Many people may not be aware that brachycephalic dogs breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and other breeds with short, flat noses can suffer from sleep apnea. It has been found that these dogs suffer from disordered breathing that is similar to human obstructive sleep apnea which is caused by upper airway obstruction. The result is daytime fatigue and interruptions in sleep.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki Lung Insight group found that a neckband system that is used in people, was successful in determining if dogs suffered from sleep apnea.
Their research showed that brachycephalic dogs snore and suffer from sleep disorders more than dogs with long snouts. Sleep apnea causes health issues in humans such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. It affects the body’s immune system, hormone secretion and metabolism. Since dogs and humans share similar health issues, it is important to monitor your dog’s sleep habits and if you think that your dog has sleep apnea contact your veterinarian.
Journal Reference:
Iida Niinikoski, Sari‐Leena Himanen, Mirja Tenhunen, Liisa Lilja‐Maula, Minna M. Rajamäki. Description of a novel method for detection of sleep‐disordered breathing in brachycephalic dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2023; DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16783
Cite This Page:
University of Helsinki. “A short snout predisposes dogs to sleep apnea.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 13 June 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/06/230613110050.htm>.
Researcher Sora Shin, an assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech has discovered a molecule that triggers the need to eat high fat foods in mice 24 hours after being exposed stress in the form of the scent of cats.
This molecule is found in the hypothalamus section of the brain which is the part of the brain that is connected to changes in the brain that lead to emotional overeating.
The same molecule is found in people as well as animals. This discovery may lead to treatment methods that can help people who react to the emotionally driven need to overeat, even when they are not hungry.
Sue’s Note: There are many animals, particularly dogs and cats that tend to overeat which result in them becoming obese. Pet owners who have pets that have this problem should consider stress as a factor that causes their pets to overeat. First be sure that the family or friends are not over feeding the pets. If this is not the case the pet owner should evaluate the possibility that stress may be a cause. Since the study showed that the effects of stress can cause overeating 24 hours later, the pet owner should consider events that happened in the last 24 hours. An example would be someone or something that passes the pet’s home when the owner is not home that causes high stress in the pet. In situations where stress is a factor, reducing the amount of food that the pet has access to may cause a greater amount of stress. In this case over the counter calming remedies may help the pet. If not a visit to your veterinarian would be in order explaining to the veterinarian that you suspect stress is a cause of the overeating. Print a copy of the article in the link below to show your veterinarian if necessary.
Journal Reference:
In-Jee You, Yeeun Bae, Alec R. Beck, Sora Shin. Lateral hypothalamic proenkephalin neurons drive threat-induced overeating associated with a negative emotional state. Nature Communications, 2023; 14 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42623-6
Researchers at the University of Washington in the US, studied the difference between diseases in large and small dogs. Although small dogs tend to live longer than large dogs, small vs large dogs do not differ in the amount of health conditions that they get, but they do differ in the types of health conditions.
The study compared 25,000 dogs of 238 different breeds. Although they did find trends, the researchers stressed that the study does not confirm any causal relationship between a dog’s size, age and disease.
They found that large dogs are more likely to develop cancer, bone-related disease, gastrointestinal problems, ear/nose/throat issues, neurological and endocrine conditions and infectious diseases. Smaller dogs were more likely to have ocular, cardiac, liver/pancreas and respiratory diseases. Both large and small breeds experienced kidney/urinary disease.
“For many types of conditions — including cancer, ocular, cardiac, orthopedic, and ear/nose/throat conditions — different dog sizes were associated with differing patterns of risk over the course of a dog’s lifespan.
The results held up even after the researchers statistically accounted for the dogs’ sex, where they lived, and whether they were purebred or mixed-breed.”
Journal Reference:
Yunbi Nam, Michelle White, Elinor K. Karlsson, Kate E. Creevy, Daniel E. L. Promislow, Robyn L. McClelland. Dog size and patterns of disease history across the canine age spectrum: Results from the Dog Aging Project. PLOS ONE, 2024; 19 (1): e0295840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295840
Cite This Page:
PLOS. “Big dogs versus small dogs: Which sizes face higher risks of which diseases?.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 17 January 2024. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240117141009.htm>.
Sue’s Note: This information can be used to help dog owners test their dogs for the diseases that they are most likely to get. Your veterinarian can help you keep abreast of potential diseases. This study did not track the illnesses/diseases that are predominant in specific breeds of dogs. It is important to know this information about your dog. For example, certain large breeds are more prone to develop hip dysplasia.
In a recent study Dr’s Matt and Gabriella Motta of the Boston School of Public Health, found that almost 40% of dog owners in the United States are hesitant about getting their pets vaccinated. Some of these feelings are a spillover from the mistrust of the COVID shots. Many people have lost confidence in both adult and child vaccines and this now includes pet vaccines.
This mistrust of vaccines includes rabies and other diseases. Forty percent of pet owners questioned, feel that the vaccines are unsafe, 20% feel that the vaccines are ineffective and 30% feel that they are unnecessary.
“The American Animal Hospital Association calls vaccinations “a cornerstone of canine preventive healthcare” and recommends that all dogs (barring specific medical reasons), receive a core set of vaccines for rabies, distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza, and advises that many dogs receive additional “non-core” inoculations for Lyme disease, Bordetella, and other diseases.”
Sue’s Note: Rabies was first described over 5000 years ago. The World Health Organization has estimated that over 250,000 people a year are saved by having animals vaccinated against rabies. They also estimate that 59,000 people die each year from Rabies. In the United States rabies is almost unknown in pet animals, but wild animals can carry it. The biggest threat is in other countries where they do not vaccinate dogs or they have many feral street dogs which are a risk. All of the vaccines for pets have been tested and proven to save animals.
As a senior citizen, I recall as a child we all got Measles, Mumps, Chicken Pox and Rubella. I also knew students in my High School who suffered from Polio. Since the shots for these diseases have been given, few if any children in the U.S. get these “childhood” diseases. While there is always a risk with any shot, the benefits outweigh the risk. However, that said, I personally feel that the COVID shot should have been tested for a longer period of time. That is my personal feeling. The other shots have been tested and proven safe for both pets and people.
Journal Reference:
Matt Motta, Gabriella Motta, Dominik Stecula. Sick as a dog? The prevalence, politicization, and health policy consequences of canine vaccine hesitancy (CVH). Vaccine, 2023; DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.08.059
Cite This Page:
Boston University School of Public Health. “Nearly half of dog owners are hesitant to vaccinate their pets.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 31 August 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230831142809.htm>.
Because we cannot talk to dogs or give them the same type of cognitive tests that we give people, the latest research that shows how slow a dog walks could mean that he is suffering from dementia is a step in the right direction.
“Walking speed in people is strongly associated with cognitive decline,” says Natasha Olby, Dr. Kady M. Gjessing and Rahna M. Davidson Distinguished Chair in Gerontology at NC State and corresponding author of the study. “We hypothesized that the same might be true in dogs.”
The researchers tested 46 adult dogs (control group) and 49 senior dogs to determine if the speed that they walked corresponded with dementia. They had the dog’s owners fill out a questionnaire and in addition, the researchers did cognitive testing as well. They considered all factors that could influence the test results such as the size of the dog, possible joint pain, and the difference if the dog walked on leash or off leash.
They came to the conclusion that a senior dogs walking speed does correspond with dementia.
Sue’s note: Since we cannot accurately give dogs mental tests, any other way to help owners recognize that their dog may be in mental decline is good. However, if you see signs of mental decline in your dog, do not assume that it is due to old age. Have your dog examined by your veterinarian since physical issues may be the culprit, not dementia or old age.
The work appears in Frontiers in Veterinary Science and was supported by the Kady M. Gjessing and Rahna M. Davidson Distinguished Chair in Gerontology. Alejandra Mondino, postdoctoral researcher at NC State, is lead author of the study.
Journal Reference:
Alejandra Mondino, Michael Khan, Beth Case, Gilad Fefer, Wojciech K. Panek, Margaret E. Gruen, Natasha J. Olby. Winning the race with aging: age-related changes in gait speed and its association with cognitive performance in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2023; 10 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1150590
I do not often post articles about products but I feel this is important. So please forgive the departure from purely animal topics. Years ago, I purchased an Ecoquest air purifier. I ran it 24/7 for about 15 years before it quit, so no complaints on that part. When I told a few people about the difference it made in my house, I was surprised to learn that most of the people I talked to had no idea what this type of air purifier was.
It is not an air filter, this product does so much more. It kills germs, bacteria and odors in the house. It takes care of dust, dust mites, mold, mildew, and pollen, just to name a few things. No one has ever walked into my house and smelled what I had cooked, or that I had dogs, cats and birds. My husband and I rarely catch colds or other airborne illnesses and the house smells springtime fresh all of the time. Since I suffered for years with allergies and now asthma (I am even allergic to my cat) I find that this air purifier lessens my symptoms and often eliminates them. I feel that this product will also help animals that have airborne allergies and help to keep birds healthy.
You can google the air purifier but I highly recommend that you contact Don Coon, who can help you select the right model and save you quite a bit of money from the on-line prices. His contact information is: adcoon99@gmail.com or phone in the U.S. 406-360-0956. I do not get any credit for recommending him but offer this because it is a great product and he is a great guy.
Dogs of every age need proper exercise and nutrition in order to maintain good health. With the right balance, you can help your pup live a long and happy life. The key is to keep everything in moderation because even exercise can be detrimental if your dog overdoes it.
The foundation of any pet’s health is a great diet. The right food can make a big difference for everything from his coat to his joints. Look for high-quality food with natural ingredients that provide the nutrients they need. If you want to take it a step further, consider air-dried beef dog food, which has all the protein-packed benefits of raw food without the mess or hassle of preparing it yourself. Not only that, your dog will love the flavors.
Exercise, But Don’t Overdo It
Dogs need regular exercise for both physical and mental stimulation, but it’s crucial not to overdo it, especially as your pet gets a little older. He may want to run and play the way he did as a puppy, but certain types of exercise are better than others, depending on your dog’s breed and size. To avoid injury and keep his joints healthy, consider taking your dog for a swim, which is gentle enough for most ages.
Keep His Mind Sharp
In addition to getting enough exercise, it’s also important to provide your pup with plenty of mental stimulation throughout the day, even when you’re not around. You can introduce different smells and sounds to keep his senses engaged or provide interactive toys such as tug ropes or treat-dispensing balls that encourage thinking and playing. Training games are also great for mentally stimulating your dog, teaching him new tricks, or honing existing skills. You can also try playing hide-and-seek with his favorite toy.
Keep His Coat Healthy
Brushing and grooming your dog regularly and removing dirt, debris, dead skin cells, and excess fur from their skin helps keep their coat healthy. Invest in a high-quality brush for daily brushing sessions at home or visit a professional groomer for more extensive grooming services such as nail trimming or hair styling. Additionally, make sure you check for fleas or ticks regularly, too, especially during warmer months when these parasites are more active.
Spend Quality Time Together
No matter how old your pup is, spending quality time together is an essential part of keeping him happy and healthy. Take some time out of each day to cuddle up with your pup on the couch or take him on an adventure around town. Go for a drive if your pet enjoys car rides. Giving your dog this time is important for his mental health.
Invest in the Right Gear
As you and your dog spend time together, invest in quality gear like a durable leash and harness to ensure his safety. Look for products made from materials like leather, which are strong enough to withstand wear and tear but still comfortable enough for long periods of use without causing irritation. Lastly, make sure you have a good collar complete with ID tags so you’ll have peace of mind.
Keeping your pet healthy and active will ensure his continued mental and physical fitness, which can, in turn, lengthen his life. By feeding him quality dog food and providing lots of opportunities for exercise and bonding time, you can help your dog make the most of his years. Don’t forget to talk to your vet about any concerns right away.
H.I.C.C. Pet has some very nice grooming products for dogs and cats. We all know how difficult it is to bathe most cats but now there is an alternate way to keep a cat’s coat clean. H.I.C.C. Pets has Cat Glove Wipes specifically made for cats that are double sided. One side is used for cleaning and the other for massaging. The formula on the glove is antimicrobial and deodorizing, is safe if the cat licks it and dries quickly. For dogs or cats that have hot spots or have wounds that are healing, H.I.C.C. offers a pet skin care spray that is also safe to use. They also offer a pet grooming glove that can be used on either dogs or cats. Check out their products. https://www.facebook.com/Hiccpetsupplies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groompetsbyhicc/
Yes, times are tough right now. But there is always something to be thankful for. So, on this Thanksgiving, why not give thanks for everything you have – regardless of how little – instead of dwelling on what you don’t have? If you are missing someone or something, be thankful they, or it, are or have been a part of your life. Among the things to be thankful for, many people include their dogs or other pets. Nevertheless, some people don’t like dogs for whatever reason(s) they may have. But an individual doesn’t have to be a “dog person” to be kind to them and recognize and appreciate all the ways they contribute to human welfare. Just think of the service animals, detection dogs, patrol dogs, cattle and sheep dogs, search dogs, and those dogs who give comfort or alleviate the loneliness of others.
Yes, dogs come with needs, as does every living thing. Along with food, shelter, and affection, caring for your dog includes protecting them from harmful things. That brings up the double usage of “no bones about it” in my column heading. Not all bones, whether cooked or uncooked, are good for dogs – especially bones from turkey, chicken, and other fowl. Those types can cause choking, indigestion, or obstructions in their digestive system, or worse – splinter and perforate the dog’s organs.
As difficult as it is for some to ignore those sweet pleading eyes of a pooch while a Thanksgiving meal is being prepared or served – don’t give in to them. Giving in to their wants of nibbles may be unhealthy, and counter-surfers can be sneaky and grab things they shouldn’t have. So be wary. However, you can include your dog in the festivities with a Thanksgiving dinner – only not one the same as yours. Instead, give them a plate with small amounts of boneless white turkey meat, unseasoned potatoes, and vegetables – but no onions or stuffing/dressing. For those dog lovers who want to give them dessert too – a small amount of unseasoned pumpkin is good for them – but not that spiced pie filling, and do not give them chocolate, things that have a lot of sugar – or anything that contains the artificial sweetener Xylitol. Xylitol can be deadly for your dog! Afterward, it might be tempting to scrape the scraps off all the plates into your dog’s food dish – don’t. That also pertains to adding dark meat, the skin of the
turkey or chicken, or rich gravy to their kibble. Although your dog will gobble it up and enjoy every bite – too much fat can cause stomach pain and digestive issues – possibly serious pancreatitis.
Remember to emphasize to your family members and guests, including children, the dangers of giving your dog unsafe food. It’s easy to be distracted by everything going on in your household, so if children are present, for safety, it is wise to ask a specific person to keep an eye on them – especially since kids tend to run in and out of the house playing. You don’t want to spend your afternoon worried, walking or driving around looking for your pet that escaped because someone left the door open – or got out of the yard because it was frightened by all the commotion. It is also important that guests who bring their dog make sure it is wearing a collar with contact information. If possible, have them include your contact number if they are from out of town. Too many dogs manage to get out and become lost when visiting at this time of year.
In addition, children playing with your dog need watching so they don’t do anything that will possibly hurt the dog or make the dog snap at them or worse. And speaking of snapping – arguments have erupted between family members and friends because of so many opinions in one place. From family matters to football to politics – raised voices may put your dog in a protective mode, believing you are being threatened. If that occurs, it’s wise to put your dog in another room or his kennel where he is away from the ruckus and will feel safe. That way, you can partake in the “discussions” or scream and cheer without worry, and your dog will be relieved from the noise. Happy Thanksgiving.
Different groups of researchers are interested in learning how much wildlife cats kill for food. With this in mind researcher Roland Kays from North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences decided to study how much wildlife domestic cats kill and eat to supplement the food they are fed by their owners. What they found was very surprising as well as important for cat owners.
The researchers found that they could not determine the amount of wildlife that cats eat because they were studying elements in cat food as a comparison. The reason why this study failed is because cat food manufacturers do not use consistent types and amounts of ingredients in their food. Even foods that were the same flavor and brand were inconsistent. The researchers found that the less expensive brands had more corn products and that the cat food produced in the United Kingdom had a lower amount of corn products.
Author’s Note: This information accounts for why some cats who like a certain brand and flavor of food will suddenly refuse to eat that food. Cats have a very acute sense of smell and they can detect the change in their food. Dog food is no better and dogs can suddenly reject a food that they liked previously. Changing the formula of dog or cat food can also induce loose stools and weight changes in a dog or cat.
A Blog by Susan Bulanda 