The preservation of meat and fish is a science that has evolved for centuries. The purpose of preservation is to allow food to be stored for longer periods of time without risk of spoiling. Preserving food is a critical step to ensure abundance during certain times of the year when food is scarce.

Man and animal are both dependent on foods of plant and animal origin. As nature has taught us, food obtained in a fresh, raw state will spoil quickly. Because of this, the methods used to properly preserve foods and extend the shelf life of food have improved over time.

Freshness Factor Affecting Nutrient Density:
Some people are concerned about the fact that preserved food is not as healthy as fresh food. Preservation techniques such as freezing and dehydrating foods decrease their nutritional value. It’s true that fresh food is always preferable because it contains the maximum nutrient levels, however preserved food is always a better choice than processed and heat-treated food.

At What Temperature Do Nutrients Become Damaged?:
Foods that are heated to a temperature exceeding 118° Fahrenheit will be subjected to a destruction of the vital enzymes and “good bacteria” needed for proper digestion and utilization of nutrients by the body. For this reason, the preferred methods to preserve food (especially raw meat and fish) are through the procedures freezing and freeze-drying.

How Long Can Meat And Fish Be Kept From Spoiling?:
Fish spoils quickly and in climates with above normal heat temperatures, it will often spoil in less than 12 hours. A popular method for extending the storage life of fresh caught fish is to cool it with ice or freeze it.

The speed that meat spoils depends on several factors such as: storage temperature, acidity of the meat, structure of the muscle tissue, and the overall hygienic conditions used to process the meat. For example, a firmer muscular tissue, such as beef, spoils less quickly than organ meats. Proper hygiene and clean handling of the carcass has a positive effect on storage life. A good rule of thumb is to preserve the meat as soon as possible after slaughter.

Signs of Spoilage:
Spoilage is the deterioration of food, which changes the taste and smell and makes it a carrier of disease and germs. A typical sign of spoilage is when the meat smell is similar to that of rotten eggs.

Consumption of spoiled foods can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pains and nausea. Serious cases can even lead to death.

Bacteria’s Role in Spoilage:
Bacteria can only cause spoilage if it is allowed to grow within the fish or meat. Several factors contribute to bacterial contamination:

1. Damage to the skin of fish or meat allows the bacteria easy access to the flesh, causing it to grow.

2. Fish and meat contain high levels of internal water content (around 60 to 80% water). Ingredients with this level of moisture allow bacteria to grow rapidly.

3. Oxygen content is important when processing minced meat. The flesh will spoil very quickly because a lot of air has been mixed into it. Aerobic microorganisms need oxygen for their growth.

4. Acidity (the normal pH range) of meat and fish is neutral, i.e. 7 Bacteria grow between a minimum pH of 4.5 to a maximum of 8-9. Optimum growth is at 6.5 to 7.5. As a result, fish and meat are very susceptible to spoilage.

5. One of the most critical factors is the processing temperature. Equally important is the time between contamination and processing or consumption. The best temperature to grow bacteria is between 14°-158° degrees Fahrenheit. Freezing will inactivate microorganisms while long-term heating will destroy all microorganisms, both good and bad. At temperatures above 176° degrees Fahrenheit, they usually die.

The actual rate at which bacteria grow depends on a combination of all the factors listed above. A high moisture product will spoil much quicker than a dry, acidic product.

The Effects of Preservation To Food:
Preservation practices can have two important effects on food…

1. Retention of the original qualities and properties of the food (such as freezing raw dog food).

Or

2. Creation of a radical change in the composition of the food, which results in a product with completely new properties and quality (such as through the extrusion and heat processing of kibble dry dog food diets).

While there are other preservation techniques such as smoking, drying, corning, canning, and extrusion processing, nothing compares to the quality and integrity that freezing has to food.

Freezing Raw Meat For Optimum Results:
The ideal method of preservation meat and fish is to store it at a low temperature of -4° degrees Fahrenheit. This method is one of the best preservation techniques used today.

Special care should be given to fish because it does have a tendency to dry out quicker than other meats. Glazing fish with ice or cold water prior to freezing are both good methods of freezing fish. Freezing reduces enzyme activity in meat and poultry and stops the growth of bacteria and molds. Another great bonus is that it does not tenderize or sterilize your meat guaranteeing it to be as close to it’s fresh state as possible.

Freezing Raw Bones:
Fish and meat bones for canine consumption should also be frozen. This offers one of the safest ways to reduce the bacterial contamination levels and extends their shelf life considerably.

What About Freeze-Drying?:
Another very popular method of preservation is freeze-drying. This method combines the advantage of minimal heat and vacuum that in combination lowers the moisture content of the food to approximately 2%. Bacteria have a much harder time growing in a low moisture environment. The only disadvantage that I can see with this method is the cost to preserve. Because the freeze-drying process takes quite a bit of time to do, it can significantly increase the ultimate cost of the product.

Proper Handling of Raw Meat – The Best Prevention Method:
While manufacturers can do everything right from slaughter to end product, it is also important for the consumer to practice safe handling procedures for raw meat for both their family and pets. Paying attention to the details of handling meat and fish will ultimately render a safe, superior quality product.

We regularly educate consumers to not leave raw meat diets unrefrigerated for long periods of time. If the meat is not going to be consumed right away, it should be stored in a container with a lid and placed in the refrigerator for no more than 24-48 hours. Food left out for long periods of time, especially during the hot summer months or in warmer temperature climates can result in spoiled food and bacteria growth.

When feeding a BARF diet to your pet, it is best to not leave the food left out for too long. If your dog does not eat the food right away, cover their serving dish and put the food back in the refrigerator to be served later in the day. At the end of the day, you should dispose of any uneaten food. This helps to keep food at its peak freshness and avoid any digestive upset.

Robert Mueller, BSc, Pharm. is a registered pharmacist, author of “Living Enzymes: The World’s Best Kept Pet Food Secret”, and co-developer of BARF World’s BARF diets patties, nuggets and supplements – the first company to make the Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods (BARF) diet conveniently available to animals everywhere. He and his wife love to travel around the world with their dog, Moxie – a Yorkshire Terrier/Maltese mix. For more articles like these and to learn more about the benefits of raw food for your pets, sign up for “The Intelligent Pet” monthly e-zine at http://barfworld.com/ezine.

Just like any dog lovers out there, I try my best to give my dog the best possible care he needs. So when I found out that my dog was itching uncontrollably for days, whimpering and crying, and biting in to his skin, I immediately realized what was happening to my dog. I found out that my dog had mange, and that he needed to be treated immediately.

What is Mange?

Mange is a skin disease caused by parasites that may cause severe itching to your dog. Mange has three forms known as sarcoptic, demodectic, and notoedric. Sarcoptic mange ( sarcoptes scabei ) also known as scabies, may lead to intense itching and skin lesions to animals that is caused by tiny mites. Demodectic (demodex canis) however, is the uncommon form of mange. The demodex mite can cause your dog to have dermatitis, hair loss, and secondary skin infections that can lead to skin lesions. Notoedric (notoedrescati) is a contagious disease. The mite responsible for this is similar to those of a sarcoptic mange.

What are the Symptoms of Mange?

Mange is common among puppies and dogs that are less than 18 months. The symptoms can depend on the type of mange that is present on your dog. These symptoms can either be hair loss, severe itching, frantic scratching, body sores and scabs, bald spots and reddened skin. These symptoms may be visible on the face, legs, elbows and your dog’s ears, and it can immediately spread on your dog’s body.

Is there any Treatment?

Mange can be cured. I immediately gave our dog treatment for his disease. But if your dog is still a puppy, from ages 18 months and under, it is more advisable to have your puppy injected with the medication (skin treatments are toxic for dogs, especially when it’s used frequently) so he won’t have to lick it off of his body. After that, you need to go to your vet every week to have him checked to see if there was any progress or improvement with the health of your dog.

You can also prevent mange from spreading to other pets and even humans by isolating your dog while he gets his treatment and medication. You need to regularly replace his bedding and clean his collar so the mange won’t breed or stay on his collar and bed.

But as always, prevention is always better than cure. So it’s always better to have a regular check up with your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s health. And always provide the proper nutrition you dog needs as the healthier a dog is, the less likely he is to be affected by any illness or disease.

Christina Graham has been a veterinarian surgery tech and/or dog groomer for over 15 years. And in those years has gained an invaluable knowledge regarding a dogs health and nutrition. That’s why she created DogVitaminFacts.com to dispel any false myths and offer an honest helpful insight into the importance of good nutrition and a quality dog vitamin supplement for your dog. Go to DogVitaminFacts.com to learn even more.

You effect the environment in everything you do. Sometimes its positive and sometimes it’s negative. You have the ability to make good decisions. The decisions you make affect the world you and your pet live in. Here are a few tips to make you a more responsible pet owner.

1. Do more walking instead of driving your car. Dogs love to walk. This is excellent exercise for both of you while reducing your carbon footprint. Outfit your pup with a matching collar and leash from Preston Ribbons. This is a great way to clear your head and the air at the same time. Taking time to really enjoy the world around you will make you more aware why every little bit helps. Just because you are walking doesn’t mean you can’t stop and smell the flowers. You will come to appreciate your environment more.
2. Always pick up your pets waste. Pet waste, in and of itself, has a negative impact on the environment when it is not cleaned up. But, you must also be mindful of the impact pet waste bags (poop bags) have on the environment. Luckily, there are a wide variety of earth friendly poop bags on the market that are biodegradable or manufactured out of recycled materials. Pick up some waste bags made from recycled materials from Dog Bag. Do your part to limit the impact on our landfills.
3. Feed your pooch organic or natural food and treats. Make sure what you feed your dog is free of pesticides, hormones, antibiotics or other artificial ingredients. These manufacturing processes are bad for the earth and bad for your dog. There are now many varieties of food and treats to choose from. Try to find Wagatha’s Organic Biscuits for a safe and health treat for your pup. It’s up to you to carefully read through ingredients that are posted on the package, to insure you are feeding your pal a healthy and safe diet. If you are not sure, go to the company’s website or call their help line. If you still have questions, contact your veterinarian.
4. Use products to groom your dog that are free of toxic chemicals. These toxic grooming products go down your drain and into our waterways. Some grooming products contain chemicals that are fine for the pet’s coat, but may cause harm if ingested. Dogs naturally lick themselves to groom. Natural products are generally plant-based. But, once again, you must research the ingredients to determine if the product is safe. Some of the more harsh products are those designed for pest and parasite control and elimination. Check out the grooming products offered by Caine & Able for a safe and natural alternative to harsh chemicals. It is best to check with your veterinarian before using these products, especially if your pup has had adverse reactions in the past, as it relates to skin and eye issues.
5. Provide your dog with safe toys. It’s best if you can find safe toys made from recycled materials. The use of recycled materials will help reduce the burden on our over flowing landfills. As a general rule, toys and treats made in the U.S.A are safer for your pet and the environment because they are manufactured under United States environmental manufacturing laws and standards. Dog’s toys must be safe since most dogs aggressively chew their toys, and in the process, ingest trace amounts of the toy. With a little effort, you can find toys made from renewable sources like cotton, wool, hemp and latex. A great source for dog toys made in the U.S.A from recycled and renewable materials is a little company in California called Doggles.
6. Fertilizers and pesticides are not good for your dog or the environment. But, unfortunately these products and chemicals are hard to avoid. But you can take the first step by not using these products anywhere that your pet roams. I am speaking about your yard at home. Your dog walks, lies and eats the grass in your yard. She will then clean herself ingesting all the toxins from the lawn. Not to mention, what chemicals may have been absorbed through her paws. If you feel you must use fertilizers or provide pest control for your lawn, do it wisely. You can always outfit your dog with Pawz reusable boots to protect her feet. There are products available that are “pet friendly.” However, the term “pet friendly” can be misleading so read the ingredients and warnings carefully.
7. Lastly, do your part. Recycle everything you can (cans, plastic, paper, card board, motor oil, electronics, etc.). It’s easy now. With a little effort you can find the safe and “green” way to dispose of just about anything. Who knows, maybe that plastic water bottle you recycled will end up back in your home as a dog’s toy or bed filling. Check with your city or county waste management offices to determine where you can recycle your waste.

All these little things really add up over the long run. Just think if everyone participated; what a difference we could make. And it’s not that hard. Just knowing you and your pet are contributing to optimize your health and the earth’s ecological balance will put a smile on your face. Leaving one less carbon footprint or four paw prints on our environment is the least we can do for our children.

Check out our eco-friendly solutions at http://ecostylishpets.com

We know you care about what’s happening to our planet, but you just don’t have time to do the research to insure you are purchasing products that are “green.” You can rely on us to do this for you. Eco-Stylish Pets make every effort to offer eco-friendly products from companies around the world with a focus on companies that proudly display the “Made in the USA” label.

If you would like to learn more about us go to http://ecostylishpets.com/pages/about.htm

Losing a pet can be very difficult. When a pet dies, you aren’t just losing an animal; you’re losing a friend and a member of your family. It’s especially difficult when that pet has been there for you day in and day out and has shown nothing but affection and loyalty.

Everyone deals with death differently. What is most important to understand is that it is very natural to have feelings of grief, sadness, anger, and guilt. It is also extremely important to remember that you are not alone; many people have experienced the death of a friend or family member and understand the feelings you are having. While we all have these same feelings, everyone expresses them differently. There is certainly no right way to express one’s feelings; what is important is that you are expressing them in one way or another. The worst thing you can do to yourself is to keep your emotions bottled up inside. There is no standard time frame in which people feel these emotions; it might take some a few days to move on and a couple weeks for others.

Some common ways to express emotions, and get closure after losing a pet, are funeral services or spreading your pet’s ashes in their favorite location. Getting closure and accepting the death does not mean forgetting the pet altogether. Many people chose to create memorials, photo books, or write tribute and poems about their pet. The loss of a pet is quite often very difficult to explain to a child, especially if it is their first experience with death. It is very important to include them in the creation of any memorabilia to help them remember all the good times. A pet funeral home can provide the closure your family needs to move on from this loss.

Grief support groups and counseling hot lines are not an uncommon way to express your feelings. Surrounding yourself with people in similar situations can be very therapeutic and remind you that you are not alone. This type of support is especially helpful to individuals that have become depressed and are having trouble accepting the death.

It is very important not to get a new pet too soon. You should always wait until you are ready to fully dedicate yourself to a new long-term relationship before making a commitment. Do not choose a pet with the intent of replacing your old pet as this rarely works out. It is not only unfair to yourself, but the animal as well.

George is the Online Strategy Manager for Simple Machines and Switchfast Technologies. George’s interests include soccer, social media, and podcasts!

Canine Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain where abnormal electrical activity triggers further uncoordinated nerve transmission. This uncoordinated and haphazard nerve tissue activity scrambles messages to the muscles of your dog’s body and the use of muscles are then inhibited.

IDIOPATHIC OR SYMPTOMATIC

Because there are many causes of chronic recurrent seizures in dogs, canine epilepsy is not a specific disease or even a single syndrome, but rather a diverse category of disorders. Canine Epilepsy is broadly divided into idiopathic and symptomatic disorders. Idiopathic Epilepsy, or primary epilepsy, means that there is NO identifiable brain abnormality other than the seizures. Symptomatic epilepsy (or secondary epilepsy) is seizures that are the consequence of an identifiable specific cause.

Most dogs with idiopathic epilepsy suffer their first seizure between the ages of one and five years of age. A possible genetic basis for idiopathic epilepsy is suspected in several breeds including those purebreds used in the development of Australian Labradoodle and Labradoodle.

CAUSES OF SEIZURES AND DIAGNOSTICS:

Seizures may be caused by situations within the brain (such as trauma, tumor, or infection) or by situations centered outside the brain (such as low blood sugar, circulating metabolic toxins, hypothyroidism, or external poisons). The first step is to rule out situations centered outside the brain. This is accomplished with blood testing. An ophthalmic exam may also be performed as the retina may show signs of a brain infection. If these tests are negative, the next step is determined by the age of the pet. In my opinion, to date the best testing agency is spearheaded by Dr. Jean Dodd’s and samples can be set by your vet to her organization, hemopet. In my opinion Dr. Dodd’s and UCDavis have the most concentrated resources on the subject. The blog author has no connection with either association.

AFTER BLOOD TESTING, ANIMALS LESS THAN AGE ONE YEAR

Seizures are usually caused by infections of the brain. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, obtained by a tap under anesthesia, would be important.

AFTER BLOOD TESTING, ANIMALS BETWEEN AGES 1 AND 5

In these animals, usually no cause can be found and the term “epilepsy,” which simply means “seizure disorder,” is applied. If seizures are occurring frequently enough, medication is used to suppress them. To understand medications ask your vet or go to canine-epilepsy.net and participate in owner forums on the subject.

AFTER BLOOD TESTING, ANIMALS MORE THAN AGE FIVE YEARS

In this group, seizures are usually caused by a tumor growing off the skull and pressing on the brain (a “meningioma”). Most such tumors are operable if found early. ACT scan or MRI would be the next step. For patients where surgery is not an option, corticosteroids may be used to reduce swelling in the brain.

GENETIC OR TUMOR or OTHER CAUSE

Some reasons for seizures are simple and can be eliminated, some are serious. Don’t jump to conclusions, rule out the simple issues first. We had bulldogs who both had seizures (first one then a few months later the second). We changed food from a high protein food to a lesser food and never had another seizure.

Some forms of epilepsy are inherited. Sodium, potassium, and calcium serve the brain as ions and produce electric charges that must fire regularly in order for a steady current to pass from one nerve cell to another. If the channels that carry them are damaged or impaired from birth an imbalance occurs that can cause misfire and seizures.

Both cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumors can cause seizures. Brain tumors are the most common cause of seizures that begin after age 5. Whenever an older dog begins to have seizures, and causes such as toxins, trauma and diabetes have been ruled out, the possibility of a brain tumor should be considered.

Liver disease is a degenerative inflammatory disease that results in the hardening and scarring of liver cells. The liver becomes unable to function properly due to the scarred tissue, which prevents the normal passage of blood through the liver.

Severe worm infestation can result in seizures. Parasites release toxins that have an adverse affect on the central nervous system.

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, which brings on feelings of fatigue and stress, may be a factor in triggering seizures. Scientists have estimated that between 50 to 90 percent of all epileptics suffer from low blood sugar, and 70 percent have abnormal glucose tolerance levels.

Toxic metals such as lead, copper, mercury, and aluminum have also been known to cause seizures. Some pets are very sensitive to such metals, and exposure is common through aluminum cookware, auto exhaust, industrial pollution, household cleaners and copper water pipes.

Flea sprays, collars and yard sprays are also toxic to pets. It is important to keep your epileptic dog as free from chemical pollutants as possible. Think about the environment your dog is living in. Do you use chemical sprays on your lawn? Dogs will sometimes seize only when the lawn is sprayed for weeds. How about the cleaner you use for the floor? Some dogs have been known to seize after the floor has been washed with a pine scented cleaner. Flea and tick medications can also cause seizures. It is recommended that epi dogs be given Interceptor as a monthly heartworm preventative and Frontline used for fleas. Avoid products with Ivermectin it has been known to cause seizures in some breeds. There are many things that can lower a dog’s seizure threshold. Keep a diary of your dog’s seizures. Note down anything you have done or that the dog could have come in contact with that day which could have contributed to seizure. It is also a known phenomenon that some dogs may seizure around the full moon.

Because vaccines may contain proteins and/or organisms, they may produce an allergic encephalitis inflammation of the brain. Vaccinations can lower a dog’s seizure threshold and trigger a seizure. If you feel that this is the case for your dog, ask the vet to split the shots, give them separately at weekly or two weekly intervals and ask for the Rabies shot to be given 2 weeks after that. We strongly recommend titers test versus vaccines, always. This is a blood test to determine if acceptable levels of vaccines are present and therefore not necessary. It is amazing how many years most dogs can go without ever needing to be re-vaccinated.

Infections, cysts and cancer can cause seizures.

A blow to the head causing head trauma from an auto accident, abuse or other accident can lead to life-long seizures.

The role of the kidneys is to remove toxins and excess fluid. When the kidneys become diseased or damaged also called Renal Kidney Failure, the kidney may lose the ability to perform, causing a toxic build-up in the body resulting in a seizure. A toxic build-up can lead to a seizure disorder.

Research points to vitamin and mineral deficiencies as possible causes of epilepsy. The key nutrients that appear deficient in epileptics are vitamin B6, vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin D, zinc, taurine, magnesium, and calcium. Diet plays an important role in the management of Canine Epilepsy. It is very important to feed a kibble that is preservative free. Preservatives such as Ethoxyquin and BHT, BHA should be avoided as they can cause seizures. Dogs should not eat grain.

Genetics (from the Canine Epilepsy Project)

“The Canine Epilepsy Project is a collaborative study into the causes of epilepsy in dogs. It is supported by grants from the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), individual breed clubs and private donations. Grants supporting this research are CHF Completed Grant #1718, CHF Completed Grant #1729, CHF Completed Grant #1845, CHF Active Grant #2252, CHF Active Grant #2304, and NIH Award #1K08NS0224501.

Their goal is to find the genes responsible for epilepsy in dogs so that wise breeding can decrease the incidence of the disease in dogs. We also hope that knowing what genes regulate epilepsy in dogs may help us better tailor our therapy to the specific cause.

The objectives of their investigations into hereditary canine epilepsy are:

Recruit samples from a large number of affected individuals and their immediate family members (siblings, parents, and grandparents), from many breeds of dogs.

Evaluate the genotype of selected families to search for linkage between DNA markers and clinical epilepsy, and then use this information to identify the causative mutation or mutations.

Devise a DNA marker test that detects and distinguishes normal and mutant (epilepsy-causing) alleles, and make this test available to dog breeders so that they can produce epilepsy-free dogs.

The genes controlling seizure problems in dogs are not well understood. This project is attempting to find the marker(s) or mutation(s) responsible. When these can be identified, a blood test will tell if an individual dog is a carrier, clear, or likely to become an affected (even before symptoms begin). Using this information, breeders can choose breeding partners who will not produce affected puppies.

Breeders and owners often ask what is known about the inheritance of idiopathic epilepsy (also called primary epilepsy or genetic epilepsy). This is an important question because if breeders know the mode of inheritance (that is, the pattern of inheritance across generations), then they may be able to develop breeding strategies that will enable them to breed away from epilepsy. Sometimes, if the mode of inheritance for a disorder is well understood, careful selective breeding can enable breeders to greatly reduce, or even eliminate, the disorder while allowing the breeders to continue with their bloodlines. Of course, when some breeders and owners ask about the inheritance of epilepsy, they are hoping to find evidence that the seizures in their dogs are not due to inherited epilepsy. Sometimes, they do find reason to suggest this. However, many times, they must face the conclusion that inheritance (genetics) was the underlying cause of the seizures.

For readers who are not familiar with the term “mode of inheritance,” we will try to clarify. The mode of inheritance refers to whether the disorder is a simple recessive trait, a simple dominant trait, or a complex trait. Traits that are “simple” are carried by a single gene, while traits that are complex involve more than one gene. With complex genetic traits, the different genes can combine or interact with each other, and the genes can also interact with the dog’s environment. Of course, simple genetic traits are easier to study. The term “recessive” means that a dog will only have the disorder if the defective gene is passed down by both of the parents. Thus, if only one parent passes down the defective gene, the offspring will not be affected with the disorder, although they can be “carriers” and later pass down their one defective gene to their own offspring. The term “dominant” means that the dog can have the disorder even if only one of the parents passes down the defective gene.

As indicated, there currently are no conclusive findings on the mode of inheritance for canine idiopathic epilepsy. However, there are some general theories. Some investigators have theorized that, at least in the breeds they studied, the disorder is likely to be recessive because often two parents that are free of epilepsy produce offspring with epilepsy. Another theory concerns whether the defective gene or genes are carried on the sex chromosomes. (Each dog has 39 pairs of chromosomes which carry all of his or her genes. One member of each pair is inherited from each of the parents. Thirty-eight of these pairs are autosomes and one pair is the sex chromosomes.) Often, when there are sex differences in a trait, the gene for that trait is carried on the sex chromosomes. However, despite the fact that many breeds (though not all) show a higher rate of epilepsy in males than females, the pattern of inheritance across generations suggests that the genes responsible for epilepsy are probably carried on one or more of the autosome pairs. While these two theoretical notions (recessive and autosomal) may indeed prove to be true for many breeds, at the present time, there still is not enough data to draw any firm conclusions, even on the specific breeds for which pedigree analyses have been conducted.

As indicated, there are several researchers who currently are investigating the genetic basis of canine idiopathic epilepsy. If you own a dog with idiopathic epilepsy, or one of your dogs has produced offspring with epilepsy, please contact the canine epilepsy network.”

IF your dog has seizures it is important to notify the breeder and any association or clubs to which they belong. It is only through shared information and pedigree study that genetic conditions can be identified and used to breed wisely.

IDENTIFY SEIZURES (WHEN IS IT AN EMERGENCY?)

Generalized Seizure or Tonic-clonic: The Tonic-clonic seizure has two stages and may come in a mild or Grand Mal version. During the Grand Mal seizure the “tonic” phase is when the dog falls to the ground, rigidly stretches his legs out and loses consciousness. During this time his breathing will also stop. This part of the seizure usually lasts ten to thirty seconds. After this the “clonic” stage begins. It is at this time that owners notice the stereotypical activity that is commonly called a fit.

While the dog is in the clonic stage, he or she will begin any or all of the following symptoms:

1. Paddling of limbs or “running in place”.

2. Jaw movements that look like the dog is trying to chew gum.

3. Pupils in both eyes dilate (become large) and unresponsive.

4. Dog begins salivating or drooling.

5. Dog loses control of bodily functions and begins to urinate or defecate on itself.

TYPES of SEIZURES

In the mild cases of Tonic-clonic seizures there is usually little paddling and no loss of consciousness. Defecation and urination may also not occur.

Petit Mal Seizures have short episodes of the dog being unconscious with instances of muscle tone loss, and blank stares. These types of seizures seem to be very rare in dogs and often require the presence of EEG abnormalities to diagnosis for certainty.

Partial Seizures are odd things where the seizure activities such as the leg paddling, muscle spasms, neck and head bending or the main part of the body and facial muscle spasms only occur in one part of the body. These types of seizures can worsen until they appear to be Grand Mal or Mild Tonic-clonic but the difference is how the seizure began. Both Tonic-clonic types seem to be overall body from the start but the partials may just start at the face or one hip.

Status Epilepticus type seizures can be life threatening. They can appear as one continuous seizure that lasts more than thirty minutes or in a repetitive loop of seizures with the dog never regaining consciousness. Status epilepticus seizures can occur to dogs with a history of Grand Mal or Mild Tonic-clonic seizures and a diagnosis of epilepsy. They can also occur in dogs with no previous seizure activity but that have had an injury to the brain, exposed to toxins such as massive amounts of chocolate, pesticides and poisons or they can be the result of disease.

Cluster Seizures are very similar to the loop of status epilepticus seizures and each are often diagnosed as the other. The difference between the status epilepticus and the cluster seizures is that the dog actually has short time periods returning to consciousness in between each seizure.

Complex Partial Seizures can also be known as psychomotor or behavioral seizures. Of all the different types of seizures these are the oddest and most bizarre. During a complex partial seizure the dog will demonstrate strange repetitive behaviors such as uncontrollably running in small circles, biting at the air, howling, barking or yipping and even a type of lip-smacking. Others may show signs of attempting to hide for no reason. Other signs can be instances of vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, biting at their sides or flank area and even blindness. Although the dog is awake during these seizures, they are not aware of what they are doing or what is going on around them. Complex partial seizures can last a few minutes, several hours or can turn into generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

It is a lucky pet that never has another seizure after beginning medications; but an occasional breakthrough seizure (as disturbing as it may be to watch) is rarely of serious concern. It is important not to put yourself in danger around a seizing pet. Involuntary jaw snapping may bite you and in the period of post ictal disorientation the pet may not recognize you and may snap.

There are, however, some emergency situations:

SEIZURE ACTIVITY NON-STOP FOR FIVE MINUTES OR MORE
(this is called “status epilepticus”)

MORE THAN 3 SEIZURES IN A 24 HOUR PERIOD

STAGES of SEIZURES

There are four basic stages to a seizure:

The Prodome: may precede the seizure by hours or days. It is characterized by changes in mood or behavior.

The Aura: signals the start of a seizure. Nervousness, whining, trembling, salivation, affection, wandering, restlessness, hiding and apprehension are all signals.

The Ictus, the actual seizure:. A period of intense physical activity usually lasting 45 seconds to 3 minutes. The dog may lose consciousness and fall to the ground. There may be teeth gnashing, frantic thrashing of limbs, excessive drooling, vocalizing, paddling of feet, uncontrollable urination and defecation.

The Post Ictus/Ictal: after the seizure, the dog may pace endlessly, appear blind and deaf and eat or drink excessively.

TESTING

The following tests are advised before a diagnosis of idiopathic/inherited epilepsy is made.

Glucose tolerance test, to check for hypoglycemia.

Thyroid panel, 6 tests, to check for low thyroid function/hypothyroidism.

EEG, to see if there are findings suggestive of a lesion (an abnormal EEG is standard with epilepsy, but a vet or a physician will also be able to tell if there is a lesion.

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis, to look for encephalitis, distemper and other infection.

Blood test to check for lead poisoning; CT scan or MRI, again to look for a brain lesion

OTHER INFORMATION:

The Epilepsy Genetic Research Project

Veterinary Neurologists at several universities are looking for a genetic answer to epilepsy. They seek DNA samples from epileptic dogs and their close relatives if possible.

Canine Epilepsy Network

Affiliated with the Veterinary School at the University of Missouri at Columbia, this site reviews canine seizure disorders, treatment, history and more.

Epil-K9

This is a support and news group for owners of seizing dogs. The group has a substantial library of useful resources which can be viewed at: canine-epilepsy.com you may also search the Poodle Health Registry. Not the blog author has no connection with either association or group.

Again, IF your dog has seizures it is important to notify the breeder and any association or clubs to which they belong. It is only through shared information and pedigree study that genetic conditions can be identified and used to breed wisely.

Note: This article is a combination of current information available to the public on the internet. The intent was to gather and summarize information for those seeking a general knowledge of seizures. The blog author is not a vet and this information should be used in conjunction with your vets guidance, the blog author has no association with any of the organizations referenced.

Rainmaker Ranch Labradoodles http://www.labradoodle-breeder.com

If you want to care for your pet properly, you need to make sure that it gets the proper nutrition at all times. The right nutrition guarantees that your dog will remain healthy, energetic and very happy. This is the main reason why it is very important that you give your pet dog the right food. Often times, this requires you to do some research as well as consult with your local veterinarian. This way, you will be able to get the best kind of dog food that will nourish your dog properly without requiring you to spend a lot of money. In order to help you on your search, here are the different types of food that are available for dogs.

Kibble – this is the most popular kind of food for dogs. It is often called as dry dog food and it comes in bags. The great thing about kibble is the fact that it can last a very long time. This makes it very convenient for pet owners because they can go to the store and buy a large bag of dog food that will last their pet for months. This is the main reason why Kibble is a very popular form of dog food. Pets also like Kibble because it’s easy to chew for them.

Canned food - also known as wet dog food, this is the first kind of commercial dog food. Wet dog food is basically composed of unwanted animal parts that are processed and canned. Dogs like eating wet food because it often tastes like fresh meat for them. Unfortunately, many pet owners do not like using canned food because they need to make sure that the food will be consumed by their pet as soon as the can is opened. If left unfinished for more than a day, the food will spoil. Canned dog food is also more expensive than Kibble.

Raw food – many pet owners prefer to give their dogs raw food. They feed their dogs raw meat and bones. They subscribe to the theory that the natural food of dogs in the wild is the meat of the animals that they hunt down. This means raw meat and bones provides dogs the best kind of nutrients there is. While there may be some truth to this, the only problem with raw dog food is the fact that it can be very expensive to maintain. Dogs can eat a lot of fresh meat in a day. Sometimes they eat more meat than humans.

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Because dogs are pack animals, they are genetically predisposed to be highly social. This is part of the reason that most dogs bond so well with their owners and want to always be at their side. Unfortunately, most owners have to leave their dogs at some time during the day either to go to work or just to the grocery store. Some dogs experience tremendous separation anxiety when their owner goes away and can show some very destructive behavior because of it.

Most people like to think that their dog just lies peacefully on the couch and waits patiently for their return whenever they go out. The fact of the matter is that most dogs will experience some degree of separation anxiety. This may be expressed in the form of repetitive barking or crying which may be disturbing for your neighbors if you live in an apartment. If your dog typically likes to chew on toys, you may return home to discover that he has chewed up your favorite pair of shoes or even part of your sofa!

This doggie behavior can cause tremendous anxiety for owners as they flounder around trying to find solutions. There are some tried and true methods to help train your dog out of his separation anxiety that will work relatively quickly if you are consistent with them.

Help your dog relax before you get ready to leave the house

One of the best ways to ensure that your dog will remain calm when you leave the house is to tire him out. If he is tired enough when you leave, chances are he will just lie down on his bed and go to sleep. A vigorous walk or an extended game of “fetch” in the park will give him some exercise and tire him out. Exercising your dog will allow him to burn off some energy that might otherwise be channeled into chewing up the cushions on your couch.

Try to get home at lunchtime to exercise your dog

If it’s at all possible, try to steal a little bit of time on your lunch break to go home and be with your dog. You can get him out for a quick walk and spend some quality time with him. This will help teach him that even though you do go away, you always come back. If you aren’t able to get back home at lunchtime, consider hiring a dog walker to come in and get your dog out so he will have a break and have a chance to relieve himself. There are often neighborhood looking for odd jobs and this kind of job is perfect for them.

Buy some toys for your dog that will challenge him

Many dogs act out because they are extremely bored when their owners aren’t around, not just because of separation anxiety. Be sure to always leave your dog’s favorite toy for him to play with while you are gone. There are also many other kinds of toys that will challenge his mind such as food balls which are stuffed with food. The dog has to roll the ball which will then release one piece of food at a time. A kong toy which can be stuffed with peanut butter and bacon bits is also a great diversionary toy for a dog. They will spend hours licking the toy to get at the peanut butter stuffed inside.

Another companion dog might or might not help

Many dog owners rashly think that getting another dog that will keep their dog company is the best solution. Sometimes this will work, sometimes, it will simply add to the problem and make it worse. There are a number of issues you must consider before introducing another dog to your home such as your dog’s breed, size and temperament. Your veterinarian might be able to advise you about whether or not he or she thinks your dog will be able to adapt to a new dog in the house. You want to avoid a situation in which your first dog is fighting with a new dog and you have to re-home to new dog after just a short period of time.

Some tips to get your dog ready for your departure

To desensitize your dog to your departure and his separation anxiety, practice leaving your dog for short periods of time. Go out the door and go several feet away from the house or apartment door. Wait to see if he starts barking. If he does not, re-enter the house or apartment. Do not greet your dog when you go in. Act as if everything is completely but give him a dog treat and praise him for being quiet. Try to vary your routine prior to leaving so that you do not give unconscious signals to your dog which will tell him that you are getting ready to go. Do not make a big fuss over the fact that you will be leaving. Just say, “stay here and be good!” and go out the door.