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The Healthy Hound Newsletter #40

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
| July 25, 2020

In This Issue

● New Approach To Dog Adoption
● Healthy Rawhide Alternative
● Dental Hacks Dogs Actually Enjoy
● The Fate Of Flat-Faced Dogs
● Socializing Exuberant Dogs
● Causes Of Arthritis
● Teaching A Rescue Dog To Play

Recent Food Recalls

7/13/20 – Benyfit Natural Raw Dog Food
6/12/20 – Carnivora Fresh Frozen Patties
3/23/20 – IcelandicPlus Fish Treats
2/14/20 – Aunt Jeni’s Frozen Raw Pet Food
2/7/20 – UK Happy Hounds Frozen Raw Dog Food

RESCUE

New “Dating Show” Matches Rescue Dogs With Potential Adopters

The streaming service, HBO Max, released a heartwarming new show this week. “The Dog House: UK” features potential adopters searching for the perfect pup.

The show is filmed at the Wood Green Animal Charity in Huntingdon, England where employees act as doggy matchmakers. Rather than allowing visitors to wander the kennels and choose dogs based on looks, they introduce them to pups that fit their lifestyle.

Learn more about “The Dog House: UK” and Wood Green’s innovative adoption practices which “mimic that of a dating show.”

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Swimming does more than cool pups down. It is also an excellent source of low-impact exercise for dogs with joint problems.

HAPPY, HEALTHY MUST HAVES

The Healthy Alternative To Rawhide Your Dog Will Crave

Rawhide chews are made from the tough inner layer of cow or horse hides. They pose several health risks to dogs including choking, intestinal blockage, and bacterial contamination.

There are many alternatives on the market, but none mimic the satisfying texture of rawhide like Happy, Healthy Fish Chips. Not only are these treats safe and delicious, they are made in the USA, high in protein, and an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids!

Give your pup the healthy chew he’ll crave time and time again!

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

The respiratory disease caused by flat-faced dogs’ genetic abnormalities is known as:

  1. Flat-Face Syndrome
  2. Brachycephalic Blockage Disease
  3. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome

Not sure? Read on to find the answer!

HEALTH ALERT

10 Ways To Clean Your Dog’s Teeth That Won’t Make Them Hate You

Let’s face it: most dogs do not like having their teeth brushed! Some tolerate it, others squirm and struggle to avoid it.

Unfortunately, 78% of dogs have active dental disease by the age of three. This can lead to inflamed gums, tooth loss, and even heart, kidney, and/or liver disease. We cannot afford to let this problem go untreated.

While brushing remains the best way to prevent tartar build-up between professional dental cleanings, there are other methods dogs not only prefer, but may actually enjoy.

IN THE NEWS

What Does The Future Hold For Flat-Faced Dogs?

Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Mastiffs, Shih-Tzus…these pups and their other flat-faced cousins are collectively known as brachycephalic breeds. Their short muzzles and stout skeletal structures cause myriad ailments of the joints and respiratory system.

Over time, these breeds have suffered from diminished genetic diversity due to their ever-increasing popularity with dog parents. This resulted in harmful mutations so severe that animal welfare groups are calling for strict regulations on their breeding.

What will these regulations mean for your favorite flat-faced breed? Is it time to steer these dogs back toward their original 19th century breed standards?

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Bananas help ease acid reflux in dogs by coating the lining of the esophagus and stomach.

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

10 Tips To Help Your Exuberant Dog Interact With Other Pups

Some dogs are more boisterous than others and it can affect their ability to make friends of their own species. An overly-enthusiastic dog can be annoying or even mistaken as aggressive.

While their lust for life is admirable, these dogs are at high risk for fights and injuries – not to mention the fact that they could accidentally harm someone.

If your exuberant pooch needs a little help with inter-species relations, check out these 10 tips.

VET CORNER

What Causes Canine Arthritis & Can It Be Prevented?

by Robin Downing, DVM, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP, CRPP

We have covered several different treatment options for arthritis in this newsletter including natural supplements, accessories for the home, and therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and laser treatments.

However, we have yet to focus on the causes of arthritis and how you can help protect your dog’s joints before they become painful and inflamed.

Veterinarian Robin Downing discusses the genetic and lifestyle factors that lead to canine arthritis as well as current preventives and treatments.

READER QUESTION

How Can I Help My Rescue Dog Learn To Play With Toys?

Healthy Hound subscriber Susan wrote in about her rescued Cocker Spaniel. Before she adopted him five years ago, the dog was “left out continuously and not fed very well, if at all.” While he has adjusted well in all other areas, Susan’s dog has never learned to play with toys.

From the information we have, it would seem this pooch missed out on essential socialization activities as a pup. Socialization does more than just teach a dog to get along with humans and other dogs, it helps them learn “how to dog,” which includes play.

Rehabilitation may be as simple as finding the right kind of toy to spark his interest.

Additionally, the information and tips in the following article will help you understand the problem and take steps toward a solution. Remember to be patient and provide lots of praise!

HOW TO HELP AN EMOTIONALLY TRAUMATIZED DOG LEARN TO PLAY

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. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. According to the University of Cambridge Department of Veterinary Medicine, this is the official name for the respiratory disease related to brachycephalic confirmation.

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