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The Healthy Hound Newsletter #12

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
| January 11, 2020

In This Issue

● Grooming Safety
● Hiker Carries Blind Dog
● Do Male Dogs Cause More Allergies?
● How Dogs Choose Their Favorite Human
● Vet Corner: The Importance Of Body Handling
● Product Spotlight: DIG Labs Custom Supplements

Recent Food Recalls

10/30/19 – FDA: “Pig Ear Salmonella Outbreak Appears To Be Over”
09/26/19 – 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

How To Ensure Your Dog Stays Safe At The Groomer

This week, a two-year-old Bulldog named Minni was killed during a routine grooming appointment at a Las Vegas PetSmart. According to a report from ABC, Minni was crushed beneath a grooming table.

Sadly, this is far from an isolated incident. Grooming injuries and deaths happen all over the country at an alarming rate. From cuts and lacerations to strangulation and heat stroke; a simple bath or haircut can become life-threatening for your dog.

These cases are usually related to negligence or inexperience and are rarely due to malice on the part of the groomer. Whatever the cause, we have the right to feel confident in those we entrust with our dogs, and our pets have the right to be safe.

An industry professional shares everything you need to know about safe at-home grooming techniques and finding a trustworthy groomer.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Cornstarch is a great home grooming aid. Use it to loosen mats and tangles; clean up greasy coats between baths; and brighten up your dog’s white markings.

HEARTWARMING

Hiker Carries His Blind Dog 800 Miles Through The Florida Wilderness

Kyle Rohrig and his 8-year-old Shiba Inu, Katana have been on many hikes together, but none so special as their 83-day trek through the Florida wilderness.

Why? Because this was their first extended hike after Katana lost her sight.

“I had my eye on the Florida Trail for a couple of years, but never made any official plans to hike it,” Rohrig said. “After Katana went blind, I thought it would be the perfect trail to help her really come to terms with her new circumstances.”

Katana slowly regained her confidence, and when things got to be too much, Rohrig was more than happy to carry her on his back.

Learn more about this adorable pair and their many adventures!

Do you enjoy hiking with your dog? Check out iHeartDogs’ new Facebook group and Instagram page devoted to exploring the outdoors with your pup!

For your chance to win a “Never Hike Alone” t-shirt, a $50 REI gift card and a $50 iHeartDogs gift certificate, follow us @_hikingwithdogs and check out the instructions on the giveaway post!

Find Out How To Enter!

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

There is no such thing as a truly “hypoallergenic” dog.

  • True
  • False

Not sure? Read on to find the answer!

IN THE NEWS

Allergy Sufferers May Avoid Symptoms By Neutering Their Dogs

Three in 10 people with any other allergy will also be allergic to their cat or dog, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Proteins in the urine, saliva and dander trigger oversensitive immune systems to react with sneezing, watery eyes, or itchy skin.

There are currently six known dog allergens, including one found only in the urine of male dogs.

“Up to 30% of people who are allergic to dogs are actually allergic to one specific protein that’s made in the prostate of a dog,” says Dr. Lakiea Wright, an allergist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

These allergy sufferers may be able to avoid symptoms by neutering their male dogs or adopting only female dogs.

Learn more about the science of dog allergies, and how gender may affect your symptoms.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Hitting the hiking trail with your pooch? Be sure to pack the essentials like a reflective bandana, collapsible water bowl, and pet first aid kit.

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

How Dogs Choose Their Favorite Person

Have you ever wondered why some dogs are mama’s pups and others are daddy’s dogs? Or why some gravitate towards children and others do not?

It turns out who your dog chooses as their favorite human is about more than just treats – although treats definitely help!

Find out how dogs make this important decision and how to sway the odds in your favor.

VET CORNER

Training Your Dog To Enjoy Their Vet Exams

by Dr. Sonnya Crawford

Whether you bring home a puppy or an adult dog, one of the best things you can do for them is to provide desensitization training. This technique is often used in fearful dogs and those with existing phobias, but it is also useful in helping them adjust to body handling.

Desensitizing your dog to body handling will help ensure that you can brush their teeth; the groomer can trim their hair; and most importantly, your vet can perform a thorough examination.

Dr. Sonnya Crawford of Grays Harbor Veterinary Services recommends frequent “fun” visits to the vet, as well as at-home techniques that mimic a veterinary examination.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

DIG Labs Creates Custom Nutrient Supplements For Your Dog’s Unique Needs

Tara and Jess, the founders of DIG Labs, have over 35 years of collective consumer and healthcare expertise. Add in a lifelong passion for dogs, and you have the perfect duo to create the next big thing in canine health and nutrition.

DIG Labs formulates the perfect custom blend of nutrients based on each dog’s individual needs. From healthier skin and coat to stronger joints and a balanced gut microbiome, your dog’s supplement mix – or “Pup Sup” – is made just for them.

Dog parents can seamlessly integrate this super nutrient mix into any mealtime routine with DIG’s tasty blends and accurate dosing spoons.

Best of all, Tara and Jess believe in giving back. For every Pup Sup order, they donate a week’s supply of their Rescue Blend to a local shelter. This proprietary mix of nutrients and probiotics helps rescue dogs transition and heal as they await their forever homes.

For a limited time, DIG Labs is offering a special discount code exclusively for The Healthy Hound subscribers! Enter HEALTHYHOUND at checkout to save $10 on your first customized order!

LEARN MORE ABOUT DIG LABS & PLACE YOUR ORDER 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:

True. According to Dr. Lakiea Wright, an allergist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, all dogs make one or more types of allergy-causing proteins, so there is no such thing as a 100% “hypoallergenic” dog.

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