Pet Nutrition quarterly Volume 1, Issue 1 Winter 2014
Pet Nutrition quarterly Volume 1, Issue 1 Winter 2014
contents
3 6 7 9
Letters Editors Note Required Reading Recalls & News
Quistius nullit sa dolupti isquossi
22
Ulpa nemquan
36
Vellabo rerume nusapic tempore
48
Lent harum veniam fuga
63
Aceaturiatur se in cum aut que perempore quam sedio es eum, conet, tem facipis nulparum erciam.
Tatur aliquae es andio eosaepe ratates parunt. Natibusa debit dignit porum liandantiis.
Velenia spisquod et parchit quati occaes quidias doloria consece rchillaccum nulparum fugiati idemporit que sed expligenias.
Empelen ectentotatia veles et re nihicimaio. Ut etur magnam harcillut esciis aliquis solorit eos et audam quam voluptatae landuciam.
89 Dog Scratch Blues Bugs, corn, and dry air
If you’ve noticed your dog scratching more than usual this winter, there may be more to the itch than dry skin and low humidity.
103 Birdseed Lent harum & veniam fuga
Empelen ectentotatia veles et re nihicimaio. Ut etur magnam harcillut esciis aliquis solorit eos et audam quam voluptatae landuciam.
ask me anything!
92
Magnam harcillut esciis aliquis solorit eos et audam quam voluptatae landuciam.
dog scratch blues
Scratching? Bald spots? Sore and red around the ears and paws? Maybe your dog has an allergy. Canine Wellness Editor Kay Nein examines the causes behind these uncomfortable ailments.
Winter weather can play havoc with a dog’s skin. With drier air outside and constantly running central heating, dandruff and flaky skin issues that are kept at bay in the humid summer temperatures can resurface, resulting in a concerned owner and a very, very itchy pooch. This can usually be remedied with an efficient humidifier and some TLC. For some dogs, however, there may be more to the itch than just dry air. Allergens, flea bites, dust mites, and some food allergies can be responsible for many different conditions, and if left untreated can seriously affect their mood and demeanor. Here are some tell-tale signs of skin conditions that require attention: Chewing paws Excessive eye discharge Incessant scratching Scabs Bald patches Redness around ears Unusual odors So what to do? The first course of action is to contact a trusted veterinarian. Your vet is likely to recommend different courses of action depending on what they suspect are the underlying causes. Food Allergy If they suspect a food allergy, they will suggest that your pet switch to a grainfree diet such as Natural Balance LID (Limited Ingredient Diet). If your dog has an allergy to grains such as corn, which is used as an alternative protein source in more budget-conscious brands, you will notice improvements in her condition within the month.
It’s important to be patient here, and ensure that your dog is not eating any snacks or treats that have grains in them. Be sure to make the changeover gradual, mixing her current food with the new food at a 50:50 ratio for a few days, then gradually increasing the ratio of new food until she is eating the new food exclusively. This will ensure that she does not suffer any gastrointestinal stress from a sudden dietary change. Momentary discomfort for your dog can result in a more sustained level of discomfort for you if you do not enjoy cleaning your floors.
Bugs, dust, and pollen Your vet may also suggest an intradermal skin test to see if there is another cause for your dog’s skin issues. An intradermal skin test consists of several miniscule amounts of common allergens which are applied to a shaved area of your dog’s skin. If her skin reacts to the allergen, your veterinarian will suggest ways to eliminate those allergens from your home and improve life for you and your dog. Results based on avoidance of certain allergens can be more immediate. Your vet will advise you on the expected timeframe for improvement. PN