Why Does My Dog Cough After Drinking Water?

The post Why Does My Dog Cough After Drinking Water? by Melvin Peña 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.

Few sights are as hypnotic as watching a dog’s tongue curl as he laps water from his favorite dish.

Naturally, like any of us, sometimes our dogs drink too fast or they are temporarily distracted, and a few drops go down the wrong way. You’ve started noticing a disturbing trend, though. It seems that every time your dog pauses for a bit of liquid refreshment, the action is followed immediately by the sounds of coughing and gagging. If a dog coughs after drinking water consistently, there may be more to it than rapid or reckless swallowing can explain away.

Related: How Much Water Should a Dog Drink a Day?

At least three medical issues might be the reason a dog coughs after drinking water, all of them involving the trachea:

1. Kennel cough
2. Hypoplastic trachea
3. Collapsed trachea

Each of these conditions can affect any dog, but there are notable differences and distinctions that we can draw between them to determine what course of action a veterinarian may take to alleviate a dog’s suffering. Age, breed, size and associated symptoms are all significant factors.

If your dog coughs after drinking water, trachea issues might be at play. Photography by Jaromir Chalabala / Shutterstock.

First, where is the trachea? What does it do?

The trachea, or windpipe, is a tube composed of cartilage, muscle and tissue, located between the throat and the lungs. Through it, air passes from the nose or mouth into and out of the lungs. It shares its entry point into the body with the esophagus. A small flap called the epiglottis closes when food or water enters, leading it toward the digestive tract, and opens for breathing. When the trachea’s structural integrity is compromised, so too is its functionality.

Whether the trouble is irritation and swelling during respiratory illnesses, a fault present from a young age due to genetic abnormalities, or one which develops with advancing age, a weak trachea prevents dogs from getting the oxygen they need. Since dogs sweat very little, panting provides not only fresh air but also heat relief, making the trachea critically important during the warmer parts of the year or during intense exercise.

Now, let’s further examine those three reasons a dog coughs after drinking water.

1. Kennel cough in dogs

Also known as infectious canine tracheobronchitis, kennel cough in dogs is the least serious reason why a dog coughs after drinking water. Kennel cough is basically the common cold for canines. Like any communicable disease, it spreads most efficiently in places where there are a number of dogs in close quarters. From the dog park to the groomer, and from boarding facilities to veterinarians’ offices, kennel cough can affect any breed of dog at any age.

The major symptom of this mild respiratory infection is a cough that sounds like a goose honking. The more the dog coughs, the more irritated and inflamed the trachea becomes. In a multi-pet household, a dog with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs and their bowls cleaned and disinfected. Kennel cough tends to pass within a couple of weeks, and any coughing with it.

2. Hypoplastic trachea

If a dog coughs after drinking water, especially if that dog is a young puppy, it could signal a more serious health issue. A hypoplastic trachea is a genetic abnormality. “Hypoplastic” means “underdeveloped,” and usually refers to the rings of cartilage that give the trachea its shape. The effect of this inherited condition is that the windpipe does not develop to its full size or width. This disorder primarily affects puppies from short-muzzled breeds, technically referred to as “brachycephalic.”

Breeds most at risk for hypoplastic trachea include the Boston Terrier, English Bulldog and Pug. Symptoms depend on the extent to which the puppy’s airway is narrowed by the condition. These dogs are already known, as they age, to snore, snort or breathe more heavily; with a hypoplastic trachea, symptoms like these can begin showing up as early as five or six months of age. Additional symptoms to watch out for in flat-faced puppies include low energy, along with rapid weight gain due to limited ability to exercise.

On its own, a mild case, where the trachea’s diameter is not substantially affected, may pass completely unnoticed and undiagnosed. In some dogs, the narrow trachea can be a symptom of brachycephalic airway syndrome, in which the abbreviated length of the dog’s skull causes other cranial abnormalities, such as smaller nostrils, which further restrict a dog’s oxygen intake.

3. Tracheal collapse in dogs

Where evidence of an underdeveloped trachea tends to arise quite early in life, symptoms of a collapsing trachea have a much later onset and tend to affect a different subset of dogs. This is a degenerative condition in which the trachea loses structural integrity over time. Imagine slowly flattening a roll of toilet paper and you have a decent image of what happens to the dog’s windpipe. As the airway narrows, it becomes progressively more difficult for the dog to take in sufficient air.

Symptoms of a collapsing trachea tend to appear in middle age or seniority, which for these long-lived small dog breeds may be anywhere from the ages of 4-6 years or later. Similar to kennel cough and hypoplastic tracheas, the hallmark of this disorder is that honking cough, accompanied by a gagging noise. For small dogs who have been energetic and perky throughout life, a loss of energy or getting tired after very little exertion may be more alarming signs of a weakening trachea.

Anything with the word “collapse” or “collapsing” in it sounds dire, but in many cases, this is a very slowly developing health issue. It is most frequently seen in Yorkshire Terriers, but it is common across a range of small and toy dog breeds. Along with Yorkies, tracheal collapse can also affect Chihuahuas, Lhasa Apsos, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles and Pugs.

Management of tracheal abnormalities in dogs

So, if your dog coughs after drinking water, don’t panic. Kennel cough tends to last only a couple of weeks. If the dog is a short-muzzled puppy or an older small or toy breed, it is worth consulting a veterinarian about the possibility of a hypoplastic or collapsed trachea. Depending on how narrow the puppy’s windpipe is and the rate at which it is collapsing, afflicted dogs may be able to live out their normal lives with very few alterations.

Excess weight or obesity puts additional strain on oxygen intake, so it is crucial to reduce that strain by not overfeeding at-risk dogs. Dogs with leashes attached to their collars, especially ones who tug on their leashes, may benefit from switching to a harness to limit unintentional wear and tear on their neck and throat. In cases where tracheal collapse is severe, management can be more costly and may involve either medication to manage symptoms or surgery to reinforce the trachea.

Thumbnail: Photography ©K_Thalhofer | Thinkstock.

Read Next: What Type of Water Alternatives Can Dogs Have?

 

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What’s Really on My Dog’s Mind?

The post What’s Really on My Dog’s Mind? by Mary Schwager 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.

What is it like to be a dog? What does your dog think? Perhaps at times you guess he says something like, “Oh come on, lady, just pour the kibble in my bowl and feed me.”

Well, if you’re Alexandra Horowitz, PhD, there’s no guessing. She has a pretty good idea what it’s like to be a pooch. The highly regarded researcher (who has two dogs and a cat of her own) strives to see the world from a dog’s umwelt. Umwelt?!

Photo: Courtesy Barnard College

Dr. Horowitz says, “Umwelt is the worldview of an organism, human or non-human, what they perceive and what is meaningful to them.”

She is always sniffing out new insight on our four-legged friends as a professor at Barnard College in New York City, where she teaches and runs the Horowitz Dog Cognition Lab. She is the author of the best seller Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know. Her newest book, Our Dogs, Ourselves: The Story of a Singular Bond hit store shelves this past September.

Photo: Scribner Books from Simon & Schuster

Related: 4 Books for Dog Lovers to Read While Self-Isolating

The popularity of her research and books shows how so many dog owners want to unlock their canine’s mind. Deciphering those mysteries is what drives Dr. Horowitz.

“I have a great interest in understanding the perspective of other creatures, non-humans or humans,” she says. “Non-human animals are especially interesting in that they can’t tell us what they know or think or understand in our language. We have to become great readers of their behavior.”

Photo: Scribner Books from Simon & Schuster

What she’s learned

Dr. Horowitz’s research has revealed much about how critical smell is to dogs, and how they play with people and other pooches.

“There’s a great pleasure in seeing dogs act — in seeing them try to figure out a puzzle, what we’re up to or what is hidden,” she says.

One of her favorite findings will make you think twice the next time you come home irritated to find your shoe torn up and your dog looking worried. Dr. Horowitz calls her analysis the guilty-look study. (Full name is Disambiguating the “guilty look”: salient prompts to a familiar dog behavior.)

Photo: TzuReyes | Getty Images

“It tested a behavior that we, as people who live with dogs, see regularly,” she says. “It’s also the most misinterpreted: Some people read the conclusions as evidence that dogs don’t feel guilt. It’s not: It was evidence that the guilty look is prompted by us, angry.”

When you read Dr. Horowitz’s work you realize you may have to rethink what you think you know about dogs. But once you have her insight into the canine mind it just might improve your relationship with your own dog.

“My research and books provide people with a new interest in looking closely at what their dogs are actually doing and actually need,” Dr. Horowitz says. “I think that benefits both species.”

Top photograph: Philary/Getty Images

Read Next: Looking at ‘What Do Dogs Think?’ and the Future of Animal Companionship

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Yes, You Can (and Should) Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

The post Yes, You Can (and Should) Teach an Old Dog New Tricks by Sassafras Lowrey 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.

Contrary to the old saying, old dogs absolutely can learn new tricks and, if given the opportunity, your senior dog will surprise you with his enthusiasm for trick training. Dogs love to learn, and learning can and should be life-long.

My oldest dog Mercury is 17-years old and is a titled Intermediate Trick Dog. Of course, tricking training isn’t a magical fountain of youth, but his vets have always been in agreement that the mental and physical activity he gets from trick training has helped him maintain muscle tone and mental alertness. As a super senior Mercury has developed some age-related complications including blindness and partial deafness but even though he will be turning 18 this summer, he’s still extremely active and enjoys hiking and swimming and constantly practicing tricks and learning new ones.

Related: Hiking With Dogs: A Guide to Safely Taking a Hike With Your Dog

Teaching an old dog new tricks promotes graceful aging

Like people, as dogs age they fbecome a little less physically active. However, do not let your senior dog sleep all day and to keep him as physically active as possible. Teaching an old dog new tricks is a great way to provide enrichment,  exercise and activity into your senior dog’s day without being too high impact or stressful on his body.

If your senior dog has any kind of medical condition, check with your dog’s vet to discuss if there are any limitations to tricks that you should teach.

Start trick training with your senior dog by focusing on lower impact tricks and avoid any that involve jumping. Keeping dogs engaged and active can support dogs aging more gracefully by keeping them mentally stimulated and engaged with their families.

Be ready to reward your senior dog for learning a new trick

When training your senior dog (and dogs of any age) have rewards ready. Figure out what treats that your dog is excited about and use those when you teaching a new trick or working on a trick that is especially challenging.. If you feed your dog kibble you can also use your senior dog’s meals as training treats to make mealtime more exciting and enriching instead of just putting down a bowl.

Start simple

When first teaching tricks to your senior dog, start with refreshing skills your dog knows already but hasn’t practiced in a while: sit, down, shake are all obedience skills that most dogs have learned at some point in their lives, but they are also tricks. After refreshing these known tricks, it’s time to start teaching any new tricks you would like your dog to learn.

A couple of good and simple tricks to start with for senior dogs  are spin right and spin, and high five.

Get tips for teaching spin and high five.

Pace yourself

When you start to add trick training into your senior dog’s routine a little goes a long way. Multiple small training sessions for just a couple minutes at a time a few times a day will be more effective than one very long training session. The goal should be to keep your dog’s training sessions fun and upbeat, plus to go at a slow pace to keep your senior dog successful. If at any point your dog seems confused or isn’t quite getting the hang of a new trick, it means that you probably just moved a little too quickly. Keep an upbeat attitude and just go back to the last stage of the trick where your dog was successful and work more at that level to keep your dog’s confidence up.

Read Next: How to Play Hide and Seek With Your Dog

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Stuck At Home? Play This Indoor Game With Your Dog

The post Stuck At Home? Play This Indoor Game With Your Dog by Deborah Dobson 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.

Be it a cold day, a rainy day,  a shelter- at-home order, or a day when you just want to have some enjoyable quality time with your pup, there are plenty of indoor games you can play at home with your dog.

A simple, classic indoor game is hide and seek. Since dogs lead first with their nose, then their ears and lastly, their eyes, you want to design your hide and seek game appropriately.

A dog’s sense of smell is estimated to be anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 times better than ours and they can have as many as 300 million factory receptors in their noses, compared with just 6 million in ours. Dogs can smell things that are submerged underwater, buried underground and from incredibly far away.

Related: 7 Amazing Facts About Your Dog’s Sense of Smell 

Photo: NoSystem images/ Getty Images

Your dog knows you and your family member’s personal scents intimately, so use that to start your game of hide and seek. Begin with one family member holding your pup while another hides. Make the first couple of hides simple and easy for your dog so he develops confidence and understanding. When your dog finds the hider, praise enthusiastically to encourage him to seek again. If the game is confusing, help your pup a bit by leading him at first.

Ramp the game up by, walking around a bit, leaving your scent in various rooms so your dog will follow it. For instance, start in the kitchen, head to the dining room and pass through the living room as you end the “trail” in a bedroom closet.

Next, you can play and seek with a simple object like your dog’s favorite toy and hide it. Start by showing your dog the toy and letting him sniff it for a few seconds. Then hide it under the couch so it’s partially visible – an easy find. Gradually make hiding places more difficult as your dog becomes better at finding the toy.

Always remember to genuinely praise your pup each time/he finds the person or the object and smile as you say, “Good dog!” Give a verbal reminder too, of the name of the game by saying, “Good hide and seek,” so in the future, your dog will know to get ready for the next exciting round.

Top photograph: Twinkle Studio/ Getty Images

Read Next: Yes, Your Dog Can Get Too Many Walks 

 

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Is My Dog Peeing Too Much? Should I Worry?

The post Is My Dog Peeing Too Much? Should I Worry? by Melvin Peña 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.

My dog, Baby, is a healthy and happy Bluetick Coonhound mix. Our daily walks in the forest are constantly interrupted by various calls of nature. Baby is a scenthound, so she has an instinctive need to smell every tree trunk, pile of deer droppings and disturbed patch of pine straw in the forest. When that isn’t halting our progress, it’s her habit of peeing a lot. Between drinks of water before we leave the house and when we reach the turnaround point, she might pee five or six times! Is her bladder the size of a tanker truck? Is my dog peeing a lot and should I be worried?

I know I’m not the only pet parent who’s wondered, “Is my dog peeing a lot?” The technical term for a dog peeing a lot is “polyuria;” it’s not a disease itself, but rather a descriptive catchall that means “peeing a lot” or “urinating excessively.” There are many factors and conditions that can affect how often dogs relieve themselves. The possible causes for a dog peeing a lot range from the completely benign to health issues that require veterinary consultation. These reasons for a dog peeing a lot include:

1. Age and aging
2. Seasonal weather changes
3. Marking
4. Spay incontinence
5. Urinary tract infection
6. Diabetes

Age may cause frequent urination in dogs. Photography ©Artnature/Thinkstock.

1. A dog peeing a lot may be caused by age and aging

Is your dog peeing a lot? How old is he? A dog’s age has a definite impact on the number of times he’ll need to urinate. Whether they’ve just brought a new puppy home or are witnessing the early signs of a dog reaching seniority, first-time dog owners might be alarmed at how prolific or productive their dogs’ bladders are. Every dog is different, but on average, a healthy dog urinates once every four to six hours.

Until they are about 5 or 6 months old, puppies tend to urinate twice as often, every two hours or so. Part of that is lack of bladder control, which they master with maturity, house-training and force of habit. Polyuria can return naturally as part of the aging process or as a side effect if they are on certain medications.

2. A dog peeing a lot might signal overheating or increased thirst

If a dog spends more time outside during the warmer months of the year, he’ll need more water. Since dogs don’t sweat the way that we do, they regulate their body temperature by increased panting, which uses more of their body’s water stores. Dogs who go inside and outside often may drink more while they’re in the heat, but returning to a climate-controlled space means they’re not losing that extra drinking water to panting. This brings about a cycle where lapping up more water can make for a dog peeing a lot.

3. Marking may be a culprit for a dog peeing a lot

Dogs don’t use stickers or magic markers, so a dog peeing a lot is a common way for him to assert a claim to spaces he considers his territory. This practice, called territorial, or urine marking, is the primary reason my own dog pees so often when we’re out walking. How can we tell the difference between a dog just relieving himself and marking? Normal urination happens as a long and sustained stream.

Urine marking, on the other hand, occurs in short bursts, and may only be a few drops at a time. The practice makes little difference out in nature, but can be problematic if it’s happening in the house. One way of curtailing dog marking indoors is to have a dog spayed or neutered at the earliest opportunity. Dog owners who have recently adopted a second dog may find themselves in the crosshairs of a temporary urine-marking contest as the two dogs adjust to sharing a common space.

4. Spay incontinence may cause a dog to pee a lot

Interestingly, while getting a dog fixed can limit his drive to mark territory, the procedure can also lead to cases of incontinence, especially in female dogs. In this context, the reason behind a dog peeing a lot is because she lacks bladder control. There is a distinct difference between a dog peeing a lot because she has to or needs to, and one that urinates involuntarily.

Related: How to Deal With Your Dog Peeing in the House

Does this mean dog owners should think twice about getting their dogs spayed? No! According to Dr. Peter Dobias, the link is not to the surgery, but to how the dog’s back is stretched during the procedure. Indeed, Dr. Dobias says that back injuries to dogs may be a primary reason for loss of bladder control, especially as dogs age.

5. A urinary tract infection (UTI) could be the reason behind a dog peeing a lot

Urinary tract infection, or UTI, in dogs, is a common and treatable reason for a dog peeing a lot. Like incontinence, urinary tract infections affect older female dogs at a much higher rate than male dogs of any age group. As with many serious medical conditions, though, a dog peeing a lot is not the only, nor the most alarming, symptom a pet parent will notice. What is more likely to catch their attention is hazy or blood urine, a dog who squats for an extended period of time before starting to pee, or one who is whining as they urinate. The biggest culprit is bacteria in a dog’s urethra, which can be resolved with a course of antibiotics.

6. A dog peeing a lot might signal diabetes

Diabetes, specifically diabetes mellitus, in dogs, can also be signaled by a dog peeing a lot. In dogs, this form of diabetes arises when the digestive system cannot effectively convert food into usable energy. Similar to UTI, there are a host of additional symptoms beyond frequent urination. As the disease advances, the symptoms begin to create a feedback loop revolving around consumption and excretion.

Low blood sugar means the dog has less energy and feels the need to eat more. In order to void all the additional food sugars they are consuming, the dog will have to drink more water and pee accordingly. Canine diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be managed through a regimen of diet, exercise and medication.

Does your dog pee when meeting people? Here’s what might be at play >>

The bottom line: Familiarize yourself with your dog’s peeing habits!

By itself, a dog peeing a lot should not be a cause for immediate concern. It may seem like strange advice, but watching your dog pee at every opportunity can be a boon to your dog’s health, especially as he grows older. Familiarize yourself with how, when, where and the number of times your dog urinates. It doesn’t take much practice or observation for a dog owner to learn to differentiate between peeing, marking and involuntary leaking. Make note of dramatic changes in the color of a dog’s pee, as well as any other changes in the dog’s energy level and eating habits.

Top photograph: Photography by Heinz Teh / Shutterstock.

Read Next: FYI: Dog Pee Has Its Own Microbiome

 

 

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Does My Dog Have Seasonal Allergies?

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Spring allergies are a frustrating part of life for a lot of humans, but unfortunately dogs experience the discomfort of seasonal allergies as well. Just like people, dogs can have allergic reactions to pollen, dust, grass, mold as well as various foods and especially flea bites.

These are the seasonal allergy symptoms to look for

Allergies are uncomfortable and dogs experiencing seasonal allergies may display a variety of symptoms. Dr. Shelia Gomez, who specializes in Dermatology at NorthStar Vets Veterinary Emergency Trauma & Specialty Center explains that common canine allergy symptoms tend to center on the dog’s skin and include:

• Itching and/or licking at skin.
• Erythema (redness) of the skin.
• Hair loss and thickening of the skin.

Dr. Gomez notes that when experiencing seasonal allergies, dogs may rub their face and eyes or have concurrent ear infections. Although less common, some dogs with seasonal allergies might experience occasional hot spots or only ear infections. Dr. Gomez explains that most frequently she sees allergic responses to fleas, though because of the number of treatments to prevent fleas those are becoming less common. Dogs can also experience allergic reactions to certain types of food, as well as environmental allergies to grasses, dust mites, pollen and more.

Related: Hot Spots on Dogs — Causes, Treatment and Prevention 

Are certain breeds more at risk for seasonal allergies? 

Any breed of dog or mix of breeds can experience allergies.  “It is important to remember that any dog can have an allergy, be they mixed breeds such as Doodles or Pit Bull crosses, or purebred dogs,” says Dr. Gomez, adding that allergies in dogs are believed to be hereditary. As a result, Dr. Gomez says some breeds are more prone to allergies.

These breeds include:

Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Newfoundlands, Cairns, West Highland White Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, Jack Russels, Parson Terriers, Wheaten Terriers, all sizes of Poodles and crosses, German Shepherd Dogs, American and Staffordshire Bulldogs, Pit Bull Terriers, Mastiffs and BullMastiffs, Shar Peis and Shetland Sheepdogs.

Although these dog breeds may be prone to allergies, allergies can and are experienced by dogs of any breed or mix of breeds.

Photo: Finn | Getty Image

What to do if you think your dog has seasonal allergies

If you think that your dog might be experiencing seasonal allergies Dr. Gomez advises developing a diagnostic plan with your veterinarian or veterinary dermatology specialist before starting to change foods or  your dog’s environment “this will hopefully save them time and money in the long run, as an allergy workup should be done in a systematic and tailored way based on the needs and history of the individual dog.” Dr. Gomez says.

Testing for seasonal allergies will allow your vet to “try and identify the allergens that are contributing to the clinical signs the dog is experiencing.” Testing for allergies in dogs involves either a blood test, intradermal skin testing, or both. For a variety of reasons pursuing allergy testing isn’t an option for every dog owner. In these cases,  Dr. Gomez explains cases it is possible for vets to work on treating some of the symptoms without identifying specifically what is causing the allergy. The goal is to make the dog as comfortable and symptom-free as possible.

Treating your dog’s allergies also means treating any other skin conditions which may have developed due to your dog’s itching and scratching. “It is imperative to remember that any secondary infection in the skin, such as bacterial, fungal, or parasitic, will need to be cleared or controlled for good long-term control of allergies” advises Dr. Gomez.

Related: What to do if Your Dog Needs Vet Care During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Should you use over-the-counter medication to treat your dog’s seasonal allergies?

Many dog owners are tempted to try over-the-counter antihistamine medication if they suspect that their dog has allergies, such as  Benedryl, Zyrtec or ClaritinBut according to Dr. Gomez d “Studies that have been done looking at some of these medications have found little evidence of their efficacy in dogs.” If you want to try an over-the-counter medication to treat your dog’s allergies, first you must speak with your dog’s veterinarian first to see if the drug will cause more harm than good. These medications were created for humans, not for dogs, and some human medications are quite harmful to dogs.

How to develop a seasonal allergy treatment plan

Battling your dog’s allergies will take time and dedication.

“Having a good veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist to help guide the process and have a plan for the pets is important, and equally important is having owners that are willing, able and diligent in pursuing therapies that will work, and continuing them to keep their dog as comfortable as possible,” says Dr. Gomez.

Unfortunately, like with people allergies can be difficult to control for some dogs and not every treatment will work for every dog. This means that you and your veterinarian may have to try multiple allergy treatments in order to find one that is successful with reducing your dog’s allergy symptoms.

Top photograph: alexei_tm/Getty Images

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Let’s Get Physical —Therapy, That Is

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As veterinary care advances and increasingly mirrors human medicine in terms of treatment options, physical therapy has become increasingly common for dogs. Canine physical therapy can include heat, massage, structured exercise and more to treat disease, aid in recovery from injury or surgery and support general wellness.

“Almost any dog could benefit from rehab at some point in their lives,” explains Jo Moyes, licensed veterinary medical technician (LVMT) and certified veterinary canine massage and rehabilitation technician (CVMRT) at the Amelia Peabody Canine Rehabilitation Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Marti Drum, DVM, PhD, CCRP, CERP, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Small Animal Physical Rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee also says that in her experience “the most common canine patients to present for rehabilitation are dogs with osteoarthritis or cruciate ligament injury/disease.” She notes this is actually the same with human physical therapy.

Courtesy Jo Moyes | The Amelia Peabody Canine Rehabilitation Center

Dogs who can also benefit from physical therapy include those with spinal cord injuries and developmental disorders as well as brain disease, cardiac patients and dogs with shoulder and groin injuries. If your dog has had any kind of orthopedic surgery, being seen by a rehab specialist should be mandatory — although not all surgeons automatically make a referral to a specialist. Often this is a place where dog owners need to advocate for their dogs, do their own research and ask for referrals from their surgeon — not wait for the surgeon to suggest physical therapy.

Related: Signs of Arthritis in Dogs — Recognizing Dog Arthritis Symptoms Early and Treating Them

Canine rehabilitation specialist Mandi Blackwelder, DVM, CCRP, of Healing Arts Animal Care in Beaverton, Oregon, makes the comparison, “If you had knee surgery and your surgeon said go home and stay in bed for six weeks, only get up to go pee, and then you can run and play and do everything you want — that doctor would be sued for malpractice, and yet that is what we do with our animals.” Many vets order strict crate rest after a dog is injured, when what dogs really need is to be kept from running around and reinjuring themselves, plus regular structured physical therapy to prevent muscle loss and promote healing.

Photo: Eriklam | Getty Images

Types of dog physical therapy

There are a variety of physical therapy modalities regularly used with dogs. These frequently include:
„ ice and heat transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (also known as TENS units) cold laser therapy
„ hydrotherapy (includes underwater treadmill, which allows dogs to maintain and build muscle while remaining low impact on the injured part of the body, as well as structured swimming) structured exercise.

Courtesy Marti Drum | University of Tennessee

Structured exercise generally looks like a rehabilitation specialist helping you to support your dog through exercises at the clinic as well as homework assignments to be completed daily between sessions.

“We do floor exercises that are targeted at each patient’s problem areas to improve the tone of the muscles supporting their injured joints as well as increasing range of motion, nerve function and synovial fluid production,” Jo explains.

Veterinary rehabilitation specialists may also involve treatments, such as massage and acupuncture.

Photo: BanksPhotos | Getty Images

How to find a professional

If you think your dog could benefit from physical therapy or has upcoming orthopedic surgery, it’s time to find a certified professional for your dog to work with. Look for veterinary providers who have been certified, who are University of Tennessee’s Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners (CCRP) or are Canine Rehab Institute’s Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapists (CCRT)/Canine Certified Rehabilitation Assistants (CCRA). Jo highlights that “things in veterinary medicine are not as closely controlled as they are in human medicine, so it’s a good idea to verify that they have the training they say they do.”

The importance of working with a certified professional really comes down to the care that your dog is going to receive.

Photo: Chris-mueller | Getty Images

“Canine rehab is not a one-size-fits-all specialty. For example, while range of motion and stretching is very important in fractures that involve the joint, such as elbow fractures, young dogs cannot be rehabilitated the same way as skeletally mature dogs, as the young pups’ soft bones can result in implant failure if weight-bearing exercises are initiated too early,” Dr. Drum explains.

Certified veterinary rehab professionals will be able to take your dog’s age, breed type and other health conditions into account when developing an appropriate treatment plan. Dr. Blackwelder also highlights the importance of working with a certified professional to help families set realistic expectations. She says, “A lot of people are reading the internet, and they are reading the miracle stories, and we need to be optimistic and realistic about the outcome and have appropriate goals.”

Physical therapy, like structured balance and exercise activities, will help your dog recover more quickly and completely. Courtesy Marti Drum | University of Tennessee

For example, it’s very different to rehabilitate a dog to be comfortable going on casual walks with the family as opposed to a dog trying to go back to competition obedience. The key to physical therapy being successful is consistency and dedication.

Dr. Drum advises, “Rehab works best when therapy is regular, both with clinic visits and ‘homework,’ aka the home exercises programs that are critical.”

You can’t just send your dog to physical therapy; you have to commit to doing the rehab work at home as well. Physical therapy is a lot of work but when done properly can be life changing for helping dogs return to full function.

Top photograph: chris-mueller | Getty Images

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Coconut Oil Recipes for Dogs: Simple Treats Your Pups Will Love

The post Coconut Oil Recipes for Dogs: Simple Treats Your Pups Will Love by Samantha Meyers 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.

Not only can you use coconut oil for dogs to help itchy skin, reduce odors and improve alertness, your dog can eat it.  Pups love treats made with coconut oil. Give your pup a taste of this healthy ingredient with a few foolproof coconut oil recipes for dogs.

Coconut oil. Photography by Shutterstock.

Why is coconut oil good for dogs?

Coconut oil is mostly made up of Medium Chain Fatty Acids, also referred to as MCFAs, with a high percentage of the MCFAs being Lauric acid. Lauric acid is well known for its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Related: Coconut Oil for Dogs? 10 Reasons to Try It

Coconut oil for dogs — a list of benefits:

• Aids digestion
• Improves itching and dryness in skin and coat
• Helps dog allergies
• Antifungal
• Pest prevention
• Teeth cleaning
• Softens noses and paws

How much coconut oil should your dog eat?

The recommended amount to feed your dog is a teaspoon for every 10 pounds of dog. However, first build up your dog’s coconut oil intake slowly as it can cause things in his tummy to move along a bit faster than usual as his body adjusts (it’s good for digestion, remember?).

For skin usage, apply topically to the needed areas as necessary.

4 coconut oil recipes for dogs:

Roasted Summer Fruit

Summertime is filled with delicious fruits, many of which are safe for dogs. While it’s wonderful to enjoy them raw, roasting or grilling dog-safe fruits is a great way to soften the texture and bring out the sweet flavors. As with all table foods, keep the portion sizes small.

Ingredients:

• Dog-friendly fruits, such as pears, pineapples and watermelons
• Coconut oil

Directions:

Heat a roasting pan and lightly coat it with coconut oil. Bake at 450 Fahrenheit for 10-20 minutes until fruit has softened considerably. Cook less for firmer fruit, longer for softer fruit that can be put over dog food (or ice cream for humans!).

Peanut Butter Coconut Bites

You’re going to want to snag a few bites of this super-easy recipe for yourself!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 cup rolled oats

Directions:

Put all ingredients in a food processor or blender until oats are combined. Add peanut butter or oats as needed to get a texture that is firm and not too sticky. Roll into balls and refrigerate. You can feed them as is (one at a time) or hide them in toys!

Coconut Cubes

Coconut oil can be fed directly to your dog, but where’s the fun in that? With summer heat still in full swing, these coconut cubes make for the perfect cooling treats.

Ingredients:

• Coconut oil
• Blueberries or raspberries (or both!)
• Silicone ice cube tray

Directions:

Silicone trays come in all shapes and sizes, so pick one that has a cube size that will not be hazardous to your dog. Put the coconut oil into an ice cube tray. Add berries to each cube. Freeze. Feed pup one as a tasty treat.

Coconut Oil Smoothies and Pupsicles

Dog-friendly smoothies are as versatile as their human counterparts — just choose dog-safe fruits and vegetables and keep the portions small. You could freeze the fruits and veggies first for a thicker consistency, but that isn’t necessary.

Ingredients:

• Your favorite dog-friendly fruits and veggies
• Water or No-Sugar-Added Orange Juice — blend in to avoid adding too much sugar
• Coconut oil
• Ice — add as needed for desired thickness
• Optional: low-fat, no-sugar-added plain yogurt

Directions:

Not all dogs love the consistency of a smoothie, so this is another recipe you can put in a popsicle or ice cube tray. Freezing them is also a great way to save leftovers. There is no wrong way to make these, so mix, match and have fun!

You and your dog can both enjoy these recipes and the many benefits of adding coconut oil to your lives.

How do you use coconut oil for dogs? What recipes do you use it in? Tell us in the comments!

Top photograph: lethekings/ Getty Images

Read Next: Should You Boost Your Dog’s Diet With Supplements and Superfoods?

 

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Everything You Need to Know About Dog DNA Testing

The post Everything You Need to Know About Dog DNA Testing by Teresa Traverse 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.

One of the latest health crazes that has trickled down from the human consumer to the pet market is DNA testing. Discover more about just what DNA testing is, where it’s going and what it means for you and your dog.

What is DNA testing?

DNA testing, in essence, is a way to learn more about your dog.

“There’s really no downside to understanding your dog better,” says Lisa Shaffer, founder and CEO of Spokane, Washington-based Genetic Veterinary Sciences. “The most important thing is just to know that knowing your dog’s breed is just a small part of the story.“

DNA testing can tell you more about your dog’s breed — what percentage of a certain type of dog yours is — and other illnesses that she may be predisposed to.

In general, here’s how DNA testing works: Customers order a kit directly from the company’s website or purchase a kit from a retailer. The kit will contain instructions, swabs and return envelopes. Owners take cheek cells or buccal cells using a long Q-tip. To take a cheek swab, each swab is inserted between the cheek and gum, then rubbed and rolled against the cheek for about 30 seconds, according to Lisa. When the lab receives the sample, DNA is extracted and then sequenced. The sequence is then run against a database of dog breeds. From there, the DNA goes through an algorithm and generates a report that tells people the dog breeds by percentage.

Why DNA test your dog?

“Primarily, curiosity is a huge reason,” says Mindy Tenenbaum, CEO of Toronto-based DNA My Dog. “There are quite a few benefits besides curiosity. It’s very helpful for people to learn the breeds of their dogs. One thing is that it helps with understanding potential health issues certain breeds may be prone to.”

In 10 years in business, Mindy says her company has been able to offer customers more in terms of service online. When she first started,she would hear from many about how DNA testing on dogs was a scam. But that has changed with the rise of human DNA testing.

“I find that customers are a lot more sophisticated now,” Mindy says. “They expect a lot more service, which is great. They should expect it. They seem to be a little bit more educated about DNA now. The popularity of 23andMe has really gone a long way in educating people about DNA testing. It just sort of opened up people’s eyes to the potential of DNA testing.”

Knowing your dog’s breed can provide you with a slew of useful information. If you know what breed your dog is, it can help you train her more effectively. Boston-based company Embark can even identify canine relatives of tested dogs. Animal shelters can sometimes more easily adopt out a dog by telling potential owners the animal’s specific breed and information like how big the dog will get.

Photo: andresr | Getty Images

Discovering diseases

Since it first began, DNA testing has blossomed from breed identification to helping test for predisposition to certain diseases. Lisa’s company, Genetic Veterinary Sciences, has four different brands. One of the company’s brands, Paw Print Genetics, tests for inherited canine disease via its Canine HealthCheck kit. The kit first launched in 2015, and according to Lisa, was the first of its kind. When it first started, the kit tested for 150 diseases and traits. The HealthCheck now includes 255 different tests.

The person who ordered the test will receive a comprehensive report telling him or her if the tested dog is normal, at risk or a carrier for a disease. Some common ones are degenerative myelopathy or DM, a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. Another is progressive retinal atrophy or PRA, a disease that can cause blindness.
“Many of the diseases that we test are also treatable,” Lisa says. Customers contact the company and discuss what signs and symptoms to look out for and the best ways to approach treatment. “That’s the main reason why people use us … they want to make sure they’re doing everything that they can do for their dogs to keep them healthy.”

Preserving DNA

One of the potentials of DNA testing is cloning. Cedar Park, Texas-based ViaGen Pets already clones dogs, cats and horses. To kick-start the process, a pet owner must request a biopsy kit containing a punch tool. The vet then performs the punch biopsy of the skin — usually at the abdomen or inner leg — of 4 millimeters using local anesthesia. ViaGen requests two to four biopsy samples. Those living tissues are shipped overnight on ice to keep tissues cold and alive to UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory in Davis, California. UC Davis generates a genetic marker report that is essentially a unique DNA fingerprint for the animal. This report is proof that your animal is cloned.

“What we do is preserve DNA,” says Melain Rodriguez, client services manager with ViaGen Pets. “Genetic preservation is the first step toward cloning.”

Technically, one sample can provide ViaGen with enough cells to clone an animal. ViaGen grows about one million cells that are then frozen, similar to how human eggs are preserved, and waiting to be cloned. The vast majority of their clients are just doing DNA preservation since the cost of cloning is high. The cost of cloning a dog? $50,000. The cost of cloning a cat? $35,000. As the technology becomes more refined, she says ViaGen hopes cloning costs will decrease.

She estimates the company clones around 50 cats and dogs annually. So, does cloning replicate the animal — physically and personality-wise — entirely? Not exactly. Markings, say a white stripe on the nose, can be thicker than the one of the original animal.

“The dog’s going to look very similar to your original one. It’s probably going to act very similar. It’s probably going to have a similar intelligence, but it may do things that the other one didn’t do,” Melain says. She gave us the example that a cloned dog won’t be potty-trained.

Helping research

Besides cloning, dog DNA testing may be able to advance dog health research. When customers choose to DNA test their dogs using Embark, they can help contribute to research about dogs.

“If owners take the time to fill out health surveys and diet surveys, we can start to associate the dog’s genetics to the sorts of health concerns that have been reported. And we can actually make new discoveries,” says Adam Boyko, cofounder and chief science officer at Embark.

He explains that scientists have tough times securing budgets for research. They need a large sample size to make scientific discoveries. But DNA testing can give scientists the amount of data that they need and may ultimately make the future brighter for canines of all stripes.

“The breeders should know which dogs should be bred so we can reduce the prevalence of these diseases,” Adam says. “Over time, dogs become healthier and healthier.”

The post Everything You Need to Know About Dog DNA Testing by Teresa Traverse 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.

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Dog Vomiting: What to Know and What to Do When Your Dog Throws Up

The post Dog Vomiting: What to Know and What to Do When Your Dog Throws Up by Jennifer Lesser 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 very few dog owners who haven’t had to scrub dog vomit from the carpet at least once. But, from devouring a chunk of their favorite chew toy to serious gastrointestinal conditions, vomiting is a symptom with a long list of potential causes — so how do pet owners know when throwing up is no big deal and when it could be something serious?

“If your dog vomits once, but is otherwise behaving normally, there’s probably nothing to worry about,” explains Dr. David Dilmore, a veterinarian with Banfield Pet Hospital. What can be cause for concern, however, is when your dog’s vomiting is prolonged or accompanied by other symptoms. “It’s important to monitor your pet for behavior changes, repeat vomiting, or other signs of illness,” he adds.

 

What are the signs that your dog is about to vomit? Photography by Kickers / iStock.

What causes dogs to vomit?

According to Dr. Stephen Katz, veterinarian and founder of the Bronx Veterinary Center in New York, one of the first things a veterinarian might consider when determining the cause of vomiting is the age of your pet. “If the dog is younger than five years old, then chances are they ate something that made them sick … but as dogs age, they can develop more serious conditions involving their organs, such as the liver, pancreas or intestines, that can also cause a symptom like vomiting.”

Dilmore adds it’s important for pet owners to remember that vomiting itself may not be a disease. It can, however, be a sign of another condition your dog may be experiencing. “A single episode of vomiting can be related to various things, including but not limited to eating too much, eating too fast, eating something unfamiliar or getting into garbage,” he explains.

However, pet owners should seek immediate veterinary care if their dog is vomiting repeatedly or vomiting while experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, lethargy, lack of appetite, pain or general discomfort, or disorientation. “These symptoms can be a sign of infection, pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, an intestinal foreign body, and various diseases specific to the intestines themselves, including inflammatory disease, parasitism, and even cancer,” Dilmore warns.

While vomiting can sometimes be cause for concern, according to Dr. Gary Richter, veterinarian and author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide, it’s most commonly caused by a dog accidentally swallowing something that isn’t food, like a sock, or getting into the garbage to sample last night’s leftovers. “There are a million reasons dogs start vomiting, but it’s most commonly because they ate something they shouldn’t have,” he explains. “However, it can also be caused by a host of other conditions ranging anywhere from infection to some sort of organ disease to cancer — it really runs the gamut.”

Preventing vomiting in your dog

As there are so many different causes for vomiting, there are ways you can prevent it. According to Dilmore, there are a few ways you can help prevent your dog from throwing up, include watching them while they eat to ensure they don’t gobble up their food too quickly. Pet owners should also avoid giving dogs “human” food that could upset their stomach — especially without consulting your veterinarian.

“You’ll also want to make sure to take fresh, cool water and a bowl with you on walks, hikes and to the dog park. Streams, lakes, and shared bowls can contain diseases like Giardia and Leptospirosis that can harm your pet,” he adds.

Diagnosis and treatment

The treatment for vomiting in dogs will vary widely depending on the underlying cause. Dr. Richter notes that sometimes it will be a matter of letting your dog’s stomach rest by offering bland food like chicken and rice, or even withholding food for a day (only do this after consulting with your veterinarian) and offering plenty of water instead. Some medications can also be appropriate, depending on the cause of vomiting. Katz notes that antibiotics may also be given when it’s related to a bacterial problem. Depending on the severity of the vomiting, your dog could require treatment for dehydration.

A dog at a vet check with his human. Photography ©shironosov | Getty Images.

“Your veterinarian may also choose to run a blood test to check your pet’s organ function, because issues like hypertension or renal failure can be the extreme cases of what could be causing your dog to vomit,” he adds. Another serious reason your dog could be vomiting is if they consumed something that’s now blocking their intestines, causing them not to be able hold down food or water. “A dog ingesting a foreign body can happen at any age, and that’s something that could require surgery,” Katz says.

Either way, consult your pet’s veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment when your dog has been vomiting, particularly if you’re considering OTC medications or at-home treatments. “Each case is different, so be sure to reach out to your veterinarian to decide if your dog needs a certain type of medication,” Dilmore concludes. “Some over-the-counter human medications can be harmful to pets if not used appropriately and under the guidance of a veterinarian.”

Thumbnail: Photography ©WilleeCole | Thinkstock.

Read Next: Why is My Dog Throwing Up White Foam?

 

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Oregano Oil for Dogs: What to Know

The post Oregano Oil for Dogs: What to Know by Elizabeth Vecsi 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.

Recently, studies have shown an increasingly bright light on the potential health benefits of oregano oil for dogs. Oregano oil (or oil of oregano) has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties. But as with all essential oils, oregano oil for dogs needs to be used properly and carefully, with the emphasis on finding a therapeutic-grade product.

Oregano oil for dogs can be applied orally, topically or diffused, but it should never be administered to your dog in its undiluted form. Because of its potency, you need to follow treatment advice from your veterinarian or other canine health expert when using oregano oil for dogs.

Oregano oil. Photography © Catalina-Gabriela Molnar | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

What Makes Oregano Oil for Dogs So Powerful?

Oregano oil contains two powerhouse chemical compounds — carvacrol and thymol, to be exact — that can destroy harmful bacteria and microorganisms.

What Is Oregano Oil for Dogs Used For?

While oregano oil for dogs has proven successful at treating canine illnesses caused by bacteria and fungi, it has also worked to combat certain parasites and viruses. Oregano oil also contains cancer-fighting polyphenols and fights free radicals.

Some things oregano oil for dogs can combat

1. Ear mites
2. Candida (yeast infection)
3. Giardia
4. Salmonella
5. E. coli
6. Staphylococcus aureus — a.k.a. MRSA
7. Added to your dog’s toothpaste for enhanced oral health

You can use it in conjunction with traditional antibiotic therapy — with your veterinarian’s input, of course. Oregano oil for dogs can help to minimize the side effects of certain antibiotics, too.

Oregano Oil for Dogs vs. Traditional Antibiotics

One of the most exciting aspects of using oregano oil for dogs in place of traditional antibiotics (or in addition to traditional antibiotics) is that germs cannot become resistant to its effectiveness like they can with medicinal antibiotics. This resistance can result in “super-bugs” that are not treatable. Oregano oil for dogs holds great promise for solving this problem with Western medications.

“Every time essential oils are harvested, they’re a little bit different because they are constantly changing,” explains Melissa Shelton, DVM, a holistic practitioner with a specific focus on essential oils for animals. “Their ability to function as antibiotics evolves just as bacteria evolve, because otherwise, the oils would become extinct. They must evolve in order to fight off evolving bacteria. Man-made drugs can’t do that. Once created in a laboratory and patented, they remain the same forever. So essential oils are amazing in that they continually evolve.”

Or course, never use oregano oil for dogs in place of or in addition to antibiotics without checking in with your vet first.

How to Administer Oregano Oil for Dogs

For topical applications, like fungal skin conditions, mix one drop of oregano oil for dogs with a teaspoon of a carrier oil (high-quality olive oil or coconut oil are good ones to use). When giving oregano oil for dogs orally, use two to three drops in a teaspoon of a carrier oil, and administer to your dog three times a day, or based on the recommendation of your dog’s veterinarian.

If you’d like to make your own oregano oil for dogs, you can mix half a teaspoon of high-quality dried oregano with one-half to one ounce of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for a day or two, and then you dilute it as you would with a store-bought essential oil.

Please note: This is a general dosage. The proper dosage for your dog can have many factors like weight, age and purpose of use. Always check with a holistic vet to get professional insight into the recommended dosage and to see if it’s safe to use oregano oil with your dog’s specific health issues and medications. 

Side Effects of Oregano Oil for Dogs

When properly diluted, oregano oil for dogs is considered extremely safe whether it is taken orally or applied topically — but don’t increase your dog’s dose without first contacting your pet’s health practitioner or veterinarian. If you notice any skin irritation, discontinue use immediately.

Other things to keep in mind whenever you use any essential oil is to know your dog’s current health status and check with your vet to be sure that it is safe to use for your specific pet. Keep a close eye on your dog’s reaction and discontinue use if you notice any adverse reactions.

What Dogs Should Avoid Oregano Oil?

Never use essential oils around your pet’s eyes, nose and genitals. And you don’t add essential oils to your dog’s food or drinking water unless your vet says it’s okay. Additionally, don’t use essential oils with puppies under the age of 10 weeks old, dogs that are prone to seizures, or if your dog is pregnant or nursing. Be careful using oregano oil for dogs with bleeding disorders as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Oregano can also lower blood sugar, so use it with caution for diabetic dogs.

Thumbnail: Photography ©UserGI15966731 | Getty Images.

Read Next: Coconut Oil Recipes for Dogs: Simple Treats Your Pups Will Love

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Why Do Dogs Stink When Wet?

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It’s counterintuitive: You give your dog a bath, and he comes out smelling worse. Why do dogs stink when they’re wet? The answer is pretty gross: The pungent scent is triggered by the excrement of living microbes on your dog.

“The smell on the skin of dogs is a result of normal microorganisms that live on the healthy skin and hair of dogs,” says Jennifer Schissler, DVM, assistant professor of dermatology at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Fort Collins. “These organisms produce volatile chemical byproducts. When your dog gets wet and as she dries, evaporation ensues and releases these volatile compounds into the air so you can smell them more readily.”

The waste from these microorganisms (bacteria and fungi, such as yeast) has little or no scent when dry. But when water dislodges the acrid organic compounds, one whiff of that wafting stench assaults our olfactory senses like, well, critter dung.

Related: So Apparently Dogs and People Share the Same Kinds of Bacteria

Bacteria and yeast thrive in dark, moist, warm conditions, like those under a dog’s fur, so all dogs have some malodor when wet. While unpleasant to us, dogs like stinky things, so the funk probably doesn’t bother them (and may even attract them). And the aroma is not considered harmful to your dog or you.

Fungus among us

There are anywhere from 350 to 16,500 bacteria per square centimeter of dog. That sounds unhealthy, but it’s actually normal.

“All healthy dogs have microorganisms on their skin, which is why even dogs with a very healthy coat and who are quite clean still produce the distinctive wet-dog smell,“ says Dr. Schissler, a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD).

Before you start thinking your dog is a walking Petri dish, consider that about 100 trillion microbes live on and in the human body (collectively they’re called the microbiome). The human microbiome can weigh as much as 5 pounds, and humans shed 38 million bacteria every hour.

We can never completely eliminate microbes from our dog’s skin — and we shouldn’t, says Christine Cain, DVM, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia. In this case, warm and fuzzy — the very attributes that make a dog an attractive host for microorganisms — is a different kind of feel-good story: That bastion of bugs helps keep the skin healthy.

“There are several studies looking at the bacterial population of the skin and how this shifts with certain diseases,” says Dr. Cain, an ACVD diplomate. “It highlights that the diverse population of microbes on the skin may serve a protective purpose and that shifts in these microbes may have a role in disease promotion.”

Who’s the stinkiest? Double-coated breeds, such as the Shetland Sheepdog (long, thick fur takes more time to dry). Dogs with prominent skin folds, such as the Chinese Shar-Pei (bacteria and yeast thrive in poorly ventilated areas) Dogs who drool, such as the Bloodhound (moisture trapped in hair and skin creates a microbe breeding ground)

Sink the stink

“I don’t think there is an effective way to completely prevent or eliminate dog odor,” Dr. Cain says.

But there are canine products — both over the counter and prescription — that can decrease or mask odor. They include scented shampoos, conditioners, sprays and spot-ons, some of which contain botanical extracts, essential oils and essential fatty acids.

Regularly brushing your dog and keeping his fur trimmed help speed drying time and prevent odor and dirt from becoming trapped. And always dry a wet dog as thoroughly as possible.
Spring’s arrival brings outdoor play and gardening, so be vigilant about keeping your dog away from feces and manure; contact with them leads to more bacteria on the skin (and bacteria is the main reason stools smell).

Related: Wondering How Often to Bathe a Dog? It Depends on These Factors

Bottom line: “If your dog has wet hair, expect the doggie smell, as all dogs normally have microorganisms in their coats,” Dr. Schissler says.

I told you it was gross. But at least now you know that wet-dog smell is universal and not unhealthy. And it’s not your fault — or your dog’s. You can’t get around bathing your dog, and now that you know there are living organisms crawling all over his skin, you probably want to. Right after you bathe yourself.

Top photograph: Holly Hildreth

Read Next: Why do dogs howl?

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