Doggie Blog — Salmon Omega Soft Chews

Anti Inflammatory for Dogs: Why Controlling Inflammation is Critical For A Healthy Dog 0

Inflammation in dogs can both stem from, and contribute to, many health challenges. Dog parents who want to help their pup achieve and maintain an optimal quality of life need to understand what this problem can mean and how the proper nutritional support can help. 

Whether your dog suffers from a known inflammatory disorder or you just want to keep him happy and healthy for life, take a moment to consider the following key points about inflammation in dogs.

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation plays a key role in the body's nonspecific immunity against physical threats such as an infection or injury. When the immune system perceives such a threat, it releases large numbers of white blood cells, which then travel rapidly to the area in need of help. Inflammation may look and feel unpleasant, but it can help to wipe out invading germs and speed tissue repair.

Acute Inflammation vs. Chronic Inflammation

While inflammation usually proves helpful under normal circumstances, it can also cause problems if it gets out of control or occurs for the wrong reasons. Acute inflammation may cause redness, pain, and swelling, but these symptoms should go away once the underlying health issue resolves itself. Unfortunately, chronic conditions often lead to chronic inflammation. This state of ongoing, low-level inflammation can cause serious problems such as cell damage, joint trouble, premature aging, major organ disease, and even cancer.

Common Inflammatory Disorders: Symptoms and Complications

Dogs can develop a variety of chronic inflammatory problems, some of which are easier for owners to spot than others. You and your vet will want to watch out for the following common inflammatory conditions.

• Enteritis: Enteritis occurs when the small intestine becomes inflamed. Many kinds of irritants can trigger this condition, including parasites, allergies, intestinal blockages, and ingested germs such as bacteria or viruses. Dogs suffering from enteritis may experience abnormal stools, abdominal pain, vomiting, weight loss, and fever. 
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis commonly affects older dogs (just as it affects older humans), but it can also develop because of premature joint wear and tear. In this inflammatory condition, the cartilage that lines and cushions the bone ends in joints thins out and breaks up. Symptoms include swollen joints and painful stiffness when your dog tries to walk, climb stairs, lie down, or stand up.
• Hepatitis: Dogs can develop chronic inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) because of infections, reactions to toxic substances, or no identifiable reason. Genetics may also play a role, since the condition appears more often in such popular breeds as Chihuahuas, Springer Spaniels, Standard Poodles, Doberman Pinschers, Cocker Spaniels, and Labrador Retrievers. Symptoms include jaundice, an enlarged abdomen, increased thirst/urination, weight loss, diarrhea, and lethargy.
• Dermatitis: Dogs often suffer from skin inflammation related to canine allergic dermatitis, sometimes referred to as canine atopic dermatitis. This condition can affect any dog, but Bulldogs, Dalmations, Golden Retrievers, Old English Sheepdogs, and many breeds of terriers seem especially vulnerable to it. Common triggers include specific foods, airborne allergens, irritants that contact the skin, or even normal skin microorganisms. Dogs who lick or bite at the inflamed, itchy lesions caused by this condition may develop skin infections.

Veterinary Treatment Options for Canine Inflammation

Regular wellness exams can help your veterinarian identify a chronic inflammatory condition, even if that condition hasn’t yet displayed obvious external symptoms. Conditions such as osteoarthritis may reveal themselves through X-rays, visual evidence of joint swelling, and observations of your dog’s stance and gait. Allergy testing can help to confirm sources of skin inflammation. Analysis of blood, urine, and fecal samples can pinpoint internal problems related to chronic inflammation.

Veterinarians commonly treat inflammation with a combination of therapies. For example, anti inflammatory for dogs, such as NSAIDs or steroids, may help reduce inflammatory reactions. Histamines can help dogs with allergic inflammation. Dogs with osteoarthritis may also benefit from gentle exercise to keep the joints limber (and prevent unwanted weight gain that might stress the joints further). 

Diet and nutrition also play important roles in the treatment of canine inflammatory disorders. Your dog may need a special diet to help him cope with digestive inflammation, allergies that trigger dermatitis, or organ problems related to chronic inflammatory damage.

Foods and Nutrients That Can Help Your Dog Manage Inflammation

Many foods and seasonings contain nutrients that can help to prevent or control chronic inflammation in dogs. This approach can prove safer and gentler than a heavy reliance on medications (which can produce unwanted side effects or interact with other prescription drugs).

Food allergy-based inflammation may recede after your pet switches to a hypoallergenic diet. For instance, if your dog has allergies to the proteins commonly found in commercial food products, he may do much better with a diet that relies on less common protein combinations such as eggs and rice, duck and peas, or fish and potatoes. Seasonings such as cinnamon and turmeric can also help control chronic inflammation.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a major ally in the fight against canine inflammation. These fatty acids — commonly found in salmon, anchovies, sardines, and other fatty fish — also come in fish oil supplement form. Omega-3 supplementation makes it easy to ensure that your dog gets enough of these fatty acids regularly, even if he doesn’t like fish. 

Joint issues can start very small and overtime become serious. With the increase severity comes increased inflammation. Nutrients that help reduce inflammation, like omega fatty acids, are critical for treating the body's response. Additionally, the initial issue should be treated as well. Nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin help improve joint health and mobility. By helping lubricate and cushion the joint, these nutrients help to stop the damage that is causing inflammation.

Give your pet the regular evaluations he needs, work with your vet on any necessary treatment plan, and provide the right dietary and nutritional support to help your dog fight inflammation. Your best friend will appreciate it!

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!

Omegas For Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Need to Know About Fatty Acids 0

Ready for the skinny on fats?  When it comes to a balanced diet, fats often don’t get the respect they deserve. Fats are one of three main sources of energy for your dog, and play a critical role in hormone production, cell structure and function, and the absorption of fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E and K. Just like with humans, the consumption of “good” fats is critical for a healthy dog diet. 

Does your dog have itchy skin or allergies? Are you concerned about your pup’s brain, heart, joints, and general health? Look to Omega fatty acids, which are the building blocks of fats. They play a critical role in keeping your dog healthy.

What Are Omega Fatty Acids? 

Omega Fatty Acids are unsaturated fats, which are critical to your dog’s overall health. They support heart health; reduce itchy, flaky skin; and can relieve allergies and joint pain. And just like their humans, dogs can’t produce two Omega Fatty Acids and must get from their diets - Omega 3 and Omega 6. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are made up of chains of carbon molecules linked with single or double bonds. Because of their health benefits, we call them “the good fats.” The three types of Omega 3 fatty acids are: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). 

Unfortunately, your doggie does not produce omega 3 fatty acids and, therefore, it is critical to supplement omega 3 for dogs in their diet. The best source for omega 3s for dogs is cold water fatty fish, such as wild alaskan salmon, mackerel, or halibut. 

Omega 3 fatty acids play a critical role in cell membranes and affect the function of cell receptors in these membranes. Supplementing omega 3 in your dog’s diet can have a tremendous positive impact in your dog’s overall health. Here are a few benefits of omega 3s for dogs:

• Improves heart health
• Supports brain development and cognitive function
• Reduces inflammation
• Provides allergy relief
• Supports neurological function
• Boost immune system 
• Supports skin and coat health

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-6 fatty acids are also polyunsaturated and must come from diet. The four types of omega 6 fatty acids are: Linoleic acid (LA), Arachidonic Acid (ARA), Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA), and Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA). The most important omega 6 for dogs is Linoleic Acid, which plays a critical role in skin and coat health. Additionally, Omega 6 fatty acids provide numerous health benefits including: 

• Boost immune health
• Improves the repair of skeletal and muscular tissue
• Helps regulate metabolism 
• Improves bone health 

Omega 6 fatty acids are found in animal and plant sources such as vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, poultry, fish, and eggs. Unlike Omega 3s, Omega 6 fatty acids are commonly found in commercial dog foods. 

Why are they important?

“Dietary fats, as well as specific fatty acids, are essential in the diet of dogs and cats,” the American College of Veterinary Nutrition and Today’s Veterinary Practice say.

“Dogs and cats require Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet because they cannot produce these essential fatty acids on their own.”

So, what do they do? They:

• Provide energy
• Aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
• Help fight inflammation
• Help create healthy skin and a healthy coat
• Promote healthy growth and development in general

“Fatty acid supplements can reduce shedding, promote growth of the undercoat, reduce tendencies to inflammation, and help resolve inflammation,” veterinarians Steve Marsden, Shawn Messonnier, and Cheryl Yuill tell us in their VCA Hospitals article.

A ton of research has proven the benefits of essential fatty acid supplements, with dozens of studies conducted on Omega-3s alone. 

How to make sure your dog gets the right amount of Omega Fatty Acids?

Supplements! Adding an omega supplement to your dog’s diet is a great way to ensure they are getting proper amounts of omega fatty acids. 

Doggie Dailies Omega Soft Chews are a comprehensive dog fish oil supplement packed with essential vitamins and super nutrients to help promote healthy skin, shiny coat, support a strong immune system and provide allergy relief for dogs. Each chew contains wild Alaskan Salmon oil, rich in Omega 3 and 6, as well as 11 additional potent ingredients known to support canine health including Bee Pollen, Hemp Powder, Apple Cider Vinegar, Biotin, and Licorice Root. 

All of our supplements in the USA in a GMP compliant, Level 3 SQF certified facility, using the strictest quality and safety standards. All of their products are safe for dogs of any size, age, or breed. And, best of all, just let them know if you’re not happy with the product. 

“We don’t make you jump through hoops to get your money back if our products are not right for you. It’s that simple, and it’s part of our Doggie Dailies Promise.”