Pass the Pumpkin, Please

Two common canine ailments are diarrhea and constipation.  Did you know that canned pumpkin can offer a solution to both?

Diarrhea is more a symptom rather than a disease and is typically a sign that something is wrong with your dog’s digestive system. A lot of things can cause diarrhea in your dog; it may have eaten something that disagrees with its body, it may have food allergies, bacterial or viral infection or a worm infestation. It may even be due to a change in its diet.

In normal cases, diarrhea has a surprisingly simple solution: canned pumpkins. Canned pumpkin is actually pumpkin in a puree form. Pumpkins are very rich in fiber and even adding two teaspoons of canned pumpkin in you dog’s food helps the digestion process. Canned pumpkin has a large quantity of dietary fiber and it will also absorb the excess water present in the stool. This makes your dog’s stool more firm and results can be seen within a few hours. Give your small dog one and a half to two teaspoons of canned pumpkin. For a larger dog give two tablespoons instead.

Another benefit of canned pumpkin is in treating dogs for constipation. It softens your dog’s stool and can cure an upset stomach very quickly. This makes canned pumpkins one of the best natural remedies to your dog’s stomach problems.

Canned pumpkin also makes a great addition to dog treats.  Just add some canned pumpkin to your favorite dog treat recipes to give Fido a healthy treat.

Canned pumpkin is low in saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol.  It is also a good source of Vitamin E, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium and is also a very good source of dietary fiber.  Some vets even recommend canned pumpkin for weight loss in dogs.  Simply substitute one-third of your dog’s regular food with an equivalent amount of canned pumpkin.  Because it is high in fiber, canned pumpkin will make your dog fuller than it would if you just reduced their caloric intake.

You can find canned pumpkin in the baking section of most grocery stores.
* Important note - DO NOT use pumpkin pie mix as this often contains sugars and other ingredients that are not good for your dog and may worsen symptoms.* 

Equine Herb Supplements

Why does the modern domestic equine need dietary supplements?  Many of today's horses live in conditions that are different from their free roaming, range running ancestors.  They are often kept in stalls and turned out into pasture areas that are lush, but lacking in the natural variety of grasses and weeds that equines would normally self-medicate and eat.  We have established fixed eating and exercise patterns. We often feed them individual meals of hay and grain instead of the animal being able to graze throughout the day. This is not the ideal pattern for the digestive system of an animal whose body is naturally designed to eat small amounts of food almost continuously. Also, we often perform competitively or ride regularly with them, asking their bodies to produce expended periods of energy output. These facts make reasoning to supplement our equines' food, for their optimal health, legitimate.

Here are five herbs that are easy to find, inexpensive and safe to feed your horse (Mule savvy friends please fill me in - I believe the fenugreek may be too sweet for your fur babies). Remember, any time you add something new to your equine's diet, it needs to be done slowly over time to allow the digestive system to adjust to the new foods. Watch your companion closely to ensure that it does not have a unique reaction to any of them.  In order for herbs to be of the most therapeutic benefit, they need time to work.  Expect to use a herbal supplement regimen for at least four to six weeks in order to see benefits.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) The flowers are packed with phosphorus and calcium, they regulate and strengthen the parasympathetic nervous system.  One of nature's most gentle sedatives, chamomile can be used in cases of anxiety, hyperactivity and sleeplessness. It is a carminative, supporting the digestive system and is an effective anti-inflammatory. I have used it externally and internally to treat allergic reactions.
Add 1/4 cup of flowers, soaked in water for 5 minutes, once daily

Dandelion Leaf (Taraxacum officinale) This herb is n=an excellent addition to a horse's diet. High in vitamins A.B.C and D, and potassium rich, dandelion functions as a tonic by stimulating liver function, bile production, and kidney function. It helps the body clear itself of toxins and is believed to purify the blood. It is a strong botanical when used in rehabilitation or conditioning mixes, especially for equines that undergo the stress of competition.
Add 1 cup of dried dandelion leaf to your horse's feed, once daily

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Horses love the flavor of these seeds that function to strengthen the respiratory system, mucus membranes and support sinus function, especially in cases of upper respiratory infection, sinus issues or congestion. Fenugreek has strong regulating and stimulating properties on the lymphatic system, helping lymph to move effectively through the body. This is particularly helpful in cases of anhydrosis (aka "the puffs").
Add 2 tablespoons of seeds to your horse's feed, once daily

Nettles (Urtica dioca) Nettles are one of nature's richest sources of iron and also contain histamine, serotonin, potassium, silica, and vitamins A and C. Nettles support the immune,  respiratory, urinary and reproctive systems. Additionally they strengthen hoof and coat health.
Add 1/2 cup of dried nettles to feed, once daily
* If you use fresh nettles, allow them to wither in the sun for 4 hours to remove the sting, or pour boiling water over them first and them to cool.*

Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) Raspberry leaf helps regulate hormonal shifts in mares , strengthens and tones the uterus which aids in fertility, pregnancy and foaling. It is and astringent and is used effectively for diarrhea, bleeding gums, and wet cough.
Add 1/2 cup of dried leaves to your mare's diet daily

I find these three methods the easiest way to add herbs to the diet:
* Fresh or dried herbs in separate feeders so they are free to choose which herb their bodies need
*A combination of fresh and dried herbs added to their daily grain ration
*Dried herbs allowed to soak in a little water for 5 - 10 minutes then added to their daily food ration

Hydration and Your Horse

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An average 1,000 pound horse can drink anywhere from five gallons of water a day to as much as twenty or more.  As with humans, weather and activity is a big factor.  Expect your horse's consumption to increase when it is hot or humid even if you aren't working him.  When you are exercising, training and riding your horse, expect even a higher amount of water to be required.

What your horse is eating has a great deal to do with how much he drinks.  A horse on a predominately hay diet will drink much more water than a horse grazing on lush summer pasture grass.

Even with easy access to water, your horse still may become dehydrated.  Keep the water source clean, fresh and cool.  Water sources that are dirty, stagnant or too warm deter your horses interest in drinking.  Take a look at his trough or bucket.  If you wouldn't drink the water that you see and smell, neither would your horse.

Hal Schott, DVM and a professor from Michigan State University, suggests making sure that your horse has access to salt so he can consume what his body needs.  Dr. Schott states that, "adding one ounce of sodium chloride (table salt) to the feed ration twice daily will help replace sodium and chloride lost in sweat and will make some horses drink more".

After exercise, offer your horse salted water then, twenty minutes later, offer plain water.  Studies conducted by Michigan State University proved that offering a saline solution as the initial drink after exercise resulted in a greater total fluid intake and recovery of body weight loss during the fist hours after exercise, as compared to only offering plain water.  Add 1 ounce of table salt to five gallons of water, then 20 - 30 minutes later, offer your horse plain water.  This is particularly effective for horses on long trail rides and when traveling.

I have known several horses who were rather finicky about water when traveling.  Like me, they probably did not like the smell or taste of water that wasn't from home.  

If feasible, and relatively easy for you to do so, consider bringing some water from home with you.  Another idea is to slowly get your horse accustomed to drinking slightly flavored water before travel.  You can do this by adding sugar free gatorade, apple juice or molasses to his water.  This way, when you are away from home, you can add the flavor he likes to the local water and stand a better chance of him drinking well.  Please remember, whenever you use flavored water, always offer a separate bucket of plain water!

K9 Hydration

No matter the season, water is crucial to your dog's health, during the summer months, it is even more important.  A dog's body weight is 70% water, so even a loss of only 5-10% of water means that your dog could suffer dehydration.

How much water does your dog need to drink daily?  Dogs should drink almost an equal amount of water for every calorie they consume.  In general, a healthy dog should drink 1/2 to 1 full ounce of water per pound of body weight each day.  Keep in mind that if your dog is very active or outside in the heat for an extended time, you should provide her with access to plenty of cool, fresh water and a shaded rest area.

 Dogs that are overweight can suffer more from the heat than dogs with an ideal body condition.  Carrying more weight means more stress on the dog's joints and muscles, as well as their respiratory system which they use to regulate their body temperature. Exercise and a portion controlled, balanced diet will help your dog maintain a good body condition and reduce the risk of heat stress.

Brachycephalic dog breeds such as boxers, pugs and bulldogs are especially prone to heat stress because of their facial structure affects their ability to take in air and efficiently pant to cool down, putting them at risk for overheating and respiratory distress.  Keeping these breeds in fit body condition and avoiding excessive endurance activities is crucial for their safety on hot days.

If you are exercising your dog on hot summer days, please be prepared and take extra steps to keep her hydrated.  During exercise, give your dog small amounts of water every 15-20 minutes.  Once activity has ended, do not immediately put a full water bowl down for her.  Wait until she is calm and has stopped heaving panting before allowing her to drink freely.  An overly tired and eager dog may quickly swallow large amounts of water and air which could lead to discomfort or stomach injury.

A Simple and Nutritious Recipe for Dogs

I came across this recipe by Lucy Postins (founder of The Honest Kitchen) and appreciate its simplicity while maintaining the nutritional support our K9 friends need.

Chicken with Yam and Coconut Milk Puree

2 lbs yams - peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes

6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 can coconut milk

4 large boneless chicken breasts

Preheat the oven to 375 (F), and lightly oil a baking dish with olive oil.  Add the cubed yams to the baking dish and shake gently to coat them with the olive oil.  Roast the yams in the oven for 40 minutes, stirring and turning after 20 minutes or so until edges are slightly crisp.  Remove from the oven and blend the yams and coconut milk in a food processor until the desire consistency is reached - it should be thick and hearty.

Cut up the chicken breasts into appropriate size pieces for your pet and saute in a pan.  Mix the diced chicken with the yam and coconut puree.

Water Safety

Recently, I came across a pet related statistic that surprised and alarmed me.  In the United States, over 3,500 dogs per year die from accidental drowning in pools, lakes, rivers and oceans.  Pet owners should be mindful of the dangers involved in swimming and boating for their pets.  Even the strongest swimmer can become injured, fatigued or swept away by strong currents and fast moving water.

Canine Life Preservers can aid dogs several ways.  The buoyancy of a good life jacket can minimize fatigue on extended play sessions, allowing you and your dog to enjoy water activities longer. Brightly colored life vests improve the visibility of your dog for boaters, jet-skiers and those being towed behind water vehicles.  In the case of extreme fatigue, strong currents or a blow to the head, a well made life vest can keep your pet afloat and strong handles can aid you in rescuing him or her from the water.

When choosing a life jacket for your dog, remember that a bright color, not usually seen in nature, is your best bet.  Blue, white, and some greens should be avoided.  Red, yellow, orange, and some neon colors are easily spotted from a distance and against the usual outdoor landscape.  Also, it is a very wise act to photograph your pet wearing the jacket.  If an accident occurs, this photo may be a valuable asset in their identification, rescue and return.

My personal favorites are listed below and were chosen based on personal use, customer reviews and durability.  While shopping for your pet's flotation device, think about the kind of activity it will participate in near (or in) the water and how often you will have them in that situation.  Take the time to prepare for your water-based vacation or activities to ensure a safe and happy experience.

K-9 Float Coat by Ruffwear 

Henry & Clemmies canine flotation

EZYdog Personal Flotation

Paws Aboard

Kyjen by Outward Hound

Water safety isn't just for our K9 companions - remember to keep your lake and boat cats safe too!

Quick DIY Meal for Cats

Here's a simple, 1 - 2 portion, recipe for a special meal for your favorite feline.

No cooking required, however, if you prefer to lightly cook this meal, simply brown the meat and veggie mix in a small pan, add cottage cheese prior to serving.  Allow to cool to room temperature before serving.

4 - 6 ounces of ground meat (beef or poultry)
1 Tablespoon ground carrot
1 Tablespoon cottage cheese
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/4 Teaspoon kelp powder (optional)

Combine and food process all ingredients - cats need vegetables to be ground for optimal digestion