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The post Can Dogs Eat Pine Nuts? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Considerations by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

There are many pieces of misinformation floating around the web on what is and is not safe for your canine companions. One of these very topics might have to do with pine nuts. Are pine nuts toxic to dogs? No, they are not toxic, and most dogs can eat a small amount of pine nuts without issue. However, they cause significant problems for certain canines especially if eaten in large amounts. In this article, we’re going to go over exactly what about pine nuts might be problematic and which dogs suffer from these potential complications.

Can Dogs Eat Pine Nuts?

Pine nuts, contrary to their name, aren’t really nuts at all. They are actually highly nutritionally beneficial seeds that are found, as the name suggests, in pinecones.

Pine nuts contain a number of beneficial nutrients that make them tasty and relatively healthy additions to many of our meals, and our dogs can potentially benefit from them too. But, just like with humans, moderation is important when it comes to feeding our dogs anything that isn’t part of their standard diet.

Below, we’re going to go over both the benefits and the negatives of pine nuts for dogs.

Benefits of Pine Nuts for Dogs

Pine nuts have an array of benefits, as they contain very essential vitamins and minerals that aid in health. Here are a few ways that pine nuts benefit dogs.

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Anti-inflammatory Properties

Pine nuts contain pinolenic acid, or PLNA, a type of omega 6 fatty acid that may have anti-inflammatory properties. Going without this particular fatty acid can reduce your dog’s risk of developing certain health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, and other inflammatory disorders.

Promotes Heart Health

Pine nuts contain unsaturated fats, plant sterols, magnesium, L-arginine, and vitamin E that help heart health. These components help raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. With helpful minerals like magnesium, they also work to protect the heart.

Improves Blood Sugar Levels

Pine nuts can slow carbohydrate absorption, which can in turn positively impact glucose homeostasis. They contain a variety of fiber, protein, and fat which helps the blood sugar stabilize.

Brain Function Improvement

Pine nuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and manganese, all of which improve overall brain function.

Risks Related to Pine Nuts

Now that you know the benefits associated with pine nuts, it is equally important to understand the risks. Just because pine nuts are non-toxic to dogs, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we should allow them to eat as many as they want. And just like with humans, there is a (small) risk of an adverse reaction,especially if they have a health condition.

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Phosphorus Content

Pine nuts contain a very high amount of phosphorus. While phosphorus is an important nutrient for dogs in small quantities, it can adversely affect them if they have too much.

While a moderate amount of pine nuts can actually reduce inflammation in the body, too much can negatively impact the urinary tract, leading to kidney stones and inflammation, especially for dogs with previous renal issues.

Because of this, pine nuts are often not advisable for dogs with pre-existing kidney or urinary tract issues.

Fat Content

Pine nuts, and any nuts for that matter, are high in fat. Your dog already gets the amount of fat they need in their regular diet, so they really shouldn’t be fed too much extra. Too much fat can lead to weight gain and obesity over time, as well as issues such as pancreatitis.

Allergic Reaction

There’s always a (small) possibility when introducing anything new to your dog that they will have an allergic reaction. If your dog develops any signs of an allergy, it is in their best interest to discontinue use immediately.

Depending on the severity of your reaction, it may or may not warrant a vet visit, but it is always advisable to get some advice.

Gastrointestinal Upset

When introducing any new food to your dog’s system, there is always a chance of gastrointestinal upset. Dogs can be very disrupted, even with something as simple as a switch of dog food.

So, if your dog has too many pine nuts in one sitting, it can cause a lot of GI symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

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How to Serve Pine Nuts to Dogs

If your dog sneaks a few pine nuts off the floor, it shouldn’t cause them any problems. But before giving your dog any new supplement or food item regularly,  it is important to ask the professional that deals with them on a regular basis.

There might be various reasons why your vet might not recommend pine nuts for your dog. However, it’s always best to double check just to make sure you’re doing the right thing. Pine nuts are not a necessary food item for your dog, and therefore should not be considered essential.

If your vet does give you the OK to give your dog pine nuts, they will advise you on the appropriate portions, as it will depend on your dog’s size and any health conditions they might have, but we wouldn’t recommend more than a small sprinkling.

Raw pine nuts are safe, but can be quite difficult to break down in the gut, meaning they are likely to pass through without being digested or providing any benefits. Cooking them reduces the nutritional value, but a very light roasting can increase their digestibility without taking away too much of the benefits.

Conclusion

Now you understand the benefits and risks of feeding your dog pine nuts. You can see that there are some health benefits to be found from eating these tasty treats, but that doesn’t mean you should start filling your dog’s bowl with them. A little sprinkling now and then should be safe, but always check with your vet before feeding your dog anything new.

If you plan on feeding your dog pine nuts, your vet might want to do a quick evaluation so they can okay it and give you the correct amount based on your dog’s health and weight.

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The post Can Dogs Eat Pine Nuts? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Considerations by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post What Does Pumpkin Do for Dogs? 7 Vet-Verified Health Benefits & Serving Tips by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp) is readily available, inexpensive, and easy to prepare for your dog. It is also packed full of vitamins and minerals and is considered a superfood for our canine companions. That said, you do need to be careful to ensure you don’t overfeed this fibrous squash.

Below, we look at why pumpkin is so healthy while also providing some information on how much to feed, how to prepare it, and precautions you need to take when incorporating pumpkin into your dog’s diet.

The 7 Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Pumpkins are good for people, and they are described as being a superfood for dogs. Whether you add some as a supplement or an addition to your dog’s diet or feed them as an occasional treat, these are some of the health benefits they offer. Keep in mind that your dog will get all the nutrients they need from a high-quality, balanced commercial diet.

1. Vitamin A Supports the Eyes

Vitamin A, or retinol, helps with many functions in the body and is especially good for supporting good eye health. It helps maintain the skin and immune system, and is involved in growth and reproduction. Pumpkin provides this nutrient mainly in the form of its precursor beta-carotene which gives it its bright orange color.

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2. Moisture Helps Ensure Good Hydration

Pumpkins are made up of more than 90% water before cooking. The water content and digestibility increases when boiled which makes boiled pumpkin an excellent source of moisture for dogs.

Even if your dog is a keen water drinker who enjoys lapping from the bowl, an additional hydration source is not a bad thing, so mixing some boiled pumpkin with their food is a great way to increase water levels.

3. Fiber Can Help With Weight Loss

Fiber helps promote a healthy gut and it also helps fill your dog up. This means that pumpkin can make your dog feel fuller for longer, while being low calorie. Overeating is a common problem in a lot of dogs, and when our canine companions overeat, they consume more calories and put on weight.

Being overweight is a big problem for dogs, who rely on their mobility, while obesity can put additional stress on the heart and other organs in the body, as well as the bones and joints.

In addition, a high-fiber diet has been shown to help improve blood sugar regulation and quality of life in dogs with diabetes mellitus.1

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4. Fiber Also Helps Encourage Healthy Stool Production

Fiber doesn’t just make your dog feel full, it also helps ensure good stool production. It can firm up diarrhea or help get constipation moving, and healthy stool formation also means less straining to toilet and healthy expression of anal glands.

There are two types of fiber in pumpkin; soluble and insoluble. Soluble is the best type for combating constipation as it acts as a natural lubricant. Even if your dog doesn’t suffer from constipation, maintaining healthy stool production is important.

5. Prebiotics Encourage Good Gut Health

Prebiotics act as a food source for the good gut bacteria that help with digestion and fight off bad bacteria. Pumpkin contains high levels of prebiotics, which help with gut health. Gut health is important, not only for healthy digestion but for a good immune system, and even a well-functioning brain.

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6. Potassium Helps Regulate Blood Pressure

Potassium is an electrolyte that assists in maintaining blood volume and the acid-base balance in the body. It also helps with nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Potassium deficiencies can leave dogs feeling lethargic and not wanting to eat but these are not common on a good quality diet without any underlying diseases.

7. Antioxidants Help Keep Your Dog Healthy

Antioxidants scavenge free radicals in the body to prevent the damage they can cause and reduce oxidative stress. Pumpkin is high in carotenoids which can act as antioxidants. These antioxidants help the immune system and are thought to help fight against certain cancers too.

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Pumpkin Precautions to Be Aware Of

While pumpkins do offer a lot of health benefits to dogs and can make a great additive to their regular diet, there are some precautions you need to take when feeding this squash.

1. Gastrointestinal Upsets

Too much pumpkin can cause gastrointestinal upset which leads to vomiting and diarrhea. If your pup has special dietary requirements or health issues talk to your vet before introducing pumpkin to their diet. Otherwise, it is best to introduce pumpkin slowly into the diet.

2. Other Additives Might Be Toxic

While fresh pumpkin is not toxic to your dogs, products that include pumpkin may include other potentially toxic ingredients. Savory foods that include garlic and onion, for example, could make your dog very ill. Canned pumpkin pie filling contains a lot of extra sugar which is not healthy. Always check the ingredients of any food you give your dog.

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How Do You Prepare Pumpkin for Dogs?

Raw pumpkin can be more difficult to digest, so it is best to cook the squash before feeding it. Remove the seeds and bake it in the oven until it is soft and easy to chew. Alternatively, boil chunks of chopped-up pumpkin, without the seeds, before blending it into a paste.

Canned pumpkin is also a viable food source, as long as there are no harmful additional ingredients.

How Much Can You Feed?

Depending on the size of your dog you can feed between half and four tablespoons of fresh pumpkin a day. When introducing any new food to your dog’s diet, start small. You can always build up the amount you feed a little over time, but by starting with a small amount and gradually increasing it, you reduce the risk of stomach upsets and other complaints.

Conclusion

Pumpkin is a member of the squash family and is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is described as being a super food for dogs because it is nutrient-rich. It can be added to dry food as a beneficial source of moisture, or you can feed small, cooked chunks of the food as a treat.

Start with a relatively small amount per day and build up gradually over time. And, if you are feeding human foods that include pumpkin, rather than pure pumpkin, make sure it doesn’t contain any toxic or potentially harmful ingredients that should be avoided.

See Also: Will Pumpkin Help Dogs With Pancreatitis? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

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The post What Does Pumpkin Do for Dogs? 7 Vet-Verified Health Benefits & Serving Tips by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Do Dogs Have An Appendix? Vet-Verified Anatomy Explained by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Dogs and humans are very different species, although we do share some biological similarities. However, while humans do have an appendix, dogs do not. Similarly, cats do not have an appendix, but some mammalian species including wombats and primates, do have them.

Scientists have long been baffled by the purpose of the appendix in those species that do have one, but recent studies show that this organ plays a role in the immune response. Specifically, it is believed that the appendix collects and retains beneficial gut bacteria.

In humans, the first many of us even think about the appendix is if we, or someone we know, suffers from appendicitis. This is a painful inflammation of the organ that typically requires its removal before it ruptures or bursts. Because dogs don’t have an appendix, they cannot suffer appendicitis, but some painful conditions have similar effects and present similarly to appendicitis that dogs may suffer.

What Is the Appendix?

The appendix is a tube-like outpouching of the large intestine that is several inches long and attaches to the colon. It was once considered a vestigial organ, or a small organ that no longer serves a beneficial purpose. This view was compounded by the fact that patients with appendicitis could safely have the organ removed and seemingly not suffer any adverse effects following the removal.

However, following more extensive studies of the tube-like organ, it has been determined that the appendix might be responsible for holding good gut bacteria.

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Can Dogs Get Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is an infection and swelling of the appendix. It is a painful condition that, if left untreated, can lead to the rupture or bursting of the appendix, which can be fatal. Because dogs do not have an appendix, therefore they cannot get appendicitis.

Conditions Causing Severe Abdominal Pain in Dogs

Pancreatitis In Dogs

While dogs cannot develop appendicitis, they can suffer other conditions that present with similar signs to the condition. The pancreas is a digestive organ that both humans and dogs have. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.

Inflammation of the pancreas is very painful and the cause is not always known in dogs. As a digestive organ involved in the production of digestive enzymes and glucose control via insulin, malfunction of this organ can have serious consequences. Signs of pancreatitis include abdominal pain, adoption of the “prayer stance”, vomiting, diarrhea and inappetence. It is a complex condition that can, if untreated, cause damage to other organs as enzymes from the pancreas start to digest the pancreas and other nearby organs. If pancreatitis is caught early, there is a good chance of recovery. However, if organ damage has already occurred, pancreatitis can prove fatal.

In some cases, pancreatitis can develop very quickly, while in others, it has a more chronic waxing and waning course. If you suspect your pup has this condition, you should visit a vet urgently.

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Peritonitis

Another very painful condition with some similar signs to pancreatitis is peritonitis. This is inflammation of the lining inside your dog’s abdominal cavity. It is a very serious condition with fatality occurring in more than half of all cases. It can be caused by damage to the cavity caused by foreign objects or by abdominal surgery.

Quick action is vital, to increase your dog’s chances of survival, so if you suspect your pup is suffering from peritonitis, contact a vet immediately.

Conclusion

Unlike people and some other mammals, dogs do not have an appendix. This means that they cannot suffer appendicitis, and any pain that seems to be coming from the colon or stomach region is being caused by some other problem.

Dogs can suffer sore stomachs and gastrointestinal upset as a result of eating foreign objects as well as other conditions, while pancreatitis and peritonitis are considered serious conditions that cause acute pain and need urgent veterinary treatment to help ensure they do not prove fatal.

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The post Do Dogs Have An Appendix? Vet-Verified Anatomy Explained by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

National Pit Bull Awareness Month is celebrated in October to educate the public and change the negative perception of pit bulls.
To dispel myths and celebrate pit bulls as loyal, loving companions
History, traits, and role as companion pets
Improved public perception, and a more compassionate community.

Breed:
Pit bull is an umbrella term for a variety of breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bull Terrier, and American Bulldogs.
History:
Originally bred for fighting in the 19th century, but also for work and companionship.
Stereotypes:
Pit bulls have been the subject of negative stereotypes and discrimination, including myths that they are inherently aggressive, have “locking jaws”, and are unsafe around children

Temperament:
With proper training, care, and a positive environment, pit bulls can be gentle and friendly
Some ways to celebrate Pit Bull Awareness Month include:

• Learning more about pit bulls and educating others
• Supporting organizations that promote pit bull awareness
• Advocating for responsible ownership

The post How Long Do Boxers Live? Vet-Verified Average Lifespan, Data & Care by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Boxers are an upbeat and playful dog breed. Their infinite patience and desire to be protective make them fantastic pets for homes with children. If you’re searching for the perfect family dog, Boxers can make a great choice.

As a prospective Boxer parent, you probably wonder how many years of companionship you’ll share with your potential pet. Boxers have a pretty average lifespan, living around 10 to 12 years; however, several factors can impact their longevity. Read on to learn how to care for your Boxer to encourage a longer, healthier, and happier life.

Boxer Average Lifespan

Boxers live between 10 and 12 years old on average, but their lifespan can be affected by several controllable and uncontrollable factors. Unfortunately, these loyal family pets are prone to a few health conditions that can negatively impact their lifespan; however, owners can have some control over factors such as lifestyle and nutrition that can impact their lifespan.

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How to Care for Your Boxer for a Long Lifespan

1. Feeding & Diet

Like all dogs, Boxers require a healthy diet of food formulated for their current life stage and health. A commercial kibble or wet food diet is the best way to ensure your pup gets the nutrients they need to thrive.

Adult Boxers should be fed two meals daily. Because Boxers can be prone to developing gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV),1 a life-threatening form of bloat, owners may want to invest in slow feeder bowls to encourage slower eating to potentially help prevent GDV.

Despite the Boxers’ high activity levels, they can be prone to weight gain and obesity if they’re overfed and/or under-exercised.

A veterinarian can provide customized feeding schedules and recommend portions based on each Boxer’s life stage, size, activity level, and diet.

2. Environment

Since Boxers are energetic, they do best in home environments with a sizable yard. However, they may be able to adapt to apartment life if their owners ensure they’re given plenty of opportunities to exercise outdoors.

Mental stimulation is just as crucial for Boxers as physical activity. Interactive toys, such as puzzle feeders, can provide the enrichment these pups need to be happy and to prevent boredom.

3. Care

Boxers are high-energy dogs, thanks to their working dog heritage. As such, they need an owner who is committed to providing them with plenty of opportunities for exercise. They need at least two hours of exercise daily.

However, care must be taken when exercising with Boxers as they are a brachycephalic breed and heat and overexertion can cause heat stroke and breathing issues.

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4. Healthcare

Potential Boxer owners need to do careful research before buying their puppy. Boxers’ genetics can significantly impact their lifespan, so be sure you choose a breeder that has had pre-breeding health screenings done on their breeding animals.

Along with the potential breathing issues and GDV, Boxers may also be prone to certain types of cancer including mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and osteosarcoma. Heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy may also be a concern. According to UC Davis, some of the most relevant genetic tests for Boxers are those for degenerative myelopathy and hemophilia A/Factor VIII deficiency.

Boxers can be prone to numerous health conditions and diseases, so prevention is the best medicine for these pups. Keeping up with your annual veterinary exams can help your vet establish a baseline for your pup’s health and identify potential issues faster.

The Life Stages of a Boxer

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), there are four life stages for any dog.

Puppy (Birth to 6 to 9 months)

During the puppy phase, a Boxer has a lot of energy and will light up every room with their silly attitude and pure sweetness. Owners should begin training and socializing their Boxers as soon as possible to ensure they grow to be well-rounded and well-behaved young adults.

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Young Adult (6 to 9 months to 3 to 4 years old)

During the young adult stage, Boxers will complete their physical and social maturation. As a medium to large-size breed, they need a little more time to reach their full size than their smaller counterparts. As such, most Boxers are not fully grown until they’re around 18 to 24 months.

Young adult Boxers will still retain much of their puppy-like energy.

Adult (3 to 4 years old to 8 to 9 years old)

The adult stage for dogs begins after their physical and social maturation and lasts until the final 25% of their estimated lifespan, which for Boxers is between 8 and 9 years of age.

Adult Boxers should eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Yearly veterinary exams are important to catch any health issues before they become major.

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Senior (8 to 9 years old until the end of Iife)

Boxers are generally considered seniors when they reach eight years of age. At this point, it’s normal for them to start slowing down, and they may experience age-related life changes such as hearing loss and vision impairment.

How to Tell Your Boxer’s Age

The only 100% accurate way to tell your Boxer’s age is to ask the breeder for their date of birth. If you do not have access to that, there are some ways you can estimate your dog’s age. However, know that this is not an exact science and will never be completely accurate.

First, take a look at your dog’s teeth. It takes time for wear and plaque, stains, and tartar to build up on teeth, so if these imperfections are absent, your pup may still be relatively young.

A dog’s eyes can also provide insight into their age. When dogs get older, their eyes can become cloudy or have a blue-ish tint to them.

Weathered paws can also indicate age. Paw pads of older dogs are often thicker and rougher. Due to keratin formation, they may have cracks or even bristly areas.

Conclusion

Boxers tend to live around 10-12 years. These fun and beautiful family dogs are sadly prone to several health conditions that can reduce their longevity. However, getting your puppy from a reputable breeder, providing your Boxer with a nutritious diet, a healthy exercise plan, and the best possible living environment can absolutely promote a longer life for your furry family member.

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The post How Long Do Boxers Live? Vet-Verified Average Lifespan, Data & Care by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.