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The Healthy Hound Newsletter #8

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
| December 14, 2019

In This Issue

● Potentially Dangerous Flea & Tick Products
● How To Avoid A Coyote Attack
● Community Raises Funds For Sick Puppy
● Help Your Anxious Dog Tackle The Holidays
● Dangerous Gifts Dog Parents Should Avoid
● 10 Canine Christmas Cookie Recipes

Recent Food Recalls

10/31/19 – Pig Ear Salmonella Recall Appears To Be Over
09/21/19 – Performance Dog Raw Pet Food
08/31/19 – Aunt Jeni’s Frozen Raw Dog Food
08/14/19 – Texas Tripe Raw Dog Food

HEALTH ALERT #1

These Flea & Tick Products Could Potentially Harm Your Dog

This past October, a man gave his two Shih-Tzus a flea bath. Within an hour, both dogs were dead.

As consumers, we have a reasonable expectation that the products we purchase will do what they promise. Most of us could never dream that something designed to protect our pets could harm them or even cause their death.

Unfortunately, that is exactly what’s been happening with some pyrethrin-based flea and tick products for years. Despite warnings from veterinarians and victims, these tragic cases continue to occur.

Which brands should you avoid? and Why are these dangerous products still available on store shelves?

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Reduce static electricity from the dry winter air by rubbing a moist pet wipe along your dog’s coat.

HEALTH ALERT #2

Everything You Need To Know To Protect Your Dog From A Coyote Attack

The number of coyote attacks across the country is steadily increasing. Encroachment of their habitat has made them braver and hungrier than ever before.

While attacks on humans are rare, dogs all across North America are at risk at all times of day and in all seasons. You may think your pooch is safe, but keep in mind that these clever, elusive animals can scale backyard fences and cross city streets.

When coyotes attack, they typically kill or fatally wound their prey within the first 15 seconds. It’s not enough to stop an attack in progress.

To save your dog’s life, you need to know how to prevent an attack from happening at all.

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

What time of day are coyotes most active?

  1. Early Morning
  2. Midday
  3. Overnight
  4. None of the above

IN THE NEWS

Community Rallies Around Sickly Puppy

A pitiful puppy named Parmesan Crisp was discovered at a Chicago construction site last month. Rescuers estimated she was about twelve-weeks-old, and clearly very ill.

Parm was lethargic, and her skin was covered in red sores. Also, her paws were extremely swollen. A veterinarian diagnosed her with an autoimmune disorder called Juvenile Cellulitis (also known as “Puppy Strangles.”)

The disorder affects the puppy’s face, outer ears, and salivary lymph nodes. While not fatal, it can be difficult and expensive to treat.

One Tail At A Time Rescue documented Parm’s story on social media, and her supporters came through big-time! All told, her fans donated more than $5,500 towards her care.

Parmesan has even more good news to share. Find out what it is, and how she’s doing today.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Senior dogs experience more aches and pains during winter. Try providing natural relief through at-home canine massage.

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

How To Help An Anxious Dog Tackle The Holidays

As much as my dogs love the friends, relatives, food, and gifts that come along with the holidays, they each battle with anxiety.

Kio gets way too excited, climbing all over everyone and everything. Finch internalizes his anxiety until it finally bursts forth in a flood of vomit; and Rosie pretends she’s invisible, hiding out in the bedroom until the house clears out.

If your dog struggles with holiday-related anxiety, it is important to keep their schedule as stable and consistent as possible. But that may not be enough.

Something we’ve found helps with our own anxious pups is a consistent hemp oil regimen. We recommend Cannanine™ brand Hemp oil.

For further reading, professional pet behavior consultant Arden Moore outlines the top 8 signs of seasonal distress, and how you can help your dog keep them at bay.

VET CORNER

Dangerous Holiday Gifts Dog Parents Should Avoid Having In Their Homes

Essential oil diffusers and Himalayan salt lamps are among the hottest gifting trends of 2019. However, both of these items can be problematic for pet parents.

Dr. Allison Fields of VCA Murphy Road Animal Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee says she has treated several dogs and cats for essential oil toxicity.

“Even though we think they’re not eating it, unless it spills, just diffusing into the air can be a respiratory irritant,” Dr. Fields says.

When it comes to Himalayan salt lamps, ingestion can lead to life-threatening sodium poisoning. Symptoms range from vomiting and diarrhea to disorientation and seizures.

“Salt lamps can be dangerous to cats because if they lick them excessively (they may like the taste of the salt), they can actually get sodium toxicity and get very sick,” veterinarian, Gary Richter explains. “In severe cases, this can be fatal.”

Learn more about the dangers of essential oil diffusers, Himalayan salt lamps, and other household items pet parents should avoid.

TIS THE SEASON

10 Canine Christmas Cookie Recipes Your Pup Will Love

The most heartfelt gifts are homemade, so treat your dog to some fresh, delicious canine Christmas cookies!

Each of the following recipes are fun and easy to make. While all ingredients are generally dog-safe, keep in mind that some pups may have food allergies, or be more sensitive than others.

SEE ALL 10 RECIPES HERE

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:

4. None of the above. Coyotes are one of the world’s most adaptable species. They tend to be nocturnal, but they are also active in the early morning and at sunset. When they have a litter of pups to feed, they will even hunt in broad daylight.

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