In This Issue

● Coronavirus In Dogs
● The Trouble With Dry Kibble
● Therapy Pups In Training
● Senior Dog Training Tips
● Why Dogs Eat Grass
● DIY Valentine Cookies For Dogs

Recent Food Recalls

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

HEALTH ALERT #1

Is Your Dog At Risk For Coronavirus?

You can’t turn on the television or peruse Google News without seeing reports about the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak. As frightening as it is for our own health, many pet parents are also concerned it could affect their dogs.

In China, masks originally designed to protect dogs from air pollution are flying off the shelves as owners scramble to protect their pups.

The issue is a complicated one because the Coronavirus is actually a family of viruses with many strains. Like many other viruses, some strains affect humans, some affect animals, and some can spread between species.

Is the recent Coronavirus outbreak a threat to your dog? And if so, what steps can you take to protect them?

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Begin acclimating your puppy to the tooth brush as early as 8 weeks of age to kick off a lifetime of dental health!

HEALTH ALERT #2

The Trouble With Kibble: What Every Dog Parent Should Know About Dry Dog Food

Discerning pet parents already know all dog food is not created equal, but have you ever considered the differences between dry kibble, canned food, fresh homemade food and raw?

Isn’t it strange that so many of us feed our dogs the same preservative-laden kernels day after day when their digestive systems are so similar to our own?

This post explores 4 lesser-known issues with kibble, and offers a potential solution that may be far healthier for your dog.

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

If your dog eats grass there is definitely a problem with their health.

1. True
2. False

Not sure? Read on to find the answer!

IN THE NEWS

Therapy Pups In Training Join Professional Sports Teams

The Washington Capitals welcomed a new team member this week. He’s a bit smaller – and furrier – than the other players, but he sure is cute!

Scout is an 8-week-old Yellow Labrador who will live with and be raised by Monumental Sports Entertainment while he undergoes training to become a service dog.

Service dog training takes 14 to 16 months of vigorous work, but at the end Scout will become a lifeline for a veteran or first responder with disabilities.

Until then, he will join the team’s other therapy-pooch-in-training, a Yellow Lab named Captain, at home games and community events.

Learn more about Scout and Captain, and find out which other professional sports team is raising a therapy dog for our American heroes!

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Give your dog a dental toy and let them brush while they play!

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

Top 10 Tips For Training A Senior Dog

You absolutely CAN teach an old dog new tricks! In many ways, training a senior dog is easier than teaching a younger pup. Older dogs tend to have a calmer, more-controlled energy and a better attention span.

While they are mentally prepared to tackle any challenge, senior dogs do have some physical limitations to consider.

Check out the top 10 ways you can help your sweet senior succeed at any training task.

VET CORNER

5 Theories On Why Dogs Eat Grass

by Dr. Kathryn Primm

Scientists love to study dogs, and there is little about them scientific research cannot explain. However, even the best and brightest canine researchers cannot crack the mystery of why dogs eat grass.

Many people believe they do it to sooth a sour stomach or clear out intestinal parasites. Or maybe they just like the taste.

Veterinarian, Dr. Kathryn Primm covers the most likely theories behind this curious behavior.

TIS THE SEASON

DIY Healthy Heart-Shaped Valentine Cookies For Dogs

Valentine’s Day is almost here and no one deserves a special treat more than our loyal, loving pups!

The adorable heart-shaped cookies in this recipe feature a festive pink “frosting” made from yogurt and beet juice. How cute and creative is that?!

All ingredients are safe and healthy for the average pooch, but you may want to use a grain-free flour if your dog has food sensitivities. As always, be sure to choose a peanut butter free from artificial sweeteners like Xylitol!

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:

2. False. While scientists cannot pinpoint the exact reason(s) dogs eat grass, Dr. Kathryn Primm says it is not necessarily a cause for concern. She writes:

“You can rest assured that grass eating is a common behavior of normal, healthy dogs. If your dog seems sick or vomits more than occasionally (whether associated with grass eating or not), you should see a veterinarian.”

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