In This Issue

● Benefits Of Hemp
● Help For Luxating Patellas
● US Dog Tests Positive For COVID-19
● Separation Anxiety After Lockdown
● Tail Troubles
● Why Does My Dog Only Nip Me?

Recent Food Recalls

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

HEALTH ALERT #1

How Hemp Can Improve Quality Of Life For Aging Dogs

As dogs cross into their senior years, issues like joint pain and dementia become more common. While pharmaceuticals can help, they come with side effects that could shorten your best friend’s life.

That’s why more and more dog parents are turning to hemp to safely relieve their pup’s symptoms without dangerous side effects. This naturally occurring medicinal herb works with your dog’s body instead of against it.

Learn about the many ways hemp can safely improve and enhance your aging dog’s life!

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

The secret to avoiding urine burns on your lawn is WATER! Encourage your dog to drink more and dilute pee spots with the hose.

HEALTH ALERT #2

Does Your Dog Suffer From Luxating Patellas? Here’s How You Can Help.

Luxating patella is the medical term for floating kneecaps. The condition is most common in small and teacup breeds, and is typically genetic.

The patella – or kneecap – is supposed to fit comfortably into the patellar groove of the lower femur. If the groove is too shallow, or an injury damages the surrounding tendons, the patella drifts out of place causing discomfort and lameness.

In extreme cases, surgery is required to keep the patella in place, but there are steps dog parents can take to help prevent the condition from deteriorating to this point.

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

What is the best way to protect your dog from COVID-19?

1. Keep them confined indoors.
2. Give them up to a shelter.
3. Practice social distancing on their behalf.

Not sure? Read on to find the answer!

IN THE NEWS

North Carolina Pug Is First Known Dog In America Infected With COVID-19

Researchers at Duke University have confirmed the first known positive test result for the virus that causes COVID-19 in an American family dog. His name is Winston, and he is an adorable Pug living in Chapel Hill, NC.

Winston’s mom is a pediatrician at Duke. She and her entire family – including pets – participated in a COVID-19 study at the college. Three human family members tested positive as well as Winston. Another dog and a cat living in the home tested negative for the virus.

Find out what Winston’s diagnosis means for other US dogs. Hint: There is still no reason to panic!

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Probiotics do more than aid digestion. With 70% of the immune system located in the gut, they also help protect your dog from illness.

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

Dogs Face Separation Anxiety When Lockdowns Are Lifted

A few weeks ago, we told you about the increased stress our dogs are feeling as a result of our own COVID-19 anxieties. Not surprisingly, dogs sense and take on our negative emotions as well as the joyful ones.

This week, the internet news feeds are packed with stories about the predicted separation anxiety our dogs are bound to suffer from when the crisis slows and lockdowns are lifted.

Many people have taken in new dogs and our current pets have become accustomed to having us around full time. They have been there to help us through our self-isolation anxiety, now it is our chance to return the favor!

Learn how to prepare your dog to cope with separation anxiety after the COVID-19 quarantine ends.

VET CORNER

Is Your Dog Having Tail Troubles? It Could Be Limber Tail.

by American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

Dogs use their tails to express a variety of emotions from excitement to fear. Even dogs with cropped tails wag their little nubs!

If your dog’s tail has stopped wagging and hangs limply instead, it could be a medical condition known as limber tail, cold-water tail, broken wag, swimmer’s tail, frozen tail, or sprung tail.

The tail is an extension of the spine containing joints, muscles, nerves, and more. Therefore it is subject to injuries just like any other appendage.

Find out what causes limber tail and what can be done to treat and prevent it from the veterinary experts at the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

READER QUESTION

Why Does My Dog Only Misbehave With Me?

Laura C., a faithful reader of The Healthy Hound newsletter, wrote in with a question about a common behavioral issue in older puppies:

“My dog Sadie is an 8 month old mixed breed, and I’m the only one she jumps on and nips. No matter what I’ve tried she just won’t stop!”

Compounding the problem is the fact that Laura has Multiple Sclerosis, making Sadie’s behavior especially risky.

We turned to Adrienne Farricelli, a certified dog trainer, former veterinary assistant, and the author of “Brain Training for Dogs” for answers.

According to Farricelli, it is quite common for dogs to behave differently with individual family members. They tend to respond best to consistent, assertive owners – who often turn out to be male.

In her post, “Why Does My Dog Only Listen To Men?”, Farricelli addresses the importance of consistency as well as the training pitfalls that affect female dog owners.

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. Practice social distancing on their behalf. Experts recommend observing a six foot distance between your dog and other dogs as well as their owners. There is no need to take extreme measures like keeping them indoors, and there is certainly no reason to give up your pets!

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