choose a Supplement for Your Chow Chow with Multiple Active Ingredients When most people think of a joint supplement for their chow chow, glucosamine comes to mind. And while glucosamine is the most popular active ingredient, other powerful nutraceuticals include MSM, chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin). If your supplement contains only one or two of these, you may be missing potential benefits. Different dogs respond to different treatments, so when in doubt, offer a broad spectrum of nutrients. #2: … Read more
#1: For Maximum Efficacy, Choose a Supplement for Your Chihuahua with Multiple Active Ingredients When most people think of a joint supplement for their chihuahua, glucosamine comes to mind. And while glucosamine is the most popular active ingredient, other powerful nutraceuticals include MSM, chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin). If your supplement contains only one or two of these, you may be missing potential benefits. Different dogs respond to different treatments, so when in doubt, offer a broad spectrum of nutrients. #2: Always Check … Read more
#1: For Maximum Efficacy, Choose a Supplement for Your Shiba Inu with Multiple Active Ingredients When most people think of a joint supplement for their shiba inu, glucosamine comes to mind. And while glucosamine is the most popular active ingredient, other powerful nutraceuticals include MSM, chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin). If your supplement contains only one or two of these, you may be missing potential benefits. Different dogs respond to different treatments, so when in doubt, offer a broad spectrum of nutrients. #2: … Read more
#1: For Maximum Efficacy, Choose a Supplement for Your Sheltie with Multiple Active Ingredients When most people think of a joint supplement for their sheltie, glucosamine comes to mind. And while glucosamine is the most popular active ingredient, other powerful nutraceuticals include MSM, chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin). If your supplement contains only one or two of these, you may be missing potential benefits. Different dogs respond to different treatments, so when in doubt, offer a broad spectrum of nutrients. #2: Always Check … Read more
#1: For Maximum Efficacy, Choose a Supplement for Your Shar Pei with Multiple Active Ingredients When most people think of a joint supplement for their shar pei, glucosamine comes to mind. And while glucosamine is the most popular active ingredient, other powerful nutraceuticals include MSM, chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin). If your supplement contains only one or two of these, you may be missing potential benefits. Different dogs respond to different treatments, so when in doubt, offer a broad spectrum of nutrients. #2: … Read more
#1: For Maximum Efficacy, Choose a Supplement for Your Schnauzer with Multiple Active Ingredients When most people think of a joint supplement for their schnauzer, glucosamine comes to mind. And while glucosamine is the most popular active ingredient, other powerful nutraceuticals include MSM, chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin). If your supplement contains only one or two of these, you may be missing potential benefits. Different dogs respond to different treatments, so when in doubt, offer a broad spectrum of nutrients. #2: Always Check … Read more
