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The Healthy Hound Newsletter #34

By: Dina Fantegrossi
Dina Fantegrossi is the Assistant Editor and Head Writer for HomeLife Media. Before her career in writing, Dina was a veterinary technician for more than 15 years.Read more
| June 13, 2020

In This Issue

● Canine Obesity Facts
● Causes Of Cancer In Dogs
● Natural Flea & Tick Repellant
● Tallest Dog Is Oldest Great Dane
● Dealing With High Prey Drive
● Preventing Medication Poisoning
● Recipe: Watermelon “Mocktails”

Recent Food Recalls

3/23/20 – IcelandicPlus Fish Treats
2/14/20 – Aunt Jeni’s Frozen Raw Pet Food
2/07/20 – UK Happy Hounds Frozen Raw Dog Food
1/16/20 – Black Hawk Dry Dog Food

HEALTH ALERT #1

8 Things You Need To Know About Obesity In Dogs

Obesity is the most common preventable disease in American dogs. Approximately 25-30% are obese, and 40-45% of those ages five to 11 are overweight.

Chubby pups may be cute, but all that excess body fat can significantly shorten their lives. In fact, dogs that maintain a healthy weight live up to two and a half years longer than their pudgy cousins.

Learn the many health risks of canine obesity and the positive changes you can make to help your pooch shed the weight.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Shaving your dog will NOT keep him cooler this summer! A professional groomer explains why.

HEALTHY HOUND HIGHLIGHT

The 5 Underlying Causes Of Cancer In Dogs

Did you know that an estimated 6 million dogs will be diagnosed with cancer this year? According to The Veterinary Cancer Society, half of all adult dogs will die from this horrible disease.

Even though these statistics are alarming, your dog can beat the odds if you know the 5 Underlying Causes of Canine Cancer and how to help prevent it in the first place.

Listen for FREE to this episode of the Wag Out Loud pawdcast where expert Dr. Judy Jasek shares her views on a unique whole-body approach to both treating and preventing cancer.

To learn the easy, actionable steps you can take to prevent cancer in your canine family members, tune in now! Your dog will thank you.

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

What is it called when a dog’s instincts take over causing them to stalk and chase a smaller animal?

  1. Instinctive Pursuit
  2. Predatory Drift
  3. Wild Burst

Not sure? Read on to find the answer!

HAPPY, HEALTHY MUST HAVES

Battling Fleas & Ticks Without Harsh Chemicals

It’s flea and tick season again, and you have a lot of options when it comes to protecting your pet. Powerful chemicals may be efficient at repelling pests, but they also present several health risks.

That’s why iHeartDogs created our own line of Happy, Healthy Nature Guard products including Brewer’s Yeast & Garlic Chews. A safe dose of garlic powder combines with Brewer’s Yeast and essential nutrients to repel fleas and ticks naturally.

Check out the full line of Healthy Nature Guard products which also includes a Citronella-infused shampoo and a topical spray.

IN THE NEWS

World’s Tallest Dog Is Now Thought To Be The Oldest Living Great Dane

Great Danes are the gentle giants of the canine world, and Freddy is no exception. Believe it or not, this big boy started life as the runt of his litter before growing to 3’4.75″ at his back.

That may not sound all that tall, but to put it in perspective, Freddy stands 7’6″ when he gets up on his hind legs!

Freddy took over as Guiness World Record’s Tallest Living Dog in 2016, replacing another Great Dane named Zeus who remains The Tallest Dog Ever at 3’10”.

As of a few weeks ago, Freddy may very well have earned another Guiness title as the World’s Oldest Great Dane. He and his sister, Fleur celebrated their 8th birthday in May.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

The 5 Second Rule: Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it there for five seconds, it’s too hot to walk your dog.

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

5 Tips For Handling Your Dog’s High Prey Drive

Living in the American South, geckos are as prevalent as house flies. One of my dogs completely ignores them, but the other is obsessed with stalking the poor harmless reptiles. (Don’t worry, I keep him on a short leash.)

While the urge to chase is perfectly normal, especially in herding and sporting breeds, this behavior can be dangerous for the dog and distressing for the owner.

These five tips from veterinarians and professional dog trainers are designed to help you anticipate your dog’s impulses and redirect their focus.

VET CORNER

Potentially Lifesaving For You, Poison To Your Pet

by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker

Penicillin was one of the most important discoveries in human history. Since then, countless medications have come along to improve and save lives.

However, some of the drugs we rely on can be absolutely toxic to dogs. Nearly 50% of calls to the Pet Poison Helpline involve over-the-counter and prescription drugs intended for humans.

Dr. Karen Becker of Mercola Healthy Pets lists 14 “human” medications commonly responsible for pet poisonings as well as several tips for protecting your pooch from a medication disaster.

TIS THE SEASON

RECIPE: A Watermelon Cocktail For You & A Mocktail For Your Pooch!

Summer is the perfect time for frozen cocktails enjoyed poolside with your furry BFF. What says summer better than a frosty mojito made with fresh watermelon?

This cocktail/mocktail recipe was created especially for iHeartDogs by Proud Dog Mom, a DIY and lifestyle blog packed with recipes and projects for busy pup parents.

It’s simple, refreshing, and easy to customize to your tastes. Add champagne, sparkling wine, or your favorite clear soda to yours, and a sprig of fresh mint to your pup’s.

Just make sure your dog’s portion is “virgin!”

MIX UP A BATCH OF WATERMELON MOJITOS TODAY!

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. Predatory Drift. As the positive dog training organization, Your Dog’s Friend, explains: “Some dogs will revert to a state called predatory drift, where their instincts take over. They may stalk, chase, and shake a smaller dog, just as they would if chasing and killing prey.”

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