In This Issue:
● Recent Recalls
● Treating Dogs With Stem Cells
● Affordable Meds For Separation Anxiety
● Turn Leftover Chicken Into Dog Treats
● Do Dogs Use Tools?
● Coping With Canine Deafness
● Promising Vaccine For Canine Cancer
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IN THE NEWS
Should You Bank Your Dog’s Stem Cells?
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Los Angeles-based startup, Gallant has an innovative new health option for pet parents. The company’s focus is to treat illness and improve the lives of dogs and cats through regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy.
According to Gallant, the veterinarians from its newly acquired business have treated hundreds of cats and dogs already with their own banked stem cells. Those treatments have helped dogs with illnesses including osteoarthritis, atopic dermatitis, torn ligaments and chronic dry eye.
“In my experience with clinical trials and evaluating dogs with debilitating arthritis, I’ve seen first hand how cell therapy can change lives,” said Dr. Black, chief scientific officer at Gallant, in a statement. “I’m committed to developing therapies that dramatically improve the quality of life for dogs.”
Learn more about this incredible medical advancement.
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A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND
To minimize seasonal allergies, wipe your dog’s paws after each trip outside. You can make your own hypoallergenic paw wipes by pouring white vinegar and a splash of tea tree oil (0.1% – 1.0%) over thick paper towels.
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IN THE NEWS
FDA Approves Cheaper Medication For Dogs With Separation Anxiety
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Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioral problems in dogs. Luckily, parents of anxious pups will soon have a cheaper generic version of a common separation anxiety drug.
The Food and Drug Administration approved clomipramine hydrochloride, a generic for the brand name drug Clomicalm, for dogs ages 6 months and up.
Symptoms of separation anxiety may include inappropriate urination and defecation, vocalization and destructiveness.
While a lower cost prescription is certainly great news for pup parents, behavioral modification techniques should be used along with medication.
If you think your dog may suffer from separation anxiety, consult your veterinarian. If your dog takes medication, but continues to experience severe symptoms, consult a veterinary behaviorist.
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QUIZ OF THE WEEK
What is the most common cause of deafness in dogs?
- Chronic Ear Infections
- Genetics
- Old Age
Not sure? Read on to find the answer!
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HEALTHY HOMEMADE TREATS
Finally, You Can Put Those Leftover Chicken Trimmings To Good Use!
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When I prepare boneless chicken breast, I end up trimming away as much, if not more, than I actually cook.
While “ugly chicken” disgusts me, it is a fantasy snack for my dogs. Recently, I decided to try cooking it off and using it to make homemade treats.
I scanned the internet for quick, healthy dog treat recipes, and found the perfect one on TwoHealthyKitchens.com.
Give it a try next time you have leftover chicken breast or even a rotisserie chicken – just be careful to avoid the skin and bones.
Leftover Chicken & Sweet Potato Treats
Prep Time: 7 min.
Cook Time: 30 min.
Total Time: 37 min.
Yields: 48 – 130 Treats (Depending on size)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup PLAIN mashed, cooked sweet potatoes
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cups finely chopped, cooked chicken
- 2 cups whole wheat flour or substitute 2 cups almond flour for gluten and grain-free treats
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine sweet potatoes, water, and egg, stirring until thoroughly incorporated. Add chicken and flour and stir again until combined. Batter will be very thick and sticky.
- Drop the batter by level spoonfuls onto parchment-lined baking sheets. (Because these dog biscuits spread very little during baking, you can crowd them together more than typical cookies.)
- Using the back of a spoon, flatten the dog treats slightly.
- Bake until lightly golden brown (which depends on the size of biscuits): about 12-14 minutes for tablespoon-sized biscuits, or 11-12 minutes for teaspoon-sized biscuits. Your yield will be about 48 tablespoon-sized biscuits, or about 130 teaspoon-sized biscuits.
- Store in the refrigerator or (for longer storage) in zippered freezer bags in the freezer (thaw before serving).
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A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND
Does your dog have trouble navigating hardwood or tile floors? Try laying non-skid carpet runners in high traffic zones. For a cheaper, but just as effective solution, use yoga mats!
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BEHAVIOR & TRAINING
Do Dogs Use Tools?
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Otters use rocks to crack open shellfish. Apes use branches as walking sticks and to test water depth. But are dogs sophisticated enough to use tools?
According to Scientific American, absolutely. Their most effective tool of all? Us!
Animal behaviorist, Julie Hecht writes:
“Dog walks to the front door, you take him out. Dog barks at the pantry, you feed him. Dogs turn us into tools via a nifty set of behaviors described as gaze-alternation. Here’s how it could play out: a dog can’t reach a desired object, say a ball that rolled under the couch. Dog looks at the ball, looks at the human, looks at the ball, looks at the human. Meet gaze alternation, sometimes accompanied by barking. The result: the tool, I mean, human, retrieves the ball from under the couch. Good human.”
What other “tools” do dogs utilize? Read more from Hecht.
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VET CORNER
8 Tips For Coping With Your Dog’s Hearing Loss
by Dr. Nancy Kay, DVM, DACVIM
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The most common form of deafness in dogs is age-related hearing loss (ARHL). Many dog parents do not notice the early signs, instead attributing the issue to behavioral problems or “selective hearing.”
Research has been done on hearing aids in Beagles with some success, but as of now, there is no standard treatment for canine deafness.
However, there are several things you can do to make life easier on your dog if/when ARHL sets in. Click here to find out what Dr. Kay recommends.
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TIS THE SEASON: November Is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Cancer Vaccine Is Showing Remarkable Results In Dogs!
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We never get enough time with our dogs before they cross the Rainbow Bridge, but there is new hope on the horizon. Groundbreaking research is being conducted across the country on a vaccine for cancer in dogs – and the results are promising so far!
It’s called the Vaccination Against Canine Cancer study and it’s the biggest clinical trial ever conducted on dogs. So far there are about 150 dogs that are participating. The dogs are being seen at Colorado State University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of California-Davis.
Astonishingly, only one dog out of the nearly 150 enrolled in the study has been diagnosed with cancer! The tumor on this dog was present about a month and a half into the research so it is believed it had already started growing by the time he received the vaccine.
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Do you have a question or topic you’d like The Healthy Hound to address in an upcoming newsletter? Reply to this email and let us know!
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Quiz Answer:
3. Old Age. The most common form of deafness in dogs is Age-Related Hearing Loss (ARHL).
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