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The Healthy Hound Newsletter #44

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 22, 2020

In This Issue

● Signs Of Depression
● Dog Ear Facts
● Vaccine Reactions
● Dog Walking Law
● Help Your Dog Face His Fears
● IMHA In Dogs
● Why Won’t My Dog Eat?

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

6 Signs Your Dog Needs More Love In His Life

Your dog’s mental health is just as important as his physical well-being. But how do you know when your dog is feeling neglected or just plain depressed?

First, consider whether there have been any major changes in your home or to your dog’s routine. Maybe he’s missing the kids now that school is back in session, or he’s feeling left out as the family works from home.

These six behaviors may indicate your dog needs a bit more love and attention – especially if you notice multiple signs from the list.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Use the acronym SEENT to reminds you to regularly check your dog’s Skin, Ears, Eyes, Nose, and Teeth for issues or changes.

HAPPY, HEALTHY MUST HAVES

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Dog’s Ears (But Should!)

Dog ears are the best. They’re soft, they’re cute, and they can be extremely expressive. On the other hand, they are very different than our own ears.

For example, dogs hear FOUR TIMES better than we do! More importantly, their ears are prone to irritation and infections without regular care and cleaning.

Check out all our doggy ear facts and learn how to help protect your pup from painful infections.

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

A dog with Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia has an immune system that attacks their _____?

  1. Platelets
  2. Red Blood Cells
  3. White Blood Cells

Not sure? Read on to find the answer!

HEALTH ALERT #2

What Every Dog Parent Needs To Know About Vaccine Reactions

Every time a dog receives a vaccine it stimulates the immune system causing a slight inflammatory response. The vast majority of pups go home and have no symptoms at all, while others experience mild discomfort.

A small percentage of unlucky dogs have more serious reactions to one or more elements of a vaccine. Some even develop a life-threatening condition called immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) which will be covered in detail in the Vet Corner section of this newsletter.

When it comes to vaccinations, the good definitely outweighs the bad. However, it is worth learning the signs of serious reactions.

IN THE NEWS

Proposed Law Would Require Germans To Walk Their Dogs Twice Per Day

German dog parents may find themselves spending a mandatory two hours a day walking their pups. The stipulation is part of Hundeverordnung, or the “Dog’s Act,” introduced by Germany’s Agriculture Minister, Julia Klöckner.

Additional goals of the Dog’s Act are to impose stricter regulations for dog breeders and prohibit tethering. If passed, the law will go into effect next year.

Find out what those affected have to say about this rigid one-size-fits-all exercise requirement.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Prevent toy burnout by rotating your pup’s playthings every month or two.

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

5 Ways To Help Dogs Face Their Fears

It is common for dogs to be fearful of loud noises and over-the-top stimuli such as fireworks and thunderstorms. But what about pups that develop “irrational” phobias to other dogs, certain humans, or harmless objects?

One Healthy Hound reader wrote in about his Golden Retriever’s extreme fear of bicycles, skateboards, tricycles, and baby strollers. These phobias usually stem from a lack of exposure or a past bad experience with the offending item.

The good news is, dogs can overcome their fears with a little help from you and a professional trainer.

VET CORNER

Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) In Dogs

by Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM & Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH

Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) or Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia is a life-threatening condition in which the body destroys its own red blood cells.

About 2/3 of the time it is caused when a damaged immune system accidentally targets its own cells. It can also be a secondary consequence of another issue such as cancer, infection, or even a bite/sting from a snake or bee.

Drs Llera and Yuill discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis for this frightening illness.

READER QUESTION

Why Won’t My Otherwise-Healthy Dog Eat?

Dog mom, Gianna wants to know why her dog won’t eat even though she seems perfectly healthy otherwise.

If your pup is indeed healthy – and we can’t really know that without a thorough veterinary checkup – then chances are she’s simply holding out for something better.

Picky dogs aren’t usually born that way. Every time you give in and offer table scraps or low-quality “junk” dog food, they learn to take advantage of your kindness.

Check out our list of reasons your dog may not be eating and consider trying a healthy food topper to tempt her into chowing down.

8 REASONS YOUR DOG MAY NOT BE EATING

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. Red Blood Cells.

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