Wednesday, October 9, 2024

5 ways to Keep you Dog or cat Healthy.......

Originally printed in Animal Wellness magazine..... 

January 15, 2021    
5 ways to promote kidney health in your dog or cat

Here are some foods, herbs and supplements that can benefit dogs and cats in need of extra kidney support, and five ways you can use them.

The different parts of a dog or cat’s body must function well together in order to maintain vibrant health. Each system interlinks and plays a vital role in the animal’s vibrant, active, happy, and hopefully long life. To better support your dog or cat’s kidneys, it’s important to gain a deeper understanding of which foods, herbs and supplements help this organ and body system thrive. Let’s take a look at some of these elements, and how you can use them to promote kidney health in your animal companion.

1. Prioritize hydration and circulation

Eating: Providing proper fluid and electrolyte balance is key to supporting the health of the kidneys. In most cases, hydration can be improved with moisture-appropriate fresh foods and broths. Heat processed, dry kibble foods require that the body provide fluid to properly digest, move and absorb the nutrients. Typically after a dry food meal, an animal will become very thirsty. This thirst means the body feels dehydration from using body fluid for digestion, which can stress the kidneys. Foods that maintain natural moisture in their structure are less likely to cause this stressful dehydration as they are digested with the appropriate moisture on a cellular level.

Drinking: Of course a full water bowl is important but we can also increase consumption of basic fluids by using meat broths. Animals will drink a more of a natural and nutritious liquid if it tastes delicious.

Circulation support: Certain ingredients promote healthy circulation and help clear impurities. For instance, light doses of dandelion root and Rehmanniae radix have been helpful to support circulation in the kidneys.

2. Feed appropriate food

Protein: Many people believe that a low-protein diet can prevent kidney disease, but research has not fully proven this. This makes sense, since dogs and cats rely on proteins for their healthy bodily functions. Because most commercial kibble dog and cat diets are typically very low in protein (most average less than 30% protein) and are too high in inflammatory carbs (typically over 40% carbs), limiting the protein even further can cause more harm than good.

3. Provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support

Animals with kidney disease are likely to have inflammation. Though NSAIDS can damage the kidneys further and should be avoided, there are many other ways to combat inflammation.

  • Decrease digestible carbohydrates, which increase insulin and inflammation in the body.
  • Provide natural herbs that have been shown to balance immune responses and do not damage kidneys: Gingko bilobaRehmanniae radix, Omega-3 FA, inositol, green tea extracts, turmeric, etc.
  • Taurine has been shown to have possible cytoprotective effects in the kidney cells.

4. Keep micronutrients in balance

Talk to your vet or animal nutritionist to ensure that all micronutrients remain in balance, avoid over-supplementing with vitamins and minerals that the kidney must process, and specifically ensure dietary phosphorus is limited or bound. Mild food-based phosphorus binding substances like chitin may help in early kidney disease. B vitamins may be depleted in animals with kidney disease, so periodic injections of B12 (which can be difficult to absorb orally) and supplementing with food sources like brewer’s yeast for other B vitamins have long been used to support these patients.

5. Don’t forget about the microbiome!

Oral probiotic supplements, unpasteurized goat milk, or tripe can be added to your animal’s diet to help promote the health of the kidneys. NOW® Pets Kidney Support is made with botanicals, antioxidants, and taurine to safely offer supplement combinations that can make a difference for dogs and cats who need extra kidney support.

The Animal Rescue Site is a place where people can help provide food and care to millions of animals in need, both in the U.S. and around the world. In addition to sharing personal rescue stories, shopping for the cause, and signing petitions, visitors can take just a moment each day to click on a purple button to help animals. Visit The Animal Rescue Site and click today - it's free!

FYI: To find an animal in need of a home; to find an animal shelter near you, check out  https://www.petfinder.com

Remember, all types, ages, breeds, even purebreds are waiting to be adopted. 

Thanks for visiting my blog for the animals. It's always great to connect with another animal lover. If you and I don't speak up for them, who will? 

POTW feature

Coins That Count: 
Is your coin jar overflowing? Turn that loose change into cash that helps animals by donating to The HSUS at participating Coinstar machines nationwide. Where to go» Find a Kiosk near you...

     
                                             
Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
                                     
Together, you and I can make a difference in an animal's life.  I’m one for the animals. Are you? Thanks for visiting. Stay safe. Be strong. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to one another. Pass it onward. If you like what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower. Please feel free to share this post with others.
    Regards,
    S.J. Francis
    In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."  Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line retailers and independent booksellers.
   “Some secrets should remain that way.” 
  My Black Opal Books Author Page:
                 My web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com
                                     Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjfrancis419
Image result for black animals need help
 Facebook fan page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Francis/480058115420325
                  My writing Blog: http://sjfranciswriter.blogspot.com
                                                     
          A Book Review 4 U: http://abookreview4u.blogspot.com
                  A Consumer's View: http://aconsumersview.blogspot.com
                 
Good Reads:       https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/33550975-s-j

And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2021 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.
Make spare change make a difference for the wild. Join @CaringCent & purchases will be rounded & change 
donated: https://donate.caringcent.com/#/go/wildearthguardians
                                         
Remember: Animals don't have voices. We must be their voice. Always. Forever. Wherever. whenever. I'm one for the animals. Are you?  

Monday, October 7, 2024

Bad Breath in Dogs: What to Know About it.....

 Originally printed in Animal Wellness on July 27, 2022;

Yummy Combs - Bad Breath

We’ve all been there. You’re petting your dog and all of a sudden they look up at you with their big puppy dog eyes and then your nose gets attacked by stinky dog breath. It’s normal for their breath to stink from time to time, but if it’s a daily, around-the-clock occurrence it’s definitely time to see the vet.

The causes of bad breath can range from mild to severe, which is why it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.

Some of the most common causes of bad breath are:

  • Tooth decay
  • Oral infections
  • Lip infections (which happen the most in spaniels)
  • Gum disease

If you’re not brushing your dog’s teeth on a daily basis, tartar and plaque will build up over timeleading to bad breath or something more serious. The problem is that many owners don’t know that their dog has gum disease: Up to 80% of dogs have gum disease and only 20% of owners know about it.

Getting your dog to the vet for regular check-ups and professional teeth cleanings can keep you and your vet up-to-date about your dog’s oral health and help prevent dental issues in the future.

If your vet has ruled out any oral infections, then the next most common cause of bad breath could be poor gut health. Make sure that you’re feeding your dog a healthy, well-balanced diet along with a good quality probiotic to help combat this issue.

Another great way to stay on top of your dog’s oral hygiene and freshen their breath is to get a dental treat that works. A daily dental treat can help get in between your dog’s teeth and scrape away the harmful bacteria that cause bad breath and gum disease. One of the best dental treats on the market is Yummy Combs.

Not only does Yummy Combs have the most scraping surfaces to floss and scrub away plaque and tartar, but it also focuses on supporting your dog’s digestive health too!

Learn more about the Yummy Combs story and where to find this new innovative treat. Visit WWW.PETSBESTLIFE.COM!  (No I don't get any commission from this link. My dogs love these. I don't know if they help with tartar though.)

The Animal Rescue Site is a place where people can help provide food and care to millions of animals in need, both in the U.S. and around the world. In addition to sharing personal rescue stories, shopping for the cause, and signing petitions, visitors can take just a moment each day to click on a purple button to help animals. Visit The Animal Rescue Site and click today - it's free!

FYI: To find an animal in need of a home; to find an animal shelter near you, check out  https://www.petfinder.com

Remember, all types, ages, breeds, even purebreds are waiting to be adopted. 

Thanks for visiting my blog for the animals. It's always great to connect with another animal lover. If you and I don't speak up for them, who will? 

POTW feature

Coins That Count: 
Is your coin jar overflowing? Turn that loose change into cash that helps animals by donating to The HSUS at participating Coinstar machines nationwide. Where to go» Find a Kiosk near you...

     
                                             
Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
                                     
Together, you and I can make a difference in an animal's life.  I’m one for the animals. Are you? Thanks for visiting. Stay safe. Be strong. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to one another. Pass it onward. If you like what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower. Please feel free to share this post with others.
    Regards,
    S.J. Francis
    In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."  Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line retailers and independent booksellers.
   “Some secrets should remain that way.” 
  My Black Opal Books Author Page:
                 My web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com
                                     Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjfrancis419
Image result for black animals need help
 Facebook fan page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Francis/480058115420325
                  My writing Blog: http://sjfranciswriter.blogspot.com
                                                     
          A Book Review 4 U: http://abookreview4u.blogspot.com
                  A Consumer's View: http://aconsumersview.blogspot.com
                 
Good Reads:       https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/33550975-s-j

And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2021 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.
Make spare change make a difference for the wild. Join @CaringCent & purchases will be rounded & change 
donated: https://donate.caringcent.com/#/go/wildearthguardians
                                         
Remember: Animals don't have voices. We must be their voice. Always. Forever. Wherever. whenever. I'm one for the animals. Are you?  



Monday, September 9, 2024

Five Ways to Keep Your Dog and cat Healthy......

 Originally printed in Animal Wellness magazine..... 

January 15, 2021    
5 ways to promote kidney health in your dog or cat

Here are some foods, herbs and supplements that can benefit dogs and cats in need of extra kidney support, and five ways you can use them.

The different parts of a dog or cat’s body must function well together in order to maintain vibrant health. Each system interlinks and plays a vital role in the animal’s vibrant, active, happy, and hopefully long life. To better support your dog or cat’s kidneys, it’s important to gain a deeper understanding of which foods, herbs and supplements help this organ and body system thrive. Let’s take a look at some of these elements, and how you can use them to promote kidney health in your animal companion.

1. Prioritize hydration and circulation

Eating: Providing proper fluid and electrolyte balance is key to supporting the health of the kidneys. In most cases, hydration can be improved with moisture-appropriate fresh foods and broths. Heat processed, dry kibble foods require that the body provide fluid to properly digest, move and absorb the nutrients. Typically after a dry food meal, an animal will become very thirsty. This thirst means the body feels dehydration from using body fluid for digestion, which can stress the kidneys. Foods that maintain natural moisture in their structure are less likely to cause this stressful dehydration as they are digested with the appropriate moisture on a cellular level.

Drinking: Of course a full water bowl is important but we can also increase consumption of basic fluids by using meat broths. Animals will drink a more of a natural and nutritious liquid if it tastes delicious.

Circulation support: Certain ingredients promote healthy circulation and help clear impurities. For instance, light doses of dandelion root and Rehmanniae radix have been helpful to support circulation in the kidneys.

2. Feed appropriate food

Protein: Many people believe that a low-protein diet can prevent kidney disease, but research has not fully proven this. This makes sense, since dogs and cats rely on proteins for their healthy bodily functions. Because most commercial kibble dog and cat diets are typically very low in protein (most average less than 30% protein) and are too high in inflammatory carbs (typically over 40% carbs), limiting the protein even further can cause more harm than good.

3. Provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support

Animals with kidney disease are likely to have inflammation. Though NSAIDS can damage the kidneys further and should be avoided, there are many other ways to combat inflammation.

  • Decrease digestible carbohydrates, which increase insulin and inflammation in the body.
  • Provide natural herbs that have been shown to balance immune responses and do not damage kidneys: Gingko bilobaRehmanniae radix, Omega-3 FA, inositol, green tea extracts, turmeric, etc.
  • Taurine has been shown to have possible cytoprotective effects in the kidney cells.

4. Keep micronutrients in balance

Talk to your vet or animal nutritionist to ensure that all micronutrients remain in balance, avoid over-supplementing with vitamins and minerals that the kidney must process, and specifically ensure dietary phosphorus is limited or bound. Mild food-based phosphorus binding substances like chitin may help in early kidney disease. B vitamins may be depleted in animals with kidney disease, so periodic injections of B12 (which can be difficult to absorb orally) and supplementing with food sources like brewer’s yeast for other B vitamins have long been used to support these patients.

5. Don’t forget about the microbiome!

Oral probiotic supplements, unpasteurized goat milk, or tripe can be added to your animal’s diet to help promote the health of the kidneys. NOW® Pets Kidney Support is made with botanicals, antioxidants, and taurine to safely offer supplement combinations that can make a difference for dogs and cats who need extra kidney support.

The Animal Rescue Site is a place where people can help provide food and care to millions of animals in need, both in the U.S. and around the world. In addition to sharing personal rescue stories, shopping for the cause, and signing petitions, visitors can take just a moment each day to click on a purple button to help animals. Visit The Animal Rescue Site and click today - it's free!

FYI: To find an animal in need of a home; to find an animal shelter near you, check out  https://www.petfinder.com

Remember, all types, ages, breeds, even purebreds are waiting to be adopted. 

Thanks for visiting my blog for the animals. It's always great to connect with another animal lover. If you and I don't speak up for them, who will? 

POTW feature

Coins That Count: 
Is your coin jar overflowing? Turn that loose change into cash that helps animals by donating to The HSUS at participating Coinstar machines nationwide. Where to go» Find a Kiosk near you...

     
                                             
Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
                                     
Together, you and I can make a difference in an animal's life.  I’m one for the animals. Are you? Thanks for visiting. Stay safe. Be strong. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to one another. Pass it onward. If you like what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower. Please feel free to share this post with others.
    Regards,
    S.J. Francis
    In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."  Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line retailers and independent booksellers.
   “Some secrets should remain that way.” 
  My Black Opal Books Author Page:
                 My web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com
                                     Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjfrancis419
Image result for black animals need help
 Facebook fan page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Francis/480058115420325
                  My writing Blog: http://sjfranciswriter.blogspot.com
                                                     
          A Book Review 4 U: http://abookreview4u.blogspot.com
                  A Consumer's View: http://aconsumersview.blogspot.com
                 
Good Reads:       https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/33550975-s-j

And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2021 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.
Make spare change make a difference for the wild. Join @CaringCent & purchases will be rounded & change 
donated: https://donate.caringcent.com/#/go/wildearthguardians
                                         
Remember: Animals don't have voices. We must be their voice. Always. Forever. Wherever. whenever. I'm one for the animals. Are you?