In This Issue

● Lumps & Bumps & Spots, Oh My!
● Petition: No More Dogs Out In The Cold
● The Podcast For Dogs
● Review.com’s Best Dog Foods
● Diseases Pets Can Give To People
● How To Socialize A Rescue Dog

Recent Food Recalls

01/16/20 – Happy Hounds Frozen Raw Food (UK)
01/16/20 – Black Hawk Dry Dog Food (Aus/NZ)
09/26/19 – Performance Raw Dog Food
08/31/19 – Aunt Jeni’s Frozen Raw Dog Food

HEALTH ALERT

What Every Dog Parent Should Know About Their Pup’s Lumps & Bumps

Big lumps, small lumps, hard lumps, soft lumps, etc.

Dogs are prone to a wide variety of lumps and bumps, especially as they get older. Some are just a part of life, and others are cause for concern.

If your dog has a new or changing lump, make note of:

• Whether the lump appeared suddenly
• Whether its shape, color, or size has changed
• Whether there are changes in your dog’s behavior, appetite or energy level

Schedule a visit with your vet. He or she will do a full exam and determine if treatment or a biopsy are warranted.

In the meantime, here are some of the most common lumps and bumps dog parents may discover, and what they typically mean for your pooch.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Italian researchers found that dogs wag their tails slightly to the right when they see something they like and to the left when something makes them nervous.

PETITION:

You Can Help Make It Illegal To Leave Dogs Out In The Cold!

Despite the extreme temperatures many regions face, only 19 states have laws regulating how long dogs can be left tethered outside. Of these laws, only a few mention extreme weather.

Just because dogs have a built-in fur coat does NOT mean they do not suffer in harsh weather conditions. If you’re cold outside for long periods of time, your dog is too!

Leaving a dog out in the cold risks both their health and their happiness.​ Sign the Care2 petition to improve tethering laws nationwide!

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

True or False: The FDA allows commercial dog food to contain small amounts of toxic additives such as propylene glycol.

• True
• False

Not sure? Read on to find the answer!

IN THE NEWS

New Podcast Is Designed To Soothe Dogs Left Home Alone

Podcasts are all the rage for humans so the folks at Spotify decided to produce one for dogs, too.

“My Dog’s Favourite Podcast” was designed to promote relaxation and cover the nerve-wracking sounds of the outside world when dogs are home alone.

The podcast is based on research conducted by University of York psychologist, Alex Benjamin who explored the role of human voices in stimulating animal behavior.

The series includes reassuring voice messages and specially commissioned music by composer Daniel Knight.

So far, actors Jessica Raine from Call the Midwife and Ralph Ineson from the UK version of The Office have narrated for the podcast.

There are currently four episodes of “My Dog’s Favourite Podcast” available on Spotify.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

If your dog pulls ahead on their leash, stop walking and offer a treat right next to your leg. This will help teach them to stay by your side.

NUTRITION

Reviews.com Finds Only 20% Of Dog Foods “Satisfactory” – See The Best Of The Best

Reviews.com studied 3,009 different dog food formulas sold in the United States. Based on their criteria, only 593 were satisfactory.

The team ruled out foods that listed any potentially toxic ingredients, low quality meats or meals, formulas with mostly plant-based protein sources, and several more less-than-deal ingredient categories.

Their top choices scored highly in categories such as:

• Made ONLY from ingredients that are safe for dogs
• Contain a significant amount of protein that comes from a named meat
• Have some plant-based ingredients, but will not rely on plants for the majority of it’s protein content
• Not contain artificial additives that may be harmful if fed to your pup over time, etc.

Find out Reviews.com’s top picks for Best Puppy Food, Best Dry Dog Food, Best Grain Free Food, and more.

VET CORNER

Diseases People Can Catch from Dogs and Cats

by Dr. Jennifer Coates

We love to hug and kiss our dogs, and even share our beds with them. While this is often perfectly safe, there are a few zoonotic diseases (transmissible between different species) pet parents should know about.

Most people are aware that a bite from a strange animal could potentially spread the Rabies virus, but did you know that MRSA can be spread back and forth between people and pets? How about certain intestinal parasites?

Dr. Jennifer Coates has the lowdown on eight of the most common zoonotic diseases.

READER QUESTION

How Do You Socialize A Rescue Dog?

Many rescue dogs, through no fault of their own, miss the crucial socialization period during their early development. While this is not ideal, it is never too late to socialize your rescue pooch.

The key to socializing an adult rescue dog is to be patient and understand that reconditioning does not happen overnight.

Some rescue pawrents find that working with a professional trainer helps keep them on the right track.

Do you have a question or topic you’d like The Healthy Hound to address in an upcoming newsletter? Click here to let us know!

Quiz Answer:

True. According to Reviews.com, the FDA allows small doses of some additives that could be toxic to dogs to remain in commercial foods. Propylene glycol, which is added for moisture, can cause irritation or organ toxicity in large doses.

Sharing is Caring!

The Healthy Hound Newsletter is currently invitation only. Send the following link to a friend to invite them to subscribe!

iheartdogs.co/TheHealthyHoundInvite