Doggie Blog — salmon oil for dogs

6 Frozen Homemade Dog Treats for Summer 0

Summer is here and so are long, hot days! As you enjoy your summer break and a few ice cream treats, do you ever think about treating your furry friend? Add some variety to their normal treats routine with a few treats that are perfect for summer.  

We collected a few of our favorite dog treat recipes for summer. These treats are easy to make and guaranteed pup pleasers. From dog ice cream to pupsicles, your dog is sure to love cooling down with these delicious summer treats. Check out our six favorite DIY dog treat recipes below:  

Banana and Peanut Butter Frozen Dog Popsicle

This treat is quite easy to make because it only requires 3 ingredients: banana, peanut butter, and plain yogurt. These homemade pupsicles are ideal for cooling down after a long walk or a dessert treat to end the night. Even better, they stay fresh for months in the freezer! 

Get this recipe on Good Housekeeeping.

Pumpkin Ice Cream for Dogs

If your pup has tummy problems, this puppy ice cream will be great for them. Pumpkin and yogurt are both great for a dog's digestive system and can be helpful in overcoming some of the common digestive problems. Treat your dog to some pumpkin-flavored ice cream today with the recipe below.

Get this recipe on The Fake Ginger. 

Yogurt & Berry Pupsicles

The summer heat can sometimes be unbearable to your pup. Bigger Bolder Baking makes perfect homemade dog treats to cool your pup. With frozen berries and yogurts, these are sure to provide some relief for your dog from the sizzling summer heat. 

Get this recipe on Bigger Bolder Baking.

Whole-Fruit Pupsicles

Some dogs, just like human beings, struggle to digest dairy. If your dog is one of these unlucky pups, don’t worry! This doesn’t mean your pup has to miss out on cool summer treats. This diary-free, whole-fruit dog popsicle recipe is the way to go. Your pup will enjoy cooling down on a hot summer day with these delicious pupsicles.

Get this recipe on SPCA of Texas. 

Minty Fresh Frozen Treats

These minty frozen treats are the perfect summer dog snack. They not only satisfy your dog's cravings but also may provide some health benefits to your pooch. The treat contains parsley and mint that are great for refreshing the breath of your dog. Also, the parsley helps reduce inflammation and aid in the digestion process for dogs.  

Get this recipe on The Produce Moms.

Puppy Smoothie Treats 

Tails are guaranteed to wag when this frozen treat for dogs comes out of the freezer. Treat your dog to frozen banana and strawberry smoothies in just ten minutes. It is ideal for all-year seasons because it's packed with vitamins and antioxidants to support your pup’s immune system. Pour this smoothie into an ice cube tray or silicone molds for single serving treats your pup will love.

Get this recipe on The Cottage Market. 

Surprise Your Pup This Summer

Why Fish Oil for Dogs Is Critical for A Healthy Dog Diet 0

Loaded with omega fatty acids, fish oil is one of the best supplements to add to your dog’s diet. Fish oil for dogs often contain oils from multiple species of cold-water fish, such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, and anchovies to name a few. It is incredibly important for supporting your dog’s everyday health. 

Like humans, dogs can’t make these essential fatty acids internally. Therefore, they must come from food. One of the best sources for omega fatty acids is wild-caught salmon, which has a high concentration of omega fatty acids and has a favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.

When taken regularly, salmon oil for dogs can play a crucial role in supporting a healthy heart and coat while improving joint, skin, and immune system health. 

While you should always consult your veterinarian before adding new supplements to your dog's diet, there is some useful information you should know about salmon oil and what it can do for your pet's health and happiness.

Why Are Omega Fatty Acids Important for Dogs?

Salmon oil contains large amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Of course, fat has earned a poor reputation in the human world, so why would you want to give it to your dog?

In reality, there are four types of fat: trans fats, saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. Omega fatty acids exist within polyunsaturated fats and, when digested, they help the body produce hormones that regulate inflammation and blood flow. 

The reason why supplementing your dog's diet with omega fatty acids is so important is that the body can't produce them on its own. Omega-3 supplements are often called salmon oil supplements because cold-water fish, like salmon, are primary dietary sources of omega fatty acids for both dogs and humans. While humans may get their omegas from plant oils, nut oils, and flaxseed, your dog can't digest many of those things.

Types of Omega Fatty Acids

Just as not all fat types are equal as there are different types of omega-3 fatty acids. The two most important kinds for your dog are EPA and DHA.

EPA

Eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, plays a critical role in many physiological functions, including reducing inflammation within the body. Inflammation has links to almost every type of disease, including joint problems and heart disease. Of all cold-water fish, salmon contains one of the highest concentrations of EPA. 

DHA

Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is critical to skin and eye health. In humans, we often fortify infant formula with DHA because it's that essential. When taken regularly, DHA can improve mental sharpness and help ward off various conditions, including heart problems, certain cancers, and joint issues — including canine arthritis. So, supplementing your dog's diet with DHA will keep them healthier all the way around.

How to Supplement with Salmon Oil

Depending on the concentration, every product will present a label to help you estimate how much of the supplement your dog requires, usually based on their weight. In general, the suggested dose for salmon oil ranges from 75 mg up to 100 mg for each kilogram (2.2 lbs) of body weight.

Giving too much salmon oil to your dog may cause an upset stomach and lead to "fishy" breath. If you have questions, you can always consult your vet regarding how often you should supplement your dog and for how long. A professional can guide you on the ideal dosage and the best meal plans to boost the effects of salmon oil.

The Benefits of Salmon Oil Supplement

The benefits of salmon oil supplementation are plentiful. For many dogs, regular supplementation leads to a noticeable change in their health due to its ability to help with the following.

Balances Other Fats

Most dog foods contain meat from corn-fed animals along with sources of refined oil, both of which are high in omega-6. Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in balancing out the omega-6 fatty acids, which is important because your dog needs both.

Supports Healthy Development

For puppies, in particular, a salmon oil supplement supports healthy brain and eye development. It can also aid and prevent cognitive disfunction in older dogs.

Promotes A Healthy Heart

The omega fatty acids in salmon oil have incredible cardioprotective benefits. They combat abnormal heart rhythms, and help to regulate inflammation and blood circulation.

Improves Skin & Coat Health

Fish oil improves skin and coat health, reducing itchy and flaky skin and encouraging a shinier, silkier coat. Not only will your dog look better, they'll feel better, too!

Acts As An Anti-Inflammatory

Regular supplementation supports heart health and overall wellness with the help of anti-inflammatory properties. Those same properties support healthy joints and prevent arthritis while reducing the risk of internal inflammatory diseases, like chronic kidney disease.

Immune-Boosting Properties

Salmon oil can help relieve allergies by strengthening the skin to provide a barrier against allergens while promoting a stronger immune system.

Reduces The Risk of Cancer

Maintaining healthy supplementation of DHA and EPA in your dog's diet will reduce the risk of canine cancer, according to the American Kennel Club.

What to Look for in Your Dog's Salmon Oil Supplement

Whenever you're looking to add something new to your dog's diet, be it a supplement, treat, or different food type, it's crucial that you do your research. You want to feel confident that your dog is getting a product that's good for them and for the world at large. 

When it comes to choosing a salmon oil supplement, it is important to always look for products that contain wild-caught and sustainably sourced salmon. 

Wild-caught salmon is far superior to farm raised salmon. Farmed salmon have a completely different diet and environment than wild salmon. Because of its natural diet and environment, wild-caught salmon not only has a more ideal omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, but it also is higher in minerals, like potassium, zinc and iron.

Additionally, farm raised salmon have higher concentrations of antibiotics and harmful contaminants, like polychlorinated biphenyls and several chlorinated pesticides. 

As for sustainability, look for a manufacturer that sources its salmon oil under the guidelines presented by the Marine Stewardship Council. For twenty years, the MSC has devoted itself to upholding exacting standards to ensure sustainable fishing practices. They continue to help guide the production of sustainable salmon oil supplements for people and their precious pets.

While it may take a little research, once you find the perfect salmon oil for dogs, you'll be able to feed them with confidence by knowing that they're getting the essential fatty acids they need for a healthier lifestyle.

How to Identify and Treat Common Dog Skin Problems 0

Dog skin issues are one the most common reasons for vet visits. Dogs are prone to a variety of diseases that cause changes in your dog’s skin, including scaling, pustules, and lesions. Dog skin problems often lead to scratching and excessive licking. Unfortunately, this self-soothing can lead to the spread of skin infections and even self-harm.

Dog skin conditions are no fun and can make your dog very uncomfortable. Keep reading to learn more about common skin and coat problems for dogs and how to treat them. 

Canine Atopic Dermatitis

Canine atopic dermatitis refers to allergens that a dog may inhale. Just like humans, dogs suffer from environmental and seasonal allergies too! When lgE antibodies are exposed to environmental allergens, they can develop pruritic inflammatory skin disease. After inhaling allergens such as dust mites, mold, hair, and pollen, dogs experience discomfort and stress.

Symptoms of Canine Atopic Dermatitis

In the initial stages, dogs rub, scratch, and chew excessively. Depending on the allergen involved, this behavior may be seasonal. The itching and rubbing may occur in certain areas or the entire body. Due to allergic reactions, they may also develop some hot spots.

Canine atopy is different from a flea allergy, which affects the thighs, groin, and tail area. The disease is hereditary and is common in the following breeds;

• Boston Terrier
• Scottish Terrier
• Golden and Labrador Retrievers
• Fox Terrier
• White Terrier
• Dalmatian
• Boxer
• Shar-Pei

Usually, this disease occurs between 6 months and 3 years.

How to Treat Canine Atopic Dermatitis

You can treat atopic dermatitis in dogs through avoidance of allergens and regular baths. Ensure your dog stays away from dust, mold, and hair to avoid this disease.

Bathing dogs helps reduce the allergen load. It’s recommended to bathe your dog weekly with a dog shampoo to reduce secondary infections. Be sure to avoid shampoos for humans, as they can harm a dog’s skin and coat.

Seborrhea

Does your dog have dandruff-like flakes or very greasy fur and skin? That may be a sign of dermatitis seborrhea, a common skin disorder.

Seborrhea is a genetic disorder that may occur in young dogs and last for a lifetime. It causes greasiness on the dog’s skin, leading to dandruff. The affected parts develop whitish scales as a result of skin flaking off.

Different dog breeds are predisposed to common health issues. Seborrhea affects a variety of dog breeds, mostly including:

• Golden retrievers
• German shepherds
• Cocker spaniels
• Dachshunds
• Labrador

Older dogs may develop seborrhea. However, this is often caused by conditions such as parasites, dietary deficiency, or endocrine disorders.

Seborrhea causes an unpleasant odor in dogs. It affects the sebaceous glands, which then leads to excess sebum on the skin. Dogs with vitamin deficiency may also develop seborrhea.

How to Treat Seborrhea

To treat seborrhea, you have to look at the underlying condition. Call a vet to diagnose the conditions that may be causing seborrhea.

Besides, seborrhea is manageable. These general treatments may help relieve your dog from the disease:

• Feeding with omega-3 fatty acid supplements
• Oral antibiotics
• Use of anti-seborrheic sprays and shampoos

Unless the condition is severe, your dog will quickly recover from seborrhea.

Tips for Keeping a Dog's Skin and Coat Healthy

It’s no doubt that skin and coat problems can be detrimental to your dog’s life. Keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy improves its moods, appearance, and performance. After all, you want to have a dog that looks healthy, smells nice, and has a shiny coat.

Some of the best ways to keep the skin and coat healthy include:

Bathing Regularly

Bathing your dog at least once biweekly keeps skin diseases at bay. When bathing, use dog shampoo to prevent irritations. You can brush to remove dead skin cells and give the coat a shiny look. 

Be sure to use a good dog shampoo and avoid shampoos for humans. The skin of dogs and humans have very different pH balances. Human shampoo can actually harm a dog’s skin and leave them more vulnerable to parasites, viruses, and bacteria. 

Providing the Right Diet

Did you know that diet has a direct impact on your dog’s skin? Dog diet should have sufficient protein to maintain a healthy coat. 75% of a dog’s hair is made up of proteins, and with protein deficiency, your dog may develop skin and coat disorders.

Adding an omega 3 for dogs supplement and multivitamins to your dog’s diet ensures they are receiving the proper vitamins and super nutrients their skin and coat needs. Look for supplements that reduce inflammation and combat allergies.

Regular Checkups

How often do you visit a vet? It’s advisable to visit a vet once every 6 months for a checkup. Even when your vet doesn’t show any symptoms, a checkup may help you spot something you might have missed.

Why Omega 3 for Dogs is Important for Heart Health 0

As Valentine’s Day approaches, you might be thinking of some unique ways to show your loved ones your appreciation for them this month. If one of them happens to be furry and plays fetch, the best thing you can do to show your love is to keep him or her healthy. 

In February, not only do we celebrate Valentine’s Day, but we also celebrate American Heart Month. That makes this the perfect time to learn more about the danger of heart disease in dogs—and how to prevent it. Here’s what to know if you want to improve your dog’s heart health.

What are the Symptoms of a Dog with Heart Problems?

Catching a heart issue early is very helpful for improving or managing the condition. It’s important to pay attention to some common signs that there could be a problem with your dog’s heart. Some of the main symptoms to watch for include the following:

• Coughing that gets worse at night or after exercise
• Sudden weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
• Fainting spells
• Depression
• Pale gums
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing
• Swollen abdomen

If you notice your dog displaying some of these symptoms, you should set up an appointment with the vet. It may turn out that your dog just has allergies or a minor illness, but it’s definitely better to err on the side of caution when it comes to the health of your dog’s heart!

What to Know About Heart Disease in Dogs

Now,  you know the symptoms of dog heart disease. But what exactly is heart disease, and how can you get it diagnosed and treated? To start, it’s important to know that heart disease can fall into two categories.

One is congenital heart disease, which means the dog was born with the condition. The other is acquired heart disease, meaning the dog got the condition at some point during his or her lifetime. 

Some of the most common types of heart disease that affect dogs include the following:

• Congenital heart defects, such as pulmonic stenosis, ventricular septal defect, and tricuspid valve dysplasia.
• Cardiomyopathy, which is a disease of the heart muscle that can lead to congestive heart failure in dogs.
• Pericardial effusion, in which fluid builds up in the heart sac.
• Cardiac arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms—whether too fast or too slow.
• Chronic degenerative valve disease, where the heart valves change and start leaking as a result.

You should also note that certain dog breeds are higher risk for heart problems than others. For instance, Boxers and Doberman Pinschers are at risk of an irregular heartbeat that can result in fainting, weight loss, or even death. Miniature and toy Poodles are at risk of developing a heart murmur, while Dachshunds have a risk of a leaky heart valve. Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, and Bulldogs are some examples of breeds that are susceptible to heart problems, as well. This means knowing the symptoms of heart disease in your dog--and trying to prevent it--is especially important.

To find out if the symptoms your dog has indicate heart problems, you should take him or her to the vet for an exam. If it turns out your dog has heart disease, the next step will be choosing a treatment. In most cases, the vet prescribes medication for the dog. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat heart disease. And sometimes, the vet will recommend supplements to slow down the progression of the heart problem.

Best Supplements for Dog Heart Health

Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the most important and essential nutrients for heart health in both dogs and humans. Omega 3 benefits dogs in many ways. improve heart health and reduce the chance of heart failure in the future by reducing cytokines in the body, which are proteins that cause inflammation. Additionally, these essential fatty acids help to reduce muscle loss, improve the appetite, lower blood pressure, and suppress abnormal heart rhythms, helping your dog stay as healthy as possible even after being diagnosed with heart disease. Plus, omega 3 for dogs can boost the health of the brain and immune system overall. 

Just like humans, dogs are unable to produce omega-3 fatty acids, and therefore, must get them from their diet. To ensure your dog is getting enough omega 3s, it’s a great idea to add omega 3 supplements, such as Omega Soft Chews, to improve your dog's health while you await the next vet visit. Additionally, salmon oil for dogs and fish oil for dogs are a great way to supplement omegas in your dog’s diet.

Treatment for your dog’s heart condition might also include more exercise and a better diet, such as a low-sodium eating plan. In general, the right treatment will depend on the type of heart condition your dog has, as well as his or her age and overall health. So be sure to set up a vet appointment for your dog to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.

How to Protect Your Dog's Heart

As with any condition, it’s better to take steps to prevent heart problems than have to treat them after the fact. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the odds of your dog having heart problems. Here are a few tips for protecting your dog’s heart:

• Regular vet exams, at least once per year.
• Good dental care, since infections in the mouth can affect heart health.
• Frequent cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, running, hiking, or swimming.
• A balanced diet made up of high-quality dog food.
• Supplements that support heart health, such as.

Basically, if you want to pay a little extra attention to your dog’s heart health this month, you can start by taking him or her to the park for a fun game of fetch! Then follow up that regular exercise by ensuring your dog eats the right foods, takes quality supplements, and sees the vet for preventative care. Surprising your pet with a fun doggie present for Valentine’s Day wouldn’t hurt, either!