In This Issue

● Can Dogs Fake Injuries?
● Do Pets Need A COVID Vaccine?
● New Stem Cell Treatment
● Dealing With Dangerous Dogs
● Tricks Pet Food Makers Use
● National Pet Dental Health Month

Recent Food Recalls

1/17/21 – Mars Petcare UK (Several Products)
12/30/20 – Sportmix Pet Food
11/13/20 – Albright’s Raw Chicken Recipe
10/8/20 – Sunshine Mills, Inc. (20 Brands)

HEALTH ALERT #1

Can Dogs “Fake” Injuries & Illnesses?

Last week, iHeartDogs brought you the adorable story of Billy, a Lurcher from the UK who began limping when his owner injured his foot and started using crutches to walk. After more than $400 in tests, Billy’s vet determined the dog was simply mimicking his dad’s behavior.

Billy’s antics bring up the questions: Can dogs fake injuries and illnesses? And if so, why do they do it?

Find out how to tell if your dog is simply searching for attention or experiencing a real medical problem.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

If your dog has allergies, choose a dog bed that hasn’t been treated with chemicals, and is made with organic materials such as organic cotton or silk.

HAPPY, HEALTHY MUST HAVES

Give Your Furry Valentine These Healthy Heart-Shaped Treats

Every day is Valentine’s Day when you have a dog! They offer unconditional love and affection to make you feel special no matter what the calendar says. So what will you give them in return?

Made in small batches from USA-sourced ingredients, Be My Valentine Heart Baked Treats are healthy enough for daily use and delicious enough to make your pooch feel extra loved on Cupid’s big day!

When you buy these treats you’ll also help build a tiny house for senior dog hospice care.

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

This process involves grinding raw animal materials and food waste down to chips or shreds to be used in commercial pet food:

1. Rendering
2. Extrusion
3. Ingredient Splitting

Not sure? Read on to find the answer!

HEALTH ALERT #2

Do Dogs & Cats Need A COVID Vaccine?

UK scientists suggest a COVID vaccine for dogs and cats may be necessary to help curb the spread of the disease. While few pets show symptoms, they can become infected.

There are no known cases in which a dog or cat has transmitted COVID-19 to a human, but researchers say “it makes sense to develop vaccines for pets just as a precaution to reduce this risk.”

Learn more about this issue and when we can expect to see a vaccine prototype for pets.

IN THE NEWS

New Treatment Helps Dog Recover From Devastating Neuromuscular Condition

Miro is a 5-year-old German Shepherd who worked as a patrol dog for the California State Parks Department. After serving for three years, Miro was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease causing spinal cord compression.

After surgery and a lengthy recovery period, the brave pooch returned to work, but it turned out his troubles were far from over.

Find out how an experimental stem cell therapy helped Miro recover from a life-altering neuromuscular condition.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Unsafe driving behaviors more than double when there is an unrestrained pet in the car . Secure your dog with a car safety harness or travel carrier.

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

5 Tips For Dealing With Your Neighbor’s Dangerous Dog

You keep your dog on a leash, walk on the sidewalks, and use reflective gear at night, but how can you stay safe when your neighbors don’t follow the same standards?

Just one dangerously aggressive dog can ruin the peaceful atmosphere of your neighborhood for everyone.

Dog trainer, Michelle Eddy offers 5 tips for dealing with your neighbor’s dangerous dog.

VET CORNER

The Tricks Pet Food Makers Use to Fool You

by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker

Since the introduction of commercial pet food, obesity and diet-related disease rates in dogs and cats have skyrocketed.

As owners become more concerned about their pets’ nutrition, major feed companies become trickier with their misleading terminology and attempts to make heavily processed food appear fresh and appetizing.

In this post, Dr. Karen Shaw Becker of Mercola Healthy Pets breaks down some of these tricks and teaches you how to avoid them.

TIS THE SEASON

February Is National Pet Dental Health Month

February is National Pet Dental Health Month and it’s just around the corner!

Approximately 80% of dogs have some form of dental disease by the age of three. In addition to bad breath, painful gums, and tooth loss, advanced dental disease puts dogs at risk for more serious illnesses like heart disease and organ failure.

This February, make an appointment with your vet to assess your dog’s oral health and check out iHeartDogs’ extensive Dental Health Collection.

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:

1. Rendering. According to Dr. Karen Becker, “The vast majority of ultra-processed commercial pet food — including premium brands and so-called “prescription” and “therapeutic” diets — are made from rendered ingredients.”

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