Emma, a Golden Retriever, clearly loves her hydrotherapy sessions at Doggie Paddle in Portland, Oregon. The two-and-a-half-year-old swims for 45 minutes with the water jets blasted on high. And then there’s two-year-old Labrador Retriever Seamus. “He won’t get out of the pool unless he’s retrieved four rubber chickens. Not two or three, but always four,” says Julie Thomas, who owns the canine therapeutic swimming and exercise business.

While the sessions might seem like fun and games to Emma and Seamus, hydrotherapy provides essential physical therapy to dogs, especially those who have difficulty engaging in regular outdoor activities. “It can be comparable to human physical therapy, only for dogs,” Thomas says.

Hydrotherapy usually involves either a small pool with a treadmill or, in the case of Doggie Paddle, a larger pool with adjustable swim jets that provide resistance. With the latter on high, just a five-minute swim can be equivalent to a five-mile run. Most facilities keep the temperature comfortable and warm. Chlorine can irritate dogs’ skin, coat, and eyes, so look for a pool that offers some other, gentler form of filtration and sanitizing.

Dogs either walk right in or, if they need a bit of help, are carried into the pool. “I had a Great Dane once who just lay in my arms and did not move a muscle,” shares Thomas. “I simply got behind him and moved his legs as though he were riding a bicycle.” This movement got his circulation going, helping to relax his muscles and improve his joint function.

Which Dogs Benefit Most From Hydrotherapy?

Thomas says that at least seven types of dogs get the most out of hydrotherapy, including:

• Dogs who are recovering from surgery. This includes canines that have undergone everything from amputations to hip surgery.
• Overweight dogs. For dogs with packed-on pounds, swimming provides “a safe, low-impact way to burn calories.”
• Older dogs. When arthritis kicks in and energy levels slow down, hydrotherapy can still provide your senior dog with regular exercise.
• Overactive dogs. Some healthy dogs just have incredible energy to burn. They can work it off safely in the pool without driving your family nuts.
• Sporting dogs. Dogs that compete in sports, such as agility, gain conditioning from pool time.
• Dogs — both literally and figuratively — on their last legs. Thomas often sees dogs right before they are euthanized, allowing them to naturally relax and provide owners with one final meaningful, shared moment with their beloved pet.
• Dogs up for adoption. Doggie Paddle is located very near the Oregon Humane Society’s Westside adoption center.

How Hydrotherapy Helps Homeless Dogs

Go into any animal shelter, and you’re bound to see dogs looking less than fabulous. They are often stressed, older, out of shape, and perhaps feeling unloved. That’s where Thomas’s work comes into play. For the past two years, she’s been donating swim sessions to homeless dogs and improving their chances for adoption.

“They not only get in shape physically, but they also become more socialized and used to handling,” she explains. Karl Willard, an animal care technician at the OHS, believes the shelter is the first in the country to offer this form of enrichment. 

Splashy Fun for Dog Owners Too

At some pools, such as the one at Doggie Paddle, owners can go in along with the dog(s). This can lead to an excellent workout for all and what amounts to a mini-refreshing pool party.

“Sometimes friends will do this together,” Thomas says. “I have a few clients who bring all six of their bearded collies.” She has yet another client who brings her four dogs — along with her 5-year-old son.

The Human-Dog Connection

Before starting her hydrotherapy business, Thomas earned a doctorate in adult education and gerontology. She is also certified to do hydrotherapy and massage for dogs. All have come in handy. “In terms of gerontology, the basic concepts concerning many physical issues, emotional concerns, and more carry over to dogs,” she says.

Many dogs enjoy a soothing rubdown as they enter or exit the Doggie Paddle pool via a ramp. “Dogs frequently bark like crazy in their owner’s cars because they can’t wait to get here,” she says. After hydrotherapy, they display another mood, she concludes. “One dog is so relaxed that he drifts into blissful slumber after each session.”

Article written by Author: Jennifer Viegas

The expression “eat like a dog” comes from the canines’ reputation for gulping down meals of all sorts in a matter of seconds. However, their indiscriminate palate isn’t helping their health, and veterinarians are noticing a rise in the number of dogs with food allergies.

Mimi Drew had her dog, Charlie, for a little more than a year when he got his first ear infection. She took him to the vet, who sent Charlie home with ointment and a round of antibiotics.

After many trips to the vet over nine months to treat chronic ear infections and itchy skin, Drew began to do some research. She ultimately traced Charlie’s symptoms to a rare canine food allergy: beef. “I was surprised that my vet didn’t even consider food allergies when Charlie had those symptoms,” Drew says.

“We could have spared Charlie a lot of suffering, not to mention the vet bills I could have avoided.”

Her vet was not necessarily to blame. Canine food allergies are not very common and, like human allergies, can be tricky to diagnose as dogs often do not show any immediate symptoms. A dog that’s allergic to a particular ingredient, such as soy, may remain symptom-free for years before experiencing any related problems.

Common Dog Food Allergies

A host of ingredients go into many commercial dog foods today. Most pets are OK and thrive on those foods, but a small percentage may be allergic to certain ingredients. Figuring out which ingredient is important to treating an allergic condition.

“It is often a protein source, such as chicken or beef, but it can include a carbohydrate, such as wheat, and in very rare cases corn,” says Korrin Saker, DMV, Associate Professor of Clinical Nutrition at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dogs can also be allergic to other ingredients, such as preservatives or additives. “I’ve seen dogs that were allergic to peanut butter and tomatoes,” Dr. Boord says. Peanut butter is sometimes an ingredient in dog biscuits, while tomato paste may be an ingredient in dry foods.

Veterinarians used to prescribe a diet based on lamb and rice for dogs with allergic reactions, but even those ingredients have become more common today and might be an allergen source. It’s less likely with rice, but more so with lamb, experts say.

Dog Food Allergy Symptoms

“It certainly seems like we’re seeing more dogs with food allergies, similarly to humans,” says Mona Boord, DVM, co-owner of the Animal Dermatology Clinic in San Diego.

When it comes to food allergies, it helps to know what to look for. According to Alexander Werner, DVM, of the VCA Westlake Village Animal Hospital, the signs are:  

• Chronic/recurring ear infections 
• Itchy face and paws 
• Hair loss, especially around the eyes

These symptoms can almost always be attributed to other issues. However, once you’ve ruled everything else out, consider discussing the possibility of a food allergy with your vet.

Veterinarians caution that there are two types of issues your dog may have with food.

• Food Intolerance 

The most common problem is a food intolerance, or food sensitivity, which means your dog isn’t digesting a particular type of food well. Food intolerance is a non-immunologic response that can trigger such symptoms as gassiness, vomiting, diarrhea, and borborygmus (also known as stomach growling), according to Dr. Saker.

• Food Allergy 

More immediate reactions from a dog’s immune system to an offending food are called food allergies. Symptoms may include intestinal distress but typically involve itching around the muzzle, ears, paws, and sometimes around the anus. The reason itchiness occurs in these places is probably that canines have more mast cells (which contain histamines and play a vital role in the inflammatory process) in these locations.

How Do I Know If My Dog Has a Food Allergy?

The simplest way to determine if your dog has a food allergy is to put your pup on a hypoallergenic food-elimination diet. Kimberly Carvalho, DVM, says you should “pick a novel protein source that your dog has never had before and feed it for six-to-eight weeks.” For example, a commercial lamb and rice formula works well if your dog did not previously eat this combination much before.

Carvalho advises that your dog must not have access to any other food, such as table scraps, bones, or treats during the trial period. She also recommends transitioning your dog gradually by mixing small amounts of the new flavored food with your dog’s old standby until you feed the new food exclusively.

At the end of the trial period, provided your dog’s symptoms are gone, try feeding your dog its original diet. If a food allergy is to blame, symptoms will return within two weeks. If this does happen, go back to the food that you used during the trial. If your dog’s symptoms still have not cleared up, and you have ruled out other causes, keep trying different flavors until your dog’s symptoms disappear. Usually, you can stick with your favorite pet food brand throughout the process. If your dog previously ate beef and veggies, try chicken and rice, or vice versa, depending on your dog’s prior diet.

Dr. Carvalho also points out that once you’ve successfully concluded the trial and gotten your dog’s allergies under control, it is essential to reintroduce treats one at a time. Wait six to eight weeks each time you introduce a new treat flavor to ensure it does not lead to an allergic reaction again.

How Do You Treat Food Allergies in Dogs?

There are several treatment options for dogs taken to a veterinarian with symptoms of a food allergy:

• Rule Out Other Ailments 

The first cause of the attack is to ensure that the problems aren’t being caused by something else. An intestinal parasite, for example, can cause similar symptoms. Dogs may also scratch themselves so much that they develop secondary infections. Itchiness can also develop due to allergies to environmental factors, including mold spores, pollens, and cleaners, says Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, Professor of Clinical Nutrition at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

• Elimination Diet 

Once other ailments are ruled out, veterinarians will ask you to chronicle your dog’s food history. Since common proteins like chicken and beef are frequent sources of food allergies, veterinarians will often advise that you look for foods with a “novel protein source,” something they don’t normally eat.

• Hypoallergenic Dog Food

An assortment of commercial hypoallergenic dog foods is now made for dogs with food allergies. Veterinarians advise that you look for foods with one source of protein and one source of carbohydrates, both of which should be “novel” for your pet. Kangaroo meat is one such “novel” protein, while potatoes or oats are examples of “novel” carbohydrates. Also, a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and itching.

• Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food

What is hydrolyzed protein dog food?  Hydrolyzed protein dog foods are prescribed to treat one of two diseases; food allergy or inflammatory bowel disease.  As assortment of commercially made hydrolyzed protein dog foods are now readily available.

• Medicines 

Lastly, there is a series of medicines that can help your dog deal with food allergies. Dogs can be given allergy shots to help build up a food tolerance, Dr. Wakshlag says. Also, small doses of steroids can be used to make the itchiness more tolerable for your dog. There are also immunosuppressive therapies, such as Cyclosporine, that can help in treatment.

While food allergies can be frustrating for pet owners, and no doubt, even more, frustrating for dogs, they are solvable. Continue with the suggested feeding techniques until you find a food combination that agrees with your dog.

If your dog shows signs of food allergies, don’t delay. The best recipe for success in treating your pet is to take it to your veterinarian to find the cause of the distress. With quality commercial foods now available that specifically address such problems, your dog will likely be eating its way back to good health in no time.

Article written by Authors: Elizabeth Wasserman, Cricky Long, and The Dog Daily Expert

It’s an exciting day when you bring your new dog home, but it can also be challenging. Getting your new pet comfortable with her surroundings can be challenging, but with a little work, you’ll be best friends in no time.

Start by Puppy Proofing

When you first introduce your puppy or dog into your home, you want to make sure the area is safe. Before arrival, Caitlin Fitzgerald, DVM, recommends puppy-proofing your house. “Puppies and dogs often like to chew and mouth things they shouldn’t,” she said. “Take care to hide exposed wires, and place anything of value that you do not want to become a chew toy out of reach.”

It is also a good idea to confine the new dog to a small area to get used to the new smells of the house and become acclimated to the environment. Fitzgerald suggests trying to keep loud noises and activity levels down, so the new pet does not become frightened. Another option that some dogs also do well with is having their own crate or cage that they can get to know as their safe place.

Get to Playing with Your New Dog

Playtime is when real bonding can start. “Specific toys that help to build bonds are any toys that engage the human and the dog, such as Frisbees, tennis balls, rope toys,” says Fitzgerald. “Fetch, and tugging games are also fun for the owner and the dog, plus it’s a great way to add in an element of exercise.”

Teach Your Dog Trust

It is essential to teach your dog trust early on through petting, grooming, and snuggling. Scent plays a significant role in trust, so spend time holding and petting your new dog. You can also give an article of your clothing to the dog to sleep with to further share your scent. “Dogs like to be given direction, so a confident owner will be a great leader to the dog, and that helps with building trust,” says Fitzpatrick. “A dog obedience trainer is an excellent option for owners to learn proper ways to lead their pet.”

Whatever happens, stay committed. Often bonding happens faster than you expect, and you’ll be able to enjoy the wonderful and rewarding experiences that your new dog brings into your life in no time!

Article written by Author: Stacey Brecher

Over the past few years, there has been a lot of talk about specific dog breeds that are “hypoallergenic” and perfect for families with pet allergies. Most of the time, these dogs tend to be hairless, or they have hair instead of fur, leading many people to believe that the dogs do not spread allergens into the home. 

Unfortunately, this is mostly a myth, as no dog is entirely hypoallergenic. We spoke to Dr. Jules Benson, VP of Veterinary Services at Petplan pet insurance, to find out more.

What Causes Dog Allergies?

According to Dr. Benson, “there is no true hypoallergenic dog, because [the thing that] causes the allergic reaction is common to all dogs. All dogs shed skin cells — or dander — even if they don’t shed fur.” The allergens are also present in these skin cells, as well as in saliva and urine. People with pet allergies react when these allergens are inhaled. “Dog dander is microscopic, like a micron of dust, and it can linger in the air so people can breathe it in without knowing it,” Dr. Benson explains. “Pet urine and saliva particles can adhere to a pet’s fur after they lick themselves, as well, so petting a dog could also lead to a reaction.”

Do Allergy-Free Dogs Exist?

So that’s the bad news. But don’t worry, there’s good news as well. While there are no 100% allergy free dogs, some breeds are better for people with allergies than others. “Dogs that have hair, not fur, actually don’t shed as much and tend to produce less sneeze-provoking dander,” said Dr. Benson. 

The list for these types of dogs includes Poodles, Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers, mostly hairless dogs like the Xoloitzcuintli and larger breeds like Portuguese Water Dogs and Schnauzers.

Can My Dog Allergy Be Cured?

Unfortunately, there is no way to cure pet allergies. “Allergic reactions occur because the body’s immune system is treating the allergen — in this case, pet dander — as an enemy, so repeated or prolonged exposure could simply lead to a more extreme reaction — which could be very dangerous,” says Dr. Benson.

It is possible that some people, mostly children, may outgrow an allergy completely, but this has nothing to do with repeated exposure to a dog. If you do bring home a so-called hypoallergenic dog, don’t be surprised if those allergies do rear their ugly heads. However, if you or a family member only has minor pet allergies, one of the dogs listed above could be the right fit for your home. 

Reduce the Allergens in Your Home

There are also ways to reduce the pet allergens in your home to limit the spread of dander. Specific areas of your home collect more allergens than others. These areas include carpets, furniture, mattresses, and window treatments. The key is diligent housekeeping. When purchasing a vacuum cleaner, make sure to get one with a HEPA filter. These are designed to remove even the smallest particles of pet dander. Hardwood floors are a great option, too, as the hair is visible and easier to remove. Frequent baths 

and grooming of your pet will also help. “Just be sure to use a moisturizing shampoo, so your pet’s skin doesn’t dry out from so many baths,” warns Dr. Benson. You can also restrict your dog to specific parts of your home and keep him out of the bedrooms of the family members who are allergic. Special air filters are also available to help remove dander that could be floating in the air.

If you believe you are allergic to dogs at the end of the day, be sure to get tested by an allergist who can determine if your allergies are due to pet dander or other allergens. Then you can decide if you’re perhaps able to live with a dog that produces less dander.

Article written by Author: Stacey Brecher