Many common foods that are totally harmless to humans are toxic foods to dogs.  Do you know what tempting but dangerous foods for your dog are lurking in your fridge and pantry?

The effects of dangerous foods for dogs range from short-term illness to irreversible, permanent damage, and in the worst cases, they can be fatal!

All pet owners should be aware of foods that can be toxic or fatal to pets.  The following list contains foods that can be dangerous to our beloved pets.

Alcoholic Beverages – Can Cause intoxication, coma and death.

Apple Seeds – Contains cyanogenic glycosides which result in cyanide poisoning.

Apricot Pits – Contains cyanogenic glycosides which result in cyanide poisoning.

Avacados – The fruit, pit, and plant can all cause difficulty breathing, fluid accumulation in chest, abdomen and heart.

Baby Food – Can contain onion powder which is toxic to dogs.

Broccoli in Large Amounts – Broccoli is very good for dogs but…if the daily intake exceeds more than 10% of your pet’s diet, problems can occur.  The toxic substance in Broccoli is isothiocyanate and can cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Cat Food – Generally too high in protein and fat and can cause diarrhea and/or Pancreatitis from the sudden change in diet.

Cherry Pits – Contains cyanogenic glycosides which result in cyanide poisoning.

Chocolate, Coffee, Tea and Caffeine Products – Caffeine, Theobromine, and Theophylline can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system.

Citrus Oil Extracts – Can cause vomiting.

Fat Trimmings from Leftovers – High fat content can cause Pancreatitis — especially COOKED fats.

Grapes and Raisins – An unknown toxin can damage the Liver.

Hops – Causes panting, increased heart rate, elevated temp, seizures and death.

Human Vitamin Supplements with Iron – Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to liver and kidneys as well.

Large Amounts of Liver – Can cause Vitamin A toxicity which affects muscles and bones.

Macadamia Nuts – Unknown toxin can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.

Marijuana – Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in heart rate.

Moldy or Spoiled Food – Can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and also affect other organs.

Mushrooms/Toadstools – Toxins may affect multiple systems, cause shock and result in death.

Mustard Seeds – Can have varied effects on pets.

Nutmeg – Is a hallucinogen in dogs and can cause tremors, seizure and death.

Onions and Garlic – Sulfoxides and Disulfides which can damage red blood cells causing Anemia.  Garlic is less toxic than Onions.

Persimmons – Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritus.

Pits from Peaches, Pears and Plums – Cause obstructions and contains cyanogenic glycosides which result in cyanide poisoning.

Potatoes and Tomatoe Leaves; Potatoe and Tomatoe Stems – Contain oxalates which can affect digestive, nervous and urinary systems.

Rhubarb - This plant (especially the leaves) also contain oxalates.

Salt – Can cause electrolyte imbalances when eaten in large amounts.

Sugary Foods – Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possible diabetes mellitus.

Tobacco – Nicotine affects digestive and nervous systems.  Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma and death.

Turkey Skin – Known to cause acute Pancreatitis in dogs.

Walnuts – Can cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as respiratory issues such as sneezing, breathing and coughing.

Xlitol – Xlitol is used as a sweetener in a lot of products including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste.  It can cause insulin release in a lot of species which can lead to liver failure.  Can cause elevated liver enzymes and liver failure and can occur within a few days.

Yeast Dough – Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of stomach or intestines.

Pannus, also called Chronic Superficial Keratitis, is a disease primarily found in the German shepherd breed although Australian shepherds, Border Collies, Dachshunds, Dalmatians, Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds, Huskies, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Pinschers, Poodles, the Rottweiler and others are also reported to suffer from this disease. Pannus is an immune mediated corneal disease that is progressive but is not painful. It is an eye condition that affects a dog’s cornea and can cause blindness if not properly treated. Ultraviolet light, altitude and environment influence the severity of the disease. (Ex: bright sun reflecting off of water or snow.)

The disease most commonly appears between the ages of three and five but can manifest earlier or later in life. Middle aged and senior dogs are more susceptible to developing Pannus. If a dog develops Pannus, owners will begin to see legions on both of the eyes. These legions are an opaque or reddish/brownish color and usually start out small and begin to enlarge if left untreated. Some dogs with Pannus may also develop dry eyes.

A dog that develops Pannus will need treatment for the rest of their life. With proper treatment, the disease is usually easy to control and should not cause future blindness or other health problems. The most common treatment is steroid drops or ointment applied in the eyes. Owners need to be mindful that UV exposure from the sun can make your dog’s Pannus worse. If your dog is diagnosed and being treated for Pannus, do not allow you dog to be in direct sunlight for long periods of time or take precautionary measures and invest in a pair of Doggles to keep the UV rays out of your pet’s eyes.

Traditional western veterinarians will offer tried and true treatments that have been proven to work. If your dog is diagnosed with this disease, educate yourself on all the treatment options including eastern medicine which approaches diseases with holistic alternatives. Research all of your options and then chose the best long term treatment plan that is best for you and your dog.

Pannus is found in other breeds but has a definitive predisposed heritable genetic link in the German shepherd breed. Keep this in mind when looking for a new family member and researching breeders or if you are considering breeding your own German shepherd dog.

If you are interested in the German shepherd breed you may see the term OFA while browsing websites, pedigrees or talking with breeders.

OFA stands for The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.  This organization has several different health tests available to dog owners and breeders.  The most commonly used tests for the German shepherd breed are hip and elbow certifications.  Reputable breeders will x-ray and certify their dogs before they are used for breeding.  The dog must be at least 24 months of age in order for the x-rays to be presented to OFA.  They will evaluate prelim x-rays on dogs younger than 24 months of age, but the dog will not receive a certification.

Once x-rays are submitted to OFA, they will be evaluated by three experienced vets.  Hips are graded as excellent, good or fair if they are free of hip dysplasia.  If the x-ray is of poor quality or there are any other questions, the dog may be given a borderline rating.  In this case, OFA recommends that you redo the x-rays and submit them in six months for another evaluation.  If the dog has hip dysplasia, it is rated as mild, moderate or severe.  Elbows which are free of dysplasia are not rated, simply given a pass.  If there is signs of elbow dysplasia the x-rays are rated as grade I, II or III.

After the dog passes the OFA hip and elbow certification, you will often see this listed behind their name.  For example, if you see “OFA good H&E”, you will know that the dog has passed both the hip and elbow certification (with a good rating for hips).  OFA has an online database where you can look up the status of any dog.  If you are unable to find a dog that you believe should be listed, contact the OFA and ask about it.

Since poor positioning can affect the outcome, it is important to use a vet who has experience in taking OFA x-rays.

www.offa.org

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is often a misunderstood crippling disease.  The word dysplasia means improper growth of the canine hip.  Canine Hip Dysplasia literally means improper growth of the canine hip.  This improper growth makes the hip loose and wobbly, leading to increased movement of the hip.  This results in a weakened hip joint that causes painful inflammation and decreased flexibility.  Over time a dog with hip dysplasia may suffer from crippling arthritis and lameness if the disease is left untreated.

Canine Hip Dysplasia is a progressive disease.  The levels of severity differ from dog to dog and certain breeds.  Large breeds are statistically the most at risk to develop hip dysplasia but small and medium dogs are also affected by the disease.  Dogs with hip dysplasia are at greater risk of injury through normal and strenuous activity.

The hip joint is not the only area of a dog that may be affected by this disease.  Knee, shoulder and spinal joints can also evidence of changes.  The gradual loss of cartilage, joint inflammation, bone spurs and pain can all result from osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia.

Common Canine Hip Dysplasia Symptoms:

• A marked change of behavior and/or personality
• A faint popping sound coming from the back legs with each step
• For smaller dogs, growling, whining or yelping when lifted or handled
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position
• Increased sensitivity to touch
• Lack of motivation to move
• Lameness
• Painful or violent reaction to an extension of their rear legs
• Play or exercise taking more of a toll than it use to
• Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump or play
• Stiffness
• While moving, moving both rear legs in unison
• Whining or making noises for apparent reason

It is possible for a pet to have hip dysplasia and initially show no symptoms.  The disease will become more obvious to owners as their dog ages.  The only method to positively determine if a dog has hip dysplasia is by x-rays taken by a veterinarian.  Your trusted veterinarian should be able to identify hip dysplasia, but if a second opinion is needed the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) specializes in correctly indentify Canine Hip Dysplasia.

Genes and environment play an important role in determining if a dog will develop hip dysplasia.  Poor breeding does not always mean dogs will be afflicted with hip dysplasia but there is a genetic predisposition for the disease.   As a puppy, if the animal is malnourished, overweight, excessively exercised or simply has the genetic precursors to hip dysplasia, the odds increase that this pet will develop hip dysplasia as time passes.  This is especially true for larger breeds.

Selective breeding is crucial in reducing the odds of dysplasia.  However, dysplasia can result from genetic mutations or simply from masked genes that can skip one or more generations.  Just because the parents of your dog did not have or develop dysplasia does not mean your pet can be afflicted.  When choosing a breed that is known to have this disease, look for a reputable breeder and do your homework.  Research your future puppy’s genetic past.

If you have a pet that has been diagnosed with any form of canine dysplasia, take a look into Alternative Medicine For Dogs for a natural approach to pain management and slowing the progression of the disease.

When you think of health problems in the German shepherd breed, most people automatically jump straight to hip dysplasia.  Hip dysplasia is definitely a problem but it is not the only health concern in this breed.  Along with hip dysplasia is elbow dysplasia.  Elbow dysplasia is showing up more often in the German shepherd dog and can be a bigger problem than hip dysplasia.

Elbow dysplasia can lead to lameness or abnormal gait and can be extremely debilitating.  There is no  surgical procedure that can significantly alter the progression of the disorder or cure it. The only way to  reduce the incidence of the disease is through selective breeding.

Both hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia can be diagnosed with x-rays by an experienced veterinarian and evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

There are three different types of elbow dysplasia:

1. FCP – Fragmented Medial Coronoid Process
2. OCD – Osteochondrosis
3. UAP – Ununited Anconeal Process

All three types of elbow dysplasia are genetic which is why it is so important that breeders screen for these disorders.  If only dogs that were clear of elbow dysplasia were breed, the risk of offspring developing this health problem would be reduced.

X-raying your shepherd is the only way to diagnose and evaluate elbow dysplasia.  Have an experienced veterinarian take the x-rays and send them to OFA for an evaluation and rating.  There are four grades that OFA will consider when reviewing elbow  x-rays.

1. Normal (Passing) – No signs of Elbow Dysplasia.
2. Grade 1 – Minimal bone change on the anconeal process.
3. Grade 2 – Additional subchondral bone changes and/or osteophytes.
4. Grade 3 – Well developed degenerative joint disease

Normal elbows on dogs 24 months or older are assigned a breed registry number by OFA and will periodically be reported to the parent breed club.

Abnormal findings (Grade 1 – 3) are reported only to the owner of record and referring veterinarian.

You just realized that your dog swallowed something that they should not have.  Now what?  Stay calm and utilize these 5 tips:

1.  Assessment:   Assess the item swallowed and evaluate the seriousness.  Call your vet for help and describe the object, the size, shape and material.  The size of your dog matters – a toy breed that swallows a small object will have a harder time passing it than a Rottweiler.

2.  X-ray’s:  They may be necessary.  An x-ray can pinpoint where the object is and how likely it is to pass.

3.  Diet:  Do not alter your dog’s diet.  If your veterinarian recommends waiting for the object to pass, do not vary your dog’s normal diet.  A change in diet can trigger symptoms which can be confused with a blockage.

4.  Illness:  Keep a watchful eye on your dog.  If your dog acts ill, lethargic, vomits, refuses food or water, or has diarrhea – call your vet.

5.  Dangerous Items:  Seek immediate attention if your dog swallows a dangerous item such as:

• Batteries
• String or stick shaped items
• Polyurethane glues
• Sharp edged items such as broken objects
• Coins – problems can occur if stomach acid breaks down the metal

Do not allow your first instinct to be trying to induce vomiting.  There are several instances where doing so can put your pet at greater risk.  Your first instinct should be to call your vet, an afterhour’s vet, or a 24 hour animal poison hotline.  If vomiting would be helpful, they can instruct you on how best to induce it.

When in doubt about your pet’s health and well being it is better (and usually cheaper in the long run) to be safe rather than sorry.  Let the professionals determine if your friend needs to be immediately transported to a vet or if you can wait and see what happens.

A dog scooting, or dragging their hind end on the carpet, grass, or your favorite rug may be amusing at first glance until you notice the brown trail that may be left behind.  Worms are often mistakenly believed to be the cause of this behavior but most dogs who have worms do not scoot.  Ninety-nine percent of the time, scooting is caused by the anal sacs (sacs not glands) being inflamed, infected, impacted or just “full”.  This causes itching, scooting, bad odor and can be uncomfortable and even painful for your pooch.

What are anal sacs?

Anal sacs are located between the external and internal muscular rings of the anus and collect the oily secretion of the glandular tissue that lines the sacs.  Viewed from behind, the sacs should sit approximately at the eight o’clock and four o’clock positions, below the anus.

The purpose of anal sacs?

Nature designed the anal sacs to fill up with an oily substance (a foul smelling fluid) and emptied each time the dog has a bowel movement, thereby “marking” its territory.  Dogs who roamed the wild would forcibly evacuate their anal sacs as a defense mechanism to scare away a predator, similar to skunks.  In today’s civilized settings it is more common for a dog to “blow” their anal sacs when they become frightened at the vet’s office or the grooming salon.

Why do dogs scoot?

Not all dogs have their anal sacs located in exactly the right place or have the muscles around them developed enough for the dog to do what nature intended.  (This is more common in mid to smaller sized dogs and breeds.) This results in the sacs not being emptied out with a bowel movement so the sacs continue to fill up with fluid.  It is uncomfortable to have full anal sacs and becomes painful if a blockage in the duct occurs, leading to an abscess.

Other possible causes for scooting or anal discomfort are irritation from diarrhea, a perianal tumor that is infected or bothersome, and matted hair.  Dogs that are overweight have less muscle tone and sometimes additional fat tissue that get in the way of their anal sacs being properly emptied.

If a dog has full anal sacs they will try to find relief by “scooting” their butt across the floor or by licking.  (FYI – A dog licking at their anal sacs is a common contributor to bad doggy breath.)  If your dog is “scooting” frequently you need to get your dog some relief and make an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out potential problems and causes.

How often do anal sacs need to be emptied?

In a perfect world your dog’s anal sacs should take care of themselves.  Routine emptying when not necessary is not recommended.  If your dog’s sacs are not emptying properly it will vary with each dog.  Some dogs need to have it done every couple of weeks, some every month, some every six to eight weeks.

How are anal sacs emptied?

The two methods used to empty anal sacs are external and internal expression.

1. External – push gently on the skin over the sacs in an upward motion toward the anus, to empty the contents of the sacs.
2. Internal – requires a latex glove and inserting an index finger just inside the anal sphincter to aid in pushing out the contents of the sac with thumb pushing on the outside of the sac. The pet should be properly restrained to avoid injury with this method.

Both methods will empty the glands and both methods are messy and extremely smelly.  If you can afford it, I recommend letting your veterinarian take care of this unpleasant but necessary maintenance item.

Knowing the signs of anal sac problems will help keep your pet comfortable and scoot free.

Lots of senior dogs remain active into their golden years while others are content to lie on the couch.  The lazy attitude of a senior dog often signals owners to skip walks or other activities.  This causes lazy dogs to become even more complacent and out of shape.

Keeping an exercise regimen will assist in keeping your dog as fit as age and health will allow.  Do your homework on what types of activities and how much exercise will suit your senior.  A healthy 10 year old may be able to handle a two mile walk, whereas an arthritic 12 year old can only manage one or two laps around the block.

Mild, easy play and some low key training exercises will help keep your senior mentally alert and physically active, thus adding quality to your aging friend’s lifespan.

As a pet parent you are your dog’s provider and caretaker.  As your dog’s best advocate, you have an important role in noticing pain in your four legged companion.  Pain can range from subtle to excruciating, and occasional to permanent.  It can be a challenge to recognize pain in your pet which can take multiple forms at various levels.

Our dogs are often very good at hiding their pain and discomfort.  This is a natural instinct as they do not want to appear “weak” within their pack structure.  If a symptom is persistent or your friend no longer has interest in participating in events that they normally enjoy, this is your cue to pay attention.  Never dismiss a “gut” feeling that something seems a bit “off” with your pet.  Seek out a second opinion through your trusted veterinarian.  It is much better to be told that you are an over concerned pet parent then to find out weeks or months later that your dog has been suffering in pain.

Pain management keeps improving at a rapid pace and entails a variety of methods.  In some cases non-pharmaceutical options and alternative medicine can help.

Acupuncture - Insertion of thin needles into specific spots to help pain and other problems.

Chiropractic – Canine Chiropractic uses physical manipulations to relieve pain and restore flexibility.

Diet – Weight loss or weight control can help dogs with conditions of the spine, bones and joints.  Special diets can also yield positive results.

Dietary Supplements – Glucosamine and chondroitin can relieve arthritis pains as can omega-3 fatty acids which act as anti-inflammatories to aid aching joints.

Magnet Therapy – Static or permanent magnets can be found in special pet beds, blankets and boots and are said to improve blood flow.  Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, delivered by electricity flowing through coiled wire has been shown to increase pain thresholds and assist in healing broken bones, tendinitis, and wounds.

Massage – Massage Therapy kneads body tissues to increase muscle flexibility and blood circulation for faster healing.  Trigger point massage therapy targets deep tissue pain sources.

Rieki – Positioning of the hands lightly on the body is used for arthritis, hip dysplasia, broken bones, and joint and back pain.  Reiki’s premise is that individual’s bodies have energy fields affecting health, and those fields can be altered.

If your dog recently had surgery it is important to follow the medication and confinement instructions given by your veterinarian.  Too much movement, too soon can cause pain and impair healing.

Medication may be prescribed to relieve discomfort.  These medications may include anti-inflammatory and morphine-like drugs.  These medications are made specifically for dogs and prescribed by your veterinarian.  Avoid using human medications on your dog as they can be deadly.

Short term pain discomfort versus long term pain management is important to recognize and treat appropriately.  Discuss with your vet the best pain relieving options to make your dog comfortable and improve your friend’s quality of life.

Anyone can safely practice massage therapy on their dog in the comfort of their own home.  Most dogs love a good massage.  It feels good, it’s relaxing, it’s one on one attention from you, and they seem to understand that it is good for them.

Here are some other benefits that a good massage can provide:

• Increase serotonin levels (happy hormones)
• Reduce anxiety, which improves behavior
• Increase blood and lymph circulation
• Strengthen weakened muscles
• Speed muscle recovery for canine athletes and working dogs
• Raise metabolism in less active or older dogs
• Build trust and bonding

Benefits for Seniors:

As dogs age and become less active, a full body massage can replace some of the benefits of their lost exercise.  You will be stimulating their muscles through massage.

Here are 10 tips to get you safely started with doggy massages at home:

1.       Plan on spending five to ten minutes for your first few massages.  Extend the length of the massage as you both become more comfortable with the process.  No massages before a walk or right after eating.

2.      Provide a calm, safe, and stress free atmosphere to give the massage in.

3.      Place your dog on a firm but comfortable surface and beginning to stroke your dog in your own petting style.

4.      After a few moments, use your fingertips to rub in small, soft strokes behind ears, on the top of head, around the eyes, and along the cheeks.

5.      Next use the flat of your hand and fingertips and make long strokes in the direction of the fur growth along their neck and back.

6.      Place your thumb on one side of the spine and your index finger on the other, move along the muscles from neck to tail in small, circular motions.

7.      Throughout the session praise your pooch in a calm, quiet, reassuring tone.

8.      Watch for signs from your friend like changes in breathing or restlessness.  These indicators will help you to adjust your level of pressure or to know when to end the session.

9.      Conclude with your own petting style and fresh water in their bowl.

10.  Never force a massage on your own dog and do not massage a dog that you are not familiar with.