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The Healthy Hound Newsletter #41

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
| August 1, 2020

In This Issue

● Potentially Deadly Toy
● Recovery After Trauma
● 1st US COVID K9 Has Died
● Drama-Free Nail Trims
● Splenic Cancer
● Toxic Algae Blooms

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

HEALTH ALERT #1

Popular Toy Turns Deadly For Beloved Pet

Sam the Golden Retriever was a typical happy, boisterous pup when her owner, Indria Tuckler brought home a pair of rope toys from Home Goods. They seemed tough and sturdy, so Tuckler felt safe giving them to Sam and her other Golden.

However, she returned home the same day to find the toys unraveled and shredded. Sam began showing frightening symptoms of an intestinal blockage including vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive thirst. The only option was emergency surgery.

Sadly, Sam’s ordeal was just beginning. Find out the results of her risky surgery and the takeaway safety tips for other vigorous chewers.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Worried about loose dogs causing problems on your pup’s walks? Citronella sprays repel most dogs without actually harming them.

HAPPY, HEALTHY MUST HAVES

The Guilt-Free Treats Your Pup Will Go Bananas For!

Some dogs prefer a softer treat with a touch of savory tang. Happy, Healthy Banana Muffin Bites are soft-baked with honey, vanilla, and a hint of natural bacon.

All of the high-quality limited ingredients are 100% USA-sourced and produced with no fillers or preservatives.

Not only are they healthy and guilt-free, Banana Muffin Bites give back to shelter dogs in a need!

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

Which breeds are most likely to develop hemangiosarcoma of the spleen?

  1. Poodles, Yorkies, and Shih-Tzus
  2. German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors
  3. American Bulldogs, Pugs, and Miniature Pinschers

Not sure? Read on to find the answer!

HEALTH ALERT #2

How To Help Your Dog Recover After A Traumatic Incident

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from PTSD after a traumatic incident like a car accident or animal attack. They may shudder and drool during car rides or refuse to enter the dog park.

The fear and emotional damage caused by trauma may lead to behavioral issues, but the worst part is watching your once care-free dog suffer.

Thankfully, there are specific steps you can take to desensitize your pup and help him regain his confidence.

IN THE NEWS

First US Dog To Test Positive For COVID-19 Has Died

Robert Mahoney got the news that he was positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 on April 12. His 7-year-old German Shepherd began to show symptoms soon after. Buddy would become the first dog in the United States to be confirmed positive for the disease. He passed away on July 11.

Like the second and sixth US dogs diagnosed with the disease, Buddy had underlying conditions at the time of his death. Did he die from COVID-19? Lymphoma? A combination of the two? Or something else entirely?

National Geographic takes an in-depth look at Buddy’s case and what veterinary researchers are doing to discover how COVID-19 affects companion animals.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Happy, Healthy™️ Nature Guard Shampoo with cedarwood, citronella, clove, and lavender oil discourages fleas and ticks while soothing skin.

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

9 Expert Tips For Drama-Free Nail Trims

Trimming your dogs nails can be an incredibly stressful and much-dreaded event. Not only do most dogs hate it, you run the risk of harming them if you don’t do it correctly.

The first step is to get your dog comfortable with body handling. It is ideal to start with a puppy, but any dog can become accustomed to having their paws handled.

Once your pooch is confident with you holding their paws, use these additional tips to help make the process easier on both of you.

VET CORNER

Canine Splenic Hemangiosarcoma (Splenic Cancer)

by Lillie Davis, DVM/DACVIM (Oncology)

Hemangiosarcoma of the spleen accounts for roughly 7% of all cancer in canines, making it one of the most common types to affect dogs. It is also one of the most aggressive, rapidly growing, and most likely to spread to other areas of the body.

This cancer is all the more frightening because it is often asymptomatic until the dog is quite ill. What causes or predisposes a dog to this cancer is unknown, however German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors seem to develop it more often than other breeds.

In this post, veterinary oncologist, Lillie Davis explains how hemangiosarcoma of the spleen is diagnosed and treated as well as the prognosis.

TIS THE SEASON

Toxic Algae Blooms Cause Twice As Many Dog Deaths As This Time Last Year

Toxic algae blooms have been a growing problem across the country for the past several years. In fact, at least six dogs have died this summer, twice as many as this time last year.

Poison-emitting bacteria in algae blooms have been identified in lakes, ponds, rivers, and other bodies of water, although it is more likely to occur in standing water.

Environmental Working Group (EWG) addresses the suspected causes of this growing problem and provides a detailed map of known toxic algae groups in the US.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER: TOXIC ALGAE BLOOMS

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:

2. German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors.

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