In This Issue

● Study: ‘Dogs Resistant To COVID-19’
● Help For Spring Allergies
● Reducing Pet Stress At Home
● Does Tug-Of-War Cause Aggression?
● Common Causes Of Canine Coughing
● Recipe: Jiggly Chicken Jello Treats

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

Study: Dogs Are “Not Really Susceptible” To The Virus That Causes COVID-19

A small study conducted at the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute in China examined the susceptibility of a number of species to COVID-19, including cats and dogs.

They found that cats can be infected with the coronavirus and may be able to spread it to other cats via respiratory droplets. However, none of the cats from the study showed outward signs of illness.

The test dogs were more resistant. Three were inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19 – and housed with two dogs not exposed to the virus.

After a week, the virus was not detected in any of the dogs. Not only did the infected dogs resist the virus, the control dogs also remained uninfected.

Despite the feline findings there is still absolutely no evidence that pets can transmit COVID-19 to humans. According to veterinary microbiologist, Glenn Browning, “People appear to pose more risk to their pets than they do to us.”

Learn more about the study and how COVID-19 affects dogs and cats.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Grooming your dog at home? Place them on an elevated surface to mimic the grooming table.

HEALTH ALERT #2

Spring Allergies Bothering Your Dog? This Could Help

Is your pup scratching or biting their paws? Most likely, this is a sign of spring allergies.

You’ve probably heard of the benefits of fish oil, but did you know the Omega-3 fatty acids found in krill are up to three times more potent?

Omega-3 fights the inflammation that causes itchiness and allergies. (It also supports healthy joints and helps stave off arthritis in older pups). Sadly, kibble does NOT contain adequate omega-3 because the cooking and storage process kills it off.

Interested in trying krill oil for your dog? You can learn more about the brand we use here.

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

This recurrent, episodic cough sounds like a goose honk and is common in small breed dogs.

1. Pneumonia
2. Collapsing Trachea
3. Reverse Sneeze

Not sure? Read on to find the answer!

IN THE NEWS

Reducing Your Dog’s Stress While Social Distancing At Home

Dogs may have a limited understanding of human vocabulary, but they are experts at sensing emotion in our voice. They can also read our body language and facial expressions better than most humans.

Unfortunately, our anxiety takes its toll on our furry friends. According to veterinary behaviorist, Liz Stelow of UC Davis, the stress we experience trickles down to them. In order to cope, they act out behaviorally with nuisance barking, chewing, digging, biting, fighting, and more.

James Summey, owner of JTS Dog Training in Sacramento, recommends cutting our pups some slack. “Repetition, patience, consistency … that’s what I encourage for all of my clients,” he told CapRadio.

In addition to sticking to a familiar routine, Summey and Stelow offer advice and resources for dealing with stress while quarantining with your dog.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Prevent “poop butt” with this simple sanitary trim you can do at home.

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

Does Playing Tug-Of-War Encourage Canine Aggression?

Some people believe that playing tug-of-war with a dog encourages aggression or dominant behavior. Others think it is alright to play as long as the human “wins” every time.

According to Ann King, a certified dog trainer with close to 20 years of experience, there are rules to playing tug, but winning isn’t one of them.

What is important is to teach your dog proper tug manners, such as the “take it” and “drop it” commands. You must also choose the right toy and know how to recognize when the game is getting out of control.

If your pup loves to tug, check out King’s rules for proper play to ensure a safe, fun experience every time.

VET CORNER

6 Common Causes Of Coughing In Dogs (Spoiler: None Of Them Are COVID-19!)

by Dr. Karen Becker

Did you know that dogs can get hairballs? It’s more of a cat thing, but dogs that shed a lot or lick themselves excessively may also cough and hack up hair.

This is just one example of the many possible causes of coughing in dogs. While some can be quite serious – like pneumonia and heart disease – others are easily treated – like hairballs.

During these stressful times, it is important to remember there is absolutely no evidence dogs can develop COVID-19. If your pooch is coughing, there are several much more likely reasons.

Dr. Karen Becker of Mercola Healthy Pets explains 6 of the most common causes of canine coughing and when you should seek veterinary attention.

RECIPE

Jiggly Chicken Jello Treats Your Dog Will Love

Store-bought treats are quick and easy, but they can be expensive, and safety is always a concern. Instead, follow iHeartDogs’ fresh, fun recipe for homemade chicken jello treats your dog will go nuts for!

These delicious doggie snacks call for only a few dog-safe ingredients. Just be sure to follow the recipe guidelines, especially when it comes to the type of gelatin you use. Most pre-made gelatin has extra ingredients that aren’t good for dogs.

On the plus side, unsweetened, unflavored gelatin powder has lots of health benefits for your pup including strong bones, healthy nails, and amino acids for skin, hair, and joint health!

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. Collapsing Trachea. Dogs with this genetic or acquired condition typically show signs of exercise intolerance, respiratory distress, and gagging while eating or drinking.

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