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  • Nose smart – how [your dog’s] nose knows | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Your dog’s sense of smell is nothing short of a superpower. The following book excerpt offers fascinating details on how canine olfaction works and why our dogs’ odor-detecting abilities are so amazingly sharp. 

    If you pay close attention to your dog’s nose when he’s intent on a scent, you’ll see it do that cute little wiggle and hear the staccato beats of its work. As a tool, a dog’s nose is a triumph of natural selection: a complex set of cogs and wheels we rarely think about.

    When a dog inhales, the air can follow two possible routes — one for plain old breathing, and the other for olfaction. During intense exploration or tracking, the rapid sniff, sniff, sniff — up to around 200 times a minute compared with about 30 times a minute for a dog on a stroll – takes in extra air and rushes volatile particles into the system. The action creates tiny wind currents on exhales to help the inhales along. Then, within the nasal tissue, a maze of receptor sites awaits, tooled with tiny hairs that snag and hold scent molecules as they whistle by. 

    Our two nostrils always work in tandem, but a dog’s can work independently, further boosting his access to scents. Nostril mobility helps the pup know where a smell is coming from, and a wet nose, dampened by a thin layer of secreted mucus plus saliva, picks up scent better than a dry one. And though human nostrils have to manage both inhalations and exhalations through the same door, a dog taking in new air can, with a twitch of muscles, push old air down deep or release it through slits in the sides of the nose: an elegant solution to the “too many smells” problem. 

    Not only do dogs have hundreds of millions more odor-detecting neurons than we, do, but their olfactory epithelium – the sheet of tissue that converts odor molecules into neural signals that brains interpret as smells – is also a complex labyrinth of turns, folds, and bumps compared to our single flat sheet. Dogs also have a working vomeronasal organ (VNO), a sac packed with additional receptors that sits atop the roof of the mouth and picks up chemical cues called pheromones from incoming air and when the dogs licks its nose. When a dog sniffs something message-laden like urine of a female in heat, he seems to “eat” the scent – a behavior that draws more odor molecules to the VNO. What lands there is thought to affect social and reproductive behavior. 

    Olfactory performance is sensitive to humidity and barometric pressure, inflammation, nasal dehydration, excess mucus, exposure to toxins and pharmaceuticals – and of course, the effects of diet, aging, and disease. A dog can experience olfactory fatigue or “nose blindness,” like us, finding herself temporarily unable to distinguish a particular odor after smelling it too much. Thresholds vary across individual dogs. This desensitization occurs to free up the nervous system to respond to new smells that might be important: a smart move for a nose thinker. The gut microbiome may even affect sensitivity to scene. So do training methods; how and how often a dog is exposed to an odor of (our) interest can change his ability to distinguish it from others. 

    So dogs’ nose intelligence depends on a great many factors, many of which are in the handlers’ control. And in supporting our dogs’ natural olfactory talents, we can boost the superpower that arguably has the greatest value to both species. 

    Excerpted from Dog Smart – Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence by Jennifer S. Holland (National Geographic, 2024).


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    Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.

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  • Why are so many dogs overweight? | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    A new study finds that half our dogs are overweight. Learn the causes of canine obesity and how to help your dog reach a healthy weight. 

    If your dog is on the chunky side, he has plenty of company. A new study from Texas A&M University and the Dog Aging Project (DAP) shows that 50% of dogs in the U.S. carry extra weight. Why are so many dogs overweight? A variety of factors may be at play, including breed backgrounds, environment, and food motivation.

    Understanding your dog’s love of food

    “Our study confirmed that dogs in the sporting group — which in our cohort were largely Labrador and Golden Retrievers — have a greater likelihood of high food motivation,” said Dr. Kate Creevy, DAP’s chief veterinary officer. She is also a professor in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences’ Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. 

    The study further found that dogs in urban environments and those from multi-dog households are more likely to have higher food motivation.

    “These factors likely influence the amount of exercise dogs get in addition to their access to food,” Dr. Creevy explained. “Some dogs may seek food out of boredom, which may increase in environments that offer less exercise and enrichment. Additionally, owners with multiple dogs may choose certain feeding practices — including free feeding — out of convenience, which can lead to more food being available.”

    Helping your dog reach a healthy weight 

    Many dog parents know their canines are overweight and want to help them attain a healthy weight. However, the process isn’t straightforward.

    “Previous research has shown that weight loss interventions for dogs are not always successful, especially if they’re not followed consistently,” said Dr. Creevy. “Sometimes there are issues in communication between the veterinarian and the owner, and given what we learned from this study, it’s also possible some breeds require stricter feeding practices.

    “Overweight dogs are prone to numerous health problems, including skin disease, diabetes, and arthritis,” she adds. “It is imperative that veterinarians develop a better understanding of canine obesity and whether it may be linked to social, environmental, or demographic factors so we can give every dog the best possible quality of life.”

    If you suspect your own dog is overweight, talk to your integrative or holistic veterinarian. He or she can recommend the best kind of food for your dog and help you set exercise goals and a feeding schedule that meets his needs.


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    Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.

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  • Joint health nutrition for dogs and cats | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Support your dog or cat’s joint health with anti-inflammatory foods and easy recipes that help ease arthritis and improve mobility.

    Many companion animals experience joint problems such as arthritis, especially as they age. Feeding them a joint-supportive diet helps alleviate discomfort and improve mobility. Let’s look at joint health nutrition for dogs and cats, along with recipes you can share with your beloved companion 

    10 joint-healthy foods for dogs and cats

         1.Cold water fish: Salmon, sardines, trout and mackerel are good sources of inflammation-fighting Omega-3 fatty acids.

         2.Green leafy vegetables: Kale, Swiss chard, spinach and Bok choy are packed with antioxidants like vitamins A, C and K. These nutrients protect cells from free radical damage. Leafy green veggies also include bone-preserving calcium. 

         3. Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower contain a natural compound known as sulforaphane. Research shows that sulforaphane helps block the inflammatory process. It might even slow cartilage damage in osteoarthritis. 

    Some evidence suggests cruciferous vegetable-rich diets may help prevent the development of RA.

         4. Carrots: These colorful root vegetables are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, helping to fight inflammation.

         5. Apple cider vinegar: Adding apple cider vinegar to bone broth recipes releases calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, and sulphate into the broth. It also releases other trace minerals and amino acids.

         6. Parsley: This versatile herb contains vitamin C, pro-vitamin A, calcium, chlorophyll, iron, and magnesium. It also contains an essential oil called eugenol, which has anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties. It improves digestion and supports kidney and urinary tract health. 

          7. Chaga mushrooms: These make a healthful addition to bone broth along with other mushrooms. Chaga contains 215 phytochemicals and 29 polysaccharide derivatives. These mushrooms also offer beta-D-glucans, polyphenols, superoxide dismutase, micronutrients and more.

    Chaga mushrooms uniquely boost the immune system or slow it down, depending on the body’s needs. This makes it great for dogs or              cats with arthritis or allergies. 

    8. Turmeric: Sprinkled on any dish, this flavorful spice is a powerful anti-inflammatory, benefiting a variety of arthritic conditions. Turmeric’s combined anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help provide relief from the pain of arthritis and other joint issues.  

         9. First pressed/extra virgin olive oil: Researchers have studied this oil for its protective benefits, including against arthritis. Olive oil contains about 30 natural compounds, including polyphenol and oleocanthal, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

    Studies show that the phytochemicals found in olive oil inhibit the production arachidonic acid, which contributes to inflammation.  

         10. Camelina oil: Similar to almond oil in texture and flavor, camelina oils is an excellent source of phytosterols, including campesterol, which helps prevent the inflammation that can result from cartilage damage. It’s a rich source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids and supports healthy skin and coat.

    Camelina oil has a high smoke point of 475°F, making it a great alternative for baking. It lasts a long time and resists rancidity, due in large part to its high levels of vitamin E.

    Joint health nutrition for dogs and cats is as easy as incorporating these foods into the recipes that follow!

    Recipes 

    These fabulous recipes are a great way to use nutrition to support joint health in your dog or cat!

    Fabulous Fish Cakes 

    Ingredients

    2 pounds ground salmon* or white fish

    3 whole eggs

    2 carrots

    2 teaspoons sea salt (optional)

    4 tablespoons oatmeal

    ¼ cup cold pressed oil, e.g., olive oil or camelina oil

    ¾ cup filtered water, or you can use fish or vegetable stock to replace some or all the filtered water

    Instructions

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients, except the fish, in a food processor or blender. Turn out into a large mixing bowl. Add fish and combine thoroughly.

    Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease with cold pressed oil. You can make different-sized patties for your dog or cat. Ice cream and melon scoops work well, and a fork is perfect for flattening the fish cakes before popping them into the oven.

    Bake for approximately 1 hour. Remove from the oven and cool completely. Garnish with fresh parsley, or with fresh oat, barley or rye grasses.

    Note: Do not feed raw salmon to your dog; it can contain flukes that cause poisoning.

    Poached Fish

    Poach fish easily by following these steps:

    • Use a pan that’s large enough to lay each piece of fish down flat. 
    • Add enough liquid, such as filtered water or sodium-free broth, to just cover the fish.
    • Bring to a simmer. If you see big bubbles coming up from the bottom of the pan, it’s too hot. The ideal temperature for poaching fish is between 165°F and 180°F.

    Magic Mash

    You can prepare this recipe as a raw or cooked meal topper or side dish. Try to use organic ingredients whenever possible.

    Ingredients for raw mash 

    4 to 6 cups brightly-colored fruits and vegetables, broccoli, carrots, and greens

    ½ cup filtered water

    Cold pressed oil of your choice 

    Instructions 

    Simply whirl all the ingredients in a food processor. Drizzle with cold pressed oil before serving.

    Ingredients for cooked mash

    4 to 6 cups brightly-colored fruits and vegetables

    2 tablespoons first pressed extra virgin olive oil

    1 teaspoon sea salt

    Instructions

    Chop the vegetables by hand or use a food processor. Transfer to a medium-sized saucepan, add olive oil and salt. Turn stove on high until bubbles begin to form. Turn the heat down to simmer. Gently cook the mash for 15 minutes.  

    Cool, then serve with sardines packed in spring water, or another cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, cod, or haddock.

    Kale Krisps

    This is a delicious dish the whole family can enjoy, and you and your pets can reap so many health benefits too.  Again, try to use organic ingredients whenever possible.

    Ingredients

    1 bunch kale or large leafed spring greens

    1 tablespoon first pressed extra virgin olive oil

    1 teaspoon sea salt

    1 tablespoon hemp hearts (optional)

    A sprinkle of turmeric

    Instructions

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Remove the leaves from the thick outer stems of the kale. Cut or tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Wash the leaves with filtered water, then dry them in a salad spinner. Or pat them dry with paper towels or a tea towel. 

    Spread the bite-sized pieces of kale on the cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt, hemp hearts, and turmeric. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the edges of the leaves are turning golden in color.  

    Remove from oven, cool, and enjoy! Store Kale Krisps in an open container. If they lose their crunch, simply pop them back in a pre-heated oven for a few minutes.

    Simple Bone Broth

    An article about using nutrition to support joint health in dogs and cats wouldn’t be complete without bone broth. It’s a powerhouse of nutrients, including protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and amino acids. 

    Bone broth is also rich in collagen, keratin, gelatin, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid. Bone marrow broths contain stem cells too. 

    Giving your dog or cat a daily dose of bone broth is a great way to supplement gelatin and help with joint health. Use certified organic bones for the best nutritional value.

    Ingredients

    1 to 2 pounds of chicken or turkey bones or 2 large beef marrow bones or other bones containing marrow

    1 cup mushrooms (e.g. Shiitake, Turkey Tail, Maitake, or a combination)

    1 tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar (contains the “mother”) or 1/2 lemon

    Filtered water

    Handful of fresh parsley

    Instructions 

    Place the bones and vinegar in a large soup pot, Crock Pot or Instant Pot. Cover with filtered water and bring mixture to a boil. Skim the “particulates” that rise to the top. Then turn the heat down to a simmer. Add mushrooms.  

    Leave the bones to simmer away all day or night. Add the parsley just a few minutes before you move to the next step. Then drain the broth from the bones. Discard the bones but keep all the meat and cartilage.  

    Store bone broth in glass jars in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze it in containers or ice cube trays for up to six months.  


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    Dr. Suzi Beber, Honoris causa

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  • Dog posture and health | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Did you know your dog’s posture is key to her overall health and mobility? Spot abnormal posture and find simple ways to help her stand strong and move with ease.

    When we think about our dogs, we usually picture them playing, walking, or running. But being able to “just stand there” is also key to health and soundness — not just for dogs, but for all animals, including humans. In this article, we look at the link between good dog posture and health. 

    What it takes to “just stand up”

    Does your dog flop down on the ground as soon as she stops walking? It may indicate she can’t stand up for long without becoming tired or uncomfortable. In some ways, standing still is harder than moving. Think about riding a bicycle — the faster you go, the easier it gets.  

    But what does it take to “just stand up”? A lot, actually! All animals have multiple centers in the brain devoted to postural control. They coordinate sensory signals from various parts of the body — tracking the position of limbs, trunk, and head relative to each other and to gravity.

    The brain makes unconscious decisions about posture using a constant flow of sensory data — from the feet, joints, muscles, inner ear, eyes, and jaw. It coordinates, analyzes, and sends these millions of sensory reports to the motor (movement) centers of the brain to generate stance and gait.  

    Fast fact: Being upright is very nearly the highest priority of our nervous systems, right after protecting the brain and spinal cord!

    “Garbage in, garbage out” is an old computer programming adage. The same is true for brain processing — if we and our dogs don’t input accurate signals about the world, the output of standing posture or movement may be badly mismatched to our reality, leading to falls or injury. 

    Why are all animals programmed to stand up?

    First, because normal neutral posture, with a limb at each corner like a table, gives the most stability with the least effort. Second, an upright posture gives the animal’s senses, like vision and hearing, the best interface with the local environment, for safety and opportunities such as food. 

    Fast fact: Many dogs, like humans and horses, are large, fast animals. Large animals use less energy per unit of body weight than tiny ones, so they take advantage of life hacks (evolutionary adaptations) to be economical when moving. 

    Dog typically have long, straight legs that support their bodies in a vertical column. When the limbs are correctly positioned like the legs of a table, the only muscles needed are tiny, strategically placed postural ones. These muscles hold isometrically to keep the dog’s legs straight without using a lot of costly muscle contraction.  

    Normal and abnormal postures 

    However, when dogs stand with Abnormal Compensatory Posture (ACP), with the front legs pointed towards the tail and hind legs towards the head, movement muscles must be recruited to stay standing up. The movement muscles not only use a lot of energy, but fatigue easily. 

    Fast fact: That’s why your old dog with canted-in hind legs has difficulty getting up and remaining standing. Those muscles get weak and tired, because they are doing a job they are not “designed” for. 

    Wild dogs like wolves or coyotes always show upright postures with straight legs. This is Normal Neutral Posture (NNP). In modern times, however, many people and dogs spend far more time sitting than standing. When they use an ACP, there are consequences to their mobility and general health. 

    Why some dogs have trouble standing up straight

    Aside from vision and the balance mechanisms of the inner ear, the dog’s postural control system relies on a variety of signals reporting on gravity and body position. These neural receptors (called “proprioceptors”) exist all over the body, including in the:

    • Muscles, tendons and joints connecting the head and neck 
    • Paws
    • Temporomandibular joints (TMJ) 

    Lack of exercise, commercial dog food, and specialized breeding for different head shapes (squashed-in or long pointy noses) have removed some of evolution’s critical guardrails for maintaining NNP in modern dogs. This distorts the postural signals in systematic ways. Garbage in, garbage out! 

    Some of these proprioceptors are pretty easy to understand, while others can be puzzling.

    Head and neck

    The small muscles of the head and neck control the position of the head, where all the important bits are: mouth, nose, eyes, and ears. But collars and leashes, especially with dogs who love to pull, can damage these delicate muscles. Any kind of injury or neck movement restriction can impact postural integrity.

    Paws

    Dogs walk on their toes and pads and have lots of skin proprioceptors reporting to the brain, so it can adapt the animal’s gait to the ground surface. A normal feral canine will walk, trot, or run many miles a day over varied terrains. 

    But today, our urban and suburban dogs tend to be couch potatoes, while their humans are out making a living. So they don’t get enough exercise to wear down their nails. They end up with a mismatch between toenail growth and wear. This means their humans have to maintain their dogs’ toenails (see sidebar on page xx).

    TMJ joints

    If you are relaxing in a chair while reading this article, your jaw is probably hanging slightly open. This is totally normal! The TMJ joint proprioceptors directly connect to the brain’s postural control centers because your jaw joint sits at the base of your skull. 

    The very highest priority of the central nervous system is to prevent your brain from having a punishing collision with the surface of the planet! So, gravity-reporting from this essential region makes total sense. The hinge of the jaw hangs down in response to gravity.  When the head is level, both sides of the jaw report a similar signal.

    Unfortunately, humans have long been breeding dogs for head shapes informed by their own aesthetics rather than for function. Breeders often produce dogs with smushed-in faces or elongated noses. These dogs often suffer congenital jaw misalignments that change how their TMJ receptors report — making it harder for them to respond properly to gravity.

    Fast fact: Noticing the posture your dog habitually uses can be an important part of keeping him healthy, pain-free and happy. Many common lameness and mobility problems are secondary to Abnormal Compensatory Posture. 

    To support healthy dog posture and health, start by trimming your canine companion’s nails regularly. Add consistent exercise over varied terrains to improve strength and mobility. If you notice her standing posture still seems off, and/or he’s having trouble getting up, take her to the vet for an evaluation.

    Properly trimmed nails are vital to your dog’s posture

    How often do you trim or file your fingernails? Most people will shrug and say, “about every other week.” Guess what? You should trim your dog’s nails just as often, so they don’t touch the ground. 

    You should never hear the click-click of your dog’s nails. When her nails hit the floor, her brain interprets it as standing on a slope. Through millions of years of evolution, this would be the only circumstance in which a toenail touched the ground. 

    As a result, the dog adjusts her posture to lean forward as if climbing a hill. On level ground, she has to unnaturally counter-balance with her hind legs — just to avoid falling forward. 

    If a dog’s hind legs are slanting forward when she pushes, they actually push her backwards.  That’s why your old dog has difficulty getting up! She compensates by throwing her weight forward to compensate for the backwards push. If you shorten your dog’s toenails to stay off the ground, you will be amazed at the difference!

    Simply learning to trim your dog’s nails regularly can significantly improve his ability to run, jump, and play — even into old age.


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    Karen Gellman, DVM, PhD

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  • How to support your dog’s renal system | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Find out how to support your dog’s renal system, from kidneys to bladder. Learn about common health problems, natural treatments, and dietary tips to maintain his well-being. 

    Among your dog’s many bodily systems, the renal system is one of the most crucial. A properly functioning renal system, supported by the right diet along with other factors, helps keep him healthy. Let’s take a comprehensive look at how to support your dog’s renal system. This includes the problems that can affect it and what to do about them. 

    What makes up the dog’s renal system?

    The canine renal system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It processes blood to form urine. The kidneys create and concentrate the urine, which passes down the ureters to the bladder. The bladder collects the urine until urination occurs. At that time, it passes from the bladder, goes through the urethra, and exits the body. 

    Problems with the canine renal system

    Dogs commonly develop bladder infections. Signs include blood in the urine, frequent urination, and straining to urinate. Your vet can run tests to see what the problem is, which bacteria are involved, and which antibiotics can be helpful. If they suspect stones (see next section), they will also recommend radiographs.

    • You can use natural treatments like a diuretic (such as dandelion) to help wash out bacteria and decrease their numbers. 
    • A few additional herbs are both diuretic and demulcent (soothing to the bladder lining), especially marshmallow (Althaea officinalis — the plant, not the candy) and corn silk. 
    • The homeopathic remedy Urtica Urens can be used for both bladder infections and stones. 
    • A capsule of cranberry concentrate, given once or twice daily, decreases the bacteria’s ability to attach to the bladder wall. Dogs that get repeated infections should stay on cranberry capsules every day, whether or not they are showing any signs.  
    • If a bladder infection is caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a Chinese herbal formula called Ba Zheng San can work well. This formula is not meant for long-term use, but only until the problem is resolved.

    • Uroliths  

    Signs of stones (uroliths) are the same as those of a bladder infection. If a male dog strains to urinate without passing any urine at all, this can mean a stone is blocking his urethra. This is an emergency – the bladder can rupture if the stone is not removed – so the dog should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible. 

    Female dogs have a shorter urethra with a wider diameter, so stones are much less likely to block it.

    Uroliths are a problem in a number of breeds (see sidebar on page xx). They are most commonly seen in the bladder. Concentrated urine increases the likelihood that stones will form. Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent them is to keep your dog’s urine from getting too concentrated. 

    • Feed him moist food or add water or salty broth to kibble if you use the latter. Salt should be skipped if your dog also has a heart problem.
    • Dandelion acts as a gentle diuretic that can help if your dog has a problem with stones.

    Dalmatians inherit a gene that causes them to change purines (a nitrogen-containing molecule) to urates (with low solubility) instead of uric acid (highly soluble). Because urates do not dissolve well, they can form stones, even when urine is dilute. Here are ways to help prevent these stones: 

    • Provide lots of liquids.
    • Feed low purine protein such as eggs, chicken, and most fish (but not sardines).
    • Avoid organ meats and red meats, as they are high in purines. 

    In other breeds, uroliths usually form from various mineral compounds, especially magnesium ammonium phosphate, also known as struvite. Often, struvite stones can be dissolved using a special diet that makes the urine more acidic.

    Calcium oxalate stones are fairly common. They’re actually more likely to form in acidic urine, so a diet that helps dogs with struvite stones can make it more likely for oxalate stones to form. 

    Other less common uroliths are based on cystine, silica, calcium phosphate, and xanthine. Some stones form more readily in acidic urine, while others are more common in alkaline urine. Additionally, some stones require a diet low in purines or minerals like magnesium. This is why there is no one standard diet to prevent or treat all stones. 

    The best approach is to have your veterinarian test your dog’s urine to determine its acidity or alkalinity.  

    • Dl-methionine is an amino acid that can be used in the diet help make urine more acidic, while bicarbonate can make it more alkaline. 
    • Bladder stones can form in both acidic and alkaline urine in the same dog if he is given too much calcium as a supplement – with the help of your vet, reduce calcium levels to the correct amount for your dog to fix this problem.

     

    Nephrons in the kidney filter water with small water-soluble particles and concentrate it into urine. Young healthy adult dogs have about 400,000 nephrons. 

    The most important chemical the nephrons concentrate and excrete is urea, which is formed by the liver. Nephrons also pump ions and glucose in or out of the urine to maintain the correct balance of each in the bloodstream.

    All dogs, no matter how healthy, lose nephrons as they get older, as part of the natural aging process. A natural, moist diet with quality protein and plenty of antioxidants, regular exercise, and lots of love is the best way to slow this loss. 

    When too many nephrons stop functioning, dogs will drink more water, urinate more, and have very dilute urine. Waste products can build up in the body. These dogs may need to eat less protein. It should always be high in quality (i.e. meat, poultry, fish, eggs). 

    These infections can cause kidney damage, so it’s important to check if these pathogens exist in your area. If they do, vaccinations may be warranted as long as the strains in the vaccine are the same as those in your area. If leptospirosis and borellia aren’t an issue where you live, do not vaccinate against them.

    No single diet or treatment can prevent or treat all kidney or bladder problems in all dogs. However, knowing how to support your dog’s renal system is an important step to take. Ultimately, the best thing you can do is feed your dog a natural, holistic diet. Opt for moist food made from whole food ingredients and no artificial additives. 

    Additional renal system issues 

    • In older male dogs, difficult urination may be caused by an enlarged prostate. Although the prostate is not part of the canine renal system, the symptoms of an enlarged prostate can mimic some urinary tract problems. Saw palmetto is an excellent herb to use for this.
    • Older dogs sometimes develop incontinence. Gingko biloba, bearberry (Uva ursi) and varuna (Crataeva nurvala) may help. 
    • Sudden severe damage caused by poisoning is the most dangerous kidney problem in dogs. Antifreeze and xylitol are the most common causes, and the resulting damage is difficult to treat. The faster your veterinarian administers IV fluids to dilute the urine and flush the toxin out, the more likely the dog is to survive. 
    • Grapes and raisins can also lead to death in some dogs. Ensure your dog has no access to these fruits. 
    • Some antibiotics such as gentamicin, and some NSAIDs when used over the long term can also cause kidney damage. NSAIDs are often used for arthritis, but natural treatments for pain and inflammation can decrease or eliminate the need for these drugs. 

    Glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamins C and E, boswellia (Boswellia serrata), and curcumin help with inflammation and pain. If there is a lot of arthritis visible on x-rays, homeopathic Hekla Lava may also help.

    Some breeds are more prone to renal system problems

    Some breeds inherit genetic predispositions to certain problems and may require a different diet:

    • Bernese Mountain Dog
    • Doberman Pinscher
    • English Cocker Spaniel
    • English Springer Spaniel
    • Greyhound
    • Lhasa Apso
    • Poodle
    • Rottweiler
    • Samoyed
    • Shar Pei
    • Shih Tzu
    • Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

    Breeds that most commonly get bladder stones include:

    • Dalmatian – ammonium urate stones
    • Miniature Schnauzer, Lhasa Apso, Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle — oxalate stones
    • Newfoundland, Dachshund, Basset Hound, English Bulldog, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Irish Terrier – cystine stones


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    A graduate of veterinary medicine at the University of California, Davis, Dr. Nancy Scanlan has used nutraceuticals since 1969. She became certified in acupuncture by IVAS in 1987 and followed up with education in chiropractic, Chinese herbs, Western herbs, and homotoxicology. This led to 16 years as the only holistic practitioner in a 7-person practice. After retiring from practice, Dr. Scanlan served as executive director of the AHVMA for 3 years before stepping into her current role as executive director of the AHVM Foundation. Dr. Scanlan is a consultant, author of a text on complementary medicine for veterinary technicians, and writer and lecturer about complementary and alternative veterinary medicine. She is currently enrolled in a masters degree program on integrative cancer treatment at the University of South Florida’s medical school.

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    Nancy Scanlan, DVM, CVA

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