In This Issue

● Corona-Sniffing Dogs
● Paralyzed Pup Walks Again
● Therapy Dogs Go Virtual
● Impressive Tricks To Teach Your Pup
● Pros & Cons Of Elevated Dog Bowls
● Design A Doggy Easter Egg Hunt

Recent Food Recalls

3/23/20 – IcelandicPlus Fish Treats
2/07/20 – UK Happy Hounds Frozen Raw Dog Food
1/16/20 – Black Hawk Dry Dog Food
9/26/19 – Performance Dog Raw Pet Food

HEALTH ALERT #1

Dogs Are Being Trained To Sniff Out The Coronavirus In Humans

Every day, dogs save lives with their noses. Some pups are trained to sniff out explosives and dangerous narcotics, while others can sense impending seizures or detect certain cancers with incredible accuracy.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the shortage of test kits, the non-profit group, Medical Detection Dogs is partnering with Durham University and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) to see if dogs can be trained to sniff out COVID-19 in humans.

According to the BBC, Medical Detection Dogs has successfully trained canines to detect malaria, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease just by sniffing the patient. Since each disease has its own scent, they are hopeful dogs can learn to “safely catch the odor of the virus from patients.”

Find out how COVID-19 sniffing dogs could help medical professionals put this pandemic in our past.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Dog toys are not regulated and may contain harmful materials. Look for toys made in the USA from 100% natural rubber, organic cotton, or other non-toxic materials.

HEALTH ALERT #2

Paralyzed Dog Beats All The Odds & Walks Again

5-year-old Bubba was playing fetch with his family when he suddenly collapsed. With no prior warning, he suffered a canine fibrocartilaginous embolism, a condition that blocks the blood vessels traveling through the spinal column.

The prognosis was devastating: Bubba would never walk or even wag his tail again.

Despite the news, his owners were not ready to give up. Entrusting his round-the-clock care to the veterinary team, they could only keep their fingers crossed and hope for the best.

Then one day, with a simple thump of his tail, Bubba blew everyone’s expectations out of the water. Learn more about his incredible recovery and how he’s doing today.

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

Which dogs are at risk for deadly bloat?

1. Barrel-Chested Breeds
2. Giant Breeds
3. All Dogs

Not sure? Read on to find the answer!

IN THE NEWS

Therapy Dogs Go Virtual As The Country Goes Into Quarantine

Therapy dogs are moving online as healthcare facilities restrict visitors in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Divine Canines is a Texas-based therapy dog organization with more than 150 certified volunteer dog-and-handler pairs. At least a few dozen have gone virtual to spread some joy to socially isolated patients.

While screen time cannot compare to an in-person encounter, the virtual visits will allow therapy dogs to reach an even wider range of people including immuno-compromised patients who cannot receive live visitors.

Virtual visits from Divine Canines aren’t just for hospitalized patients. Those feeling isolated, anxious or depressed at home can also get in on the action with daily Facebook videos from a variety of furry volunteers.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Dog have a high prey drive? Mimic the thrill of the chase with a flirt pole or game of fetch with a realistic squeaky toy.

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

Impress Your Friends With These 10 Amazing Dog Tricks

Dogs love to learn new tricks. Not only do they get your undivided attention during training sessions, the high-value treats don’t hurt either!

If your pup has already mastered the basics, why not work on a few new challenges? The tricks in this post won’t earn them a spot on The World’s Most Talented Pets, but they will definitely impress your friends.

Best of all, training sessions are a wonderful way to strengthen the bond you share with your dog.

VET CORNER

Should Your Dog Eat From An Elevated Bowl?

by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker

If you have a large or giant breed dog, your vet may have discussed whether or not to use elevated bowls. These raised feeders help relieve strain on the neck, back, and legs.

Sounds good, right? Unfortunately, some veterinarians believe this method of feeding can cause a potentially deadly condition called Gastric Dilation Vovulus, commonly known as bloat.

Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with air causing it to twist around on itself and cut off vital blood supply. It is a critical emergency that claims the lives of up to 50% of afflicted dogs.

However, not all vets agree that elevated feeders are the problem. Many, like Dr. Karen Becker of Mercola Healthy Pets, believe it has more to do with other factors including the speed at which a dog eats.

Dr. Becker offers her professional advice on which bowls are safest for your dog.

TIS THE SEASON

Design An Exciting Easter Egg Hunt For Your Dog

Each spring, the Austin Animal Center holds an adorable Easter event for the dogs in their care. Volunteers hide hundreds of colorful plastic eggs stuffed with goodies for the adoptable pups to hunt down.

Sadly, the event, and those like it across the country, have been canceled due to the coronavirus. But that doesn’t mean you can’t create your own doggy Easter egg hunt at home!

Not only is it fun for the whole family, sniffing out hidden treats is a great way to introduce your dog to the sport of nose work.

Pro Tip: If you worry your dog may try to eat the plastic eggs, you can hide the treats loose or load them into a puzzle toy or snuffle mat instead!

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. All Dogs. While barrel-chested and giant breed dogs are at the highest risk for bloat, absolutely any dog can potentially develop this deadly condition.

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