In This Issue

● Drinking Water Safety
● Signs Of Strokes In Dogs
● Doggy Smart Toilet
● How To “Own The Door”
● Vet Corner: Pancreatitis
● Reader Q: Minimizing Shedding

Recent Food Recalls

01/16/2020 – UK Happy Hounds Frozen Raw Dog Food
01/16/2020 – Black Hawk Dry Dog Food
02/07/2020 – UK Happy Hounds Frozen Raw Dog Food
09/26/2019 – Performance Dog Raw Pet Food
08/31/2019 – Aunt Jeni’s Frozen Raw Dog Food

HEALTH ALERT #1

Is Your Dog’s Drinking Water Safe?

Dogs drink out of toilets and puddles, so tap water must be perfectly safe for them…right?

Unfortunately, many of the contaminants that find their way into our faucets can have negative effects on our dogs.

In addition to dangerous chemicals, bacteria, parasites, and heavy metals, minerals in the public water supply can cause major issues for dogs prone to urinary tract infections and bladder stones.

Experts weigh in on the potential dangers and how to keep your dog safe from the invisible threats lurking in their water bowls.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

To tell if your dog is dehydrated, lift up the skin between the shoulder blades – it should instantly go back down, just like the skin on the back of your hand.

HEALTH ALERT #2

How To Recognize The Signs Of Stroke In Dogs

Most people have heard of the acronym FAST which stands for Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time to call emergency services. While this mnemonic could save a human’s life during a stroke, the signs are far different in dogs.

In fact, strokes in dogs are often overlooked or mistaken for another less serious health problem. Since treatment time is the most important factor in stroke recovery, it is vital that dog owners recognize the signs and know how to respond.

Learn the underlying causes of strokes in dogs, how to recognize the symptoms, and what to do to save your dog’s life.

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

What is it called when double-coated dog breeds seasonally shed their undercoat?

1. Fur Blast
2. Coat Shed
3. Coat Blow

Not sure? Read on to find the answer!

IN THE NEWS

The World’s First “Smart Toilet” For Dogs Has Arrived

Let’s face it, getting our dogs outside to potty in a timely fashion is not always an easy feat. Busy schedules, inclement weather, and the occasional sick day can leave our pups frantically scratching at the back door.

That’s where Inubox comes in. Dubbed “the world’s first smart toilet for dogs,” it consists of a hinged platform that senses the dog’s presence as well as any solid or liquid waste.

Once the dog steps off the platform, Inubox automatically gets rid of the waste, seals it in a disposal bag, cleans and sterilizes the platform, and even dispenses a treat for your dog!

The creators of Inubox are currently between Kickstarter campaigns, but they hope to relaunch soon. For now, you can learn more about this innovative invention here.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Repurpose your dog’s excess hair by nesting it around the bases of your plants to protect them from parasites.

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

How To Teach Your Dog Doorway Manners

Dog trainers are often asked how to prevent dogs from crowding the front door, leaping on guests, barking at the doorbell, and bolting at every opportunity. All of these issues fall under the training category of “doorway manners.”

While the behaviors listed are normal, they are also among the most dangerous for you, your family and guests, and even the dog itself. Leaping and crowding can cause injuries to all involved, and dogs can be hit by cars or become lost if they bolt through an open door.

Professional dog trainer, Kristina Lotz describes how to first “manage the door,” and then progress to training desired doorway manners.

VET CORNER

An Open Letter From Your Dog’s Pancreas

by Dr. Jason Nicholas

Veterinarian, Dr. Jason Nicholas of Preventive Vet has an excellent sense of humor about a very serious subject: Pancreatitis.

His post, An Open Letter From Your Dog’s Pancreas, addresses the owner-induced causes of this potentially deadly and chronic illness. You see, most dogs with pancreatitis become ill from eating fatty table scraps.

“What really bothers me, what really hurts me, what really inflames me are all of the “extra special” treats — the bacon and sausage, the prime rib leftovers and steak bones, the scraps from your holiday feasts,” Dr. Nicholas writes. “Please stop, you’re killing me! Literally.”

For those hoping to learn more about the symptoms, risk factors, and treatments of pancreatitis, Dr. Nicholas recommends this extensive post by his colleague, Christopher G. Byers, DVM.

READER QUESTION

Why Does My Dog Shed So Much?

A Healthy Hound reader asks:

“My one-year-old American Bulldog sheds like crazy. I vacuum and the next day my floor is full of dog hair. I feed her high quality dry dog food and she exercises daily. Why does she shed so much?”

All dogs shed, but some definitely seem to shed more than others. Double-coated breeds such as Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, and Akitas experience seasonal “coat blow” where they shed massive amounts of hair in order to adjust to the changing weather.

Excessive shedding can also be caused by poor diet, autoimmune disease, allergies, or flea infestation. The best way to determine the root cause of your dog’s heavy shedding is to visit your veterinarian.

In addition, the following tips will help make your dog’s coat healthier and stronger, which may in turn reduce shedding.

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:

3. Coat Blow. This phenomenon is defined as the seasonal shedding of the undercoat, typically in the spring and fall. The process empties the hair follicles and prepares them for new growth.

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