Category: Blog

Information and stories related to all types of animals.

July 19, 2023

Cats….. gagging more than a fur ball.

Cats don’t get a lot of articles written about them or for them. Cats have many of the same health problems as dogs. I’ll have to find more.

Anyway, this post is about cats and gagging. There are many reasons some familiar like fur balls, and others are something to make a vet appointment like heart problems. I’ve had cats but I was a lot younger so my parents took care of any health problems

I hope you find something helpful in the article. If you do, please let me know what it is so I know what’s important to you.

Why Is My Cat Gagging?

By Barri J. Morrison, DVM on Jun. 2, 2023

Gagging is a natural bodily function that happens when your cat is trying to expel something from their throat. Gagging in cats is common and often the reason you find your cat standing in the middle of your brand-new rug, hunched over, and making a noise as if they are going to vomit. Cats, like people, have a powerful gag reflex triggered anytime something stimulates the back of their throat (larynx).

Gagging can be “productive,” meaning something comes out of the mouth, or it can be “nonproductive”—when the irritant is either swallowed or inhaled back into the body. While hairballs are the most common cause of gagging in cats, gagging can also be indicative of a serious medical condition.

If your cat is gagging more than once or twice a day, call your veterinarian for a checkup to help determine what the cause is and what intervention might be needed.

What Does a Gagging Cat Look Like?

Gagging is a reflex in the body that allows the cat to quickly reject something they ingested or something that has come up from the esophagus/stomach or the lungs/trachea. Gagging is not the same as coughing, sneezing, or vomiting, but these functions can contribute to a cat having a gag reflex because those acts cause abnormal fluids to be exposed to the throat.

The exaggerated physical posture for gagging is often due to your cat needing to expel contents from their throat. When cat groom themselves they will inevitably swallow some hair, which accumulates in the stomach. When they are ready to get rid of the hairball in their belly, they will sit down low to the ground, extend their neck, and move rhythmically until the hairball is expelled. This bodily motion is purposeful and will not cause your cat to appear panicked (unlike gagging). The main difference from a normal expulsion of bodily fluids and gagging is that gagging is disorganized and hurried. When a cat is gagging, it can also be associated with yowls or vocalizations as well as disorientated movements.

Most of the time, gagging is a response to the feeling of not being able to breathe. This happens when fluids or substances accumulate in the back of the throat where air needs to pass in order to breathe, hence the reason why gagging is more of a frantic act.

Causes of Cat Gagging

Cats can start gagging for a wide variety of reasons that can be harmless or life-threatening. If you cannot immediately figure out what your cat is gagging from, it’s best to immediately take them to the nearest veterinary hospital or emergency room.

Hairballs

Hairballs are the most common cause of gagging in cats. You may notice your cat grooming themselves, which is always accompanied by ingestion of some of the hair. Hair within the stomach cannot be digested like food. When there is a significant amount of hair in the stomach, it can cause your cat to gag and almost immediately expel the hairball.

Hairballs and true vomiting are not the same thing, even though a hairball can be disguised within vomit. In some cases, it can take several episodes of gagging for the hairball to be expelled.

An occasional hairball in cats is considered normal. However, excessive hairballs can be a sign of a health condition such as inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal parasites, overgrooming from stress or behavioral issues, skin disease (excessive shedding and increased grooming), foreign bodies, or food allergies.

If your cat is expelling hairballs often, contact your veterinarian for an appointment. Depending on the underlying cause and degree of severity, your vet might recommend supplements or a diet change.

Nausea

While not common, nausea can cause gagging in cats. Nausea in cats is often accompanied by:

Drooling
Lip licking
Vomiting
Retching
Excessive chewing or swallowing
Vocalizing
Restlessness

Nausea is a nonspecific sign, meaning it can be related to many medical issues. It can be triggered by eating table scraps, changing diets, hairballs, constipation, food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, or other medical issues. Nausea can often be managed by medications prescribed by your veterinarian.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is relatively common in cats, leading to a buildup of waste products in the bloodstream. This can cause your cat to get nauseated, triggering gagging and vomiting. While most causes of kidney disease cannot be cured, it is manageable with a special diet, medications, or fluids given at home.

Eating Too Fast

If your cat gags while they eat, they might be eating too much or eating too quickly. Especially in multi-cat households, some cats feel they need to eat their meal quickly or another housemate might come along and snag it, leading them to eat too fast.

Gagging in this case might cause your cat to quickly regurgitate or vomit the food they just ate. The kibble is often still intact, since they didn’t chew the food before swallowing.

If your cat is gagging from eating too fast, consider using a slow feeder or an interactive feeder. These special bowls help to slow eating by providing an obstacle within the bowl or a component to open for the food to be ingested. You can also try adding some warm water to the food to make it softer and more digestible. If it’s a competition between cats, consider feeding the cats in separate areas so no one feels rushed.

Ingesting a Toxin

Because domestic cats are small and low to the ground, they often investigate anything they find. Household cleaners and certain houseplants will immediately irritate the mouth and throat and cause a cat to gag. Gagging in cats due to ingesting a toxin is usually just the tip of the iceberg.

Gagging is often followed by vomiting and other serious consequences such as trouble breathing, seizures, or kidney failure. If you suspect your cat ate something toxic, contact the Pet Poison Helpline to determine if they need immediate veterinarian care.

Swallowing a Foreign Object

Cats are curious creatures and will often chew and ingest something they shouldn’t eat. One of the most common items cats will ingest is string. Gagging will then be caused by a piece of material becoming stuck in the belly, causing irritation. It can also be from the string wrapping around the base of the tongue, with the remainder of the string down the esophagus and into the stomach. This will often cause constant gagging and attempts to vomit the foreign material out.

Never try to remove string from a cat’s mouth, as this could cause serious damage. Instead, take them to the vet immediately. While some foreign materials might pass through their system and come out in their stool, most materials will cause extreme sickness that may start with gagging.

If you suspect your cat ate something they shouldn’t have, contact your veterinarian. The vet will likely take an X-ray to determine the extent of the ingestion and assess for any blockage or obstruction.

Respiratory Illnesses

Coughing is a reflex to expel something from the lungs or respiratory tract. Coughing in cats is often confused with gagging, but gagging comes from higher up in the throat (larynx).

At times, fluid from the lungs, such as with pneumonia or pleural effusion, travels up to the throat during coughing and causes your cat to gag. Coughing in cats can be a sign of asthma, heartworm disease, heart failure, viral or bacterial infections, inhaled foreign objects, cancer, or a toxic ingestion. If your cat has a persistent, severe, or productive cough, they should be examined by their vet as soon as possible.

Heart Disease

Cats can develop heart disease at any age. In kittens, it is often from a congenital (present at birth) condition or birth defect. Some cats have no signs of heart disease, while others may have a heart murmur and some can be very ill. In cats that are ill from heart disease, they often have fluid in or around the lungs, which causes coughing and gagging.

Lethargy, collapsing, or breathing fast or with an open mouth are also signs of heart disease in cats. Depending on the underlying cause of your cat’s heart disease, the condition might be managed with medications and a special diet.

What To Do If Your Cat Is Gagging

Some instances of cat gagging are not serious, while others require a trip to the vet. If you are unsure, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

If your cat is eating too fast or has occasional hairballs, there are some remedies you can try at home to help them. But if your cat is gagging along with vomiting or coughing; may have eaten a foreign object or been exposed to a toxin; or seems nauseated, they should be examined by their veterinarian immediately.

WRITTEN BYBarri J. Morrison, DVM

Veterinarian

Barri Morrison was born and raised and currently resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She went to University of Florida for her…

July 12, 2023

Seasonal diet change…

The food advisor posted a story about seasons dirt change. My diet doesn’t change much but others do. Soups to salads etc. My husband is meat and vegetables but I am vegetarian light meaning I eat fish and some meat more than I’d like to. For me it’s a medical thing. I have MS and need to eat protein more than soy.

Anyway, getting back to the dogs. Mine aren’t veggie lover’s although Rudy loves raw carrots. They exercise the same everyday. The heat effects Trixie more because she is a border collie and has all that fur.

Enjoy the article I hope you will find something interesting in it. Please let me know.

Have a great day.

~Tricia, Rudy and Trixie

Hey,

Happy Wednesday!

I don’t know what it was like where you are but June here was scorching — I believe the hottest on record — and my dog hated it. For him, anything above 50 degrees is tropical and he lets us know — his behavior changes noticeably.

I’m convinced he thinks it’s our fault.

He does obvious things like hug the shade, lie down in cool grass, and throw himself into any accessible cold water. I’d say he probably sleeps more, too.

(This is not my dog)

We also make changes to his life and routine. We never take him out in the midday sun, encourage him to drink more and try to keep one room in the house cool for him.

But we don’t change his diet. He gets fed the same amount of the same food in July as he does in January.

Which is odd, isn’t it? Because I know my diet changes with the seasons and the weather. I go from stews to salads, dark ales to pale ales. It’s the same for most people.

It made me think: Should I be changing what or how much he eats according to the climate?

The Dog Food Advisor’s Best Dog Foods

See our pick of the Best Dog Foods for size, breed and condition here

So, we spoke to our in-house nutritionist, Laura Ward, and came up with this interesting read: Should Seasons Affect Your Dog’s Diet?

(Spoiler: We included a different kind of ‘season’ in there, too.)

Have a read and let me know what you think. It’ll give me something to read while I eat ice-cream.

Until next time,

Andrew

Editor
The Dog Food Advisor
Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food

July 7, 2023

It’s Friday!!

The end of a very short week for some but in many cases a long one for our loved fur babies. I hope yours made it through safely.

Trixie and Rudy are still spooked but sleeping better. It’s a rough time of year.

To make sure your pet love is well spoiled I am posting a treat I am posting a treat list with discounts from Pet Food Advisor. Some for low fat, dietary needs, regular‘old treats.

Enjoy, ~Tricia Rudy and Trixie

Happy Friday!

I hope you had a fantastic 4th July and didn’t sneak the dog too many treats.

In fact, with BBQ and family dinner leftovers floating around, now would be a great time to read up on the 18 human foods which can be dangerous to your dog.

But worry not — you can still spoil your dog with my Treat Recommendations for July and some new dog food deals.

Kicking off this week’s deals is a new and exclusive offer from Pawstruck. Grab 30% off selected treats and chews with the code DFATREAT. Just use this link.

Next, 5-star rated Redbarn are offering 30% off treats with the code DFATREAT. Don’t forget to follow this link.

Petco are also having a huge ‘Black Friday in July’ sale with up to 50% off sitewide until 15th July. Go go go!

And, last but not least, you can grab 25-60% off select products from The Honest Kitchen with code SUMMERSALE and this link. Hurry though, this deal is only available while supplies last.

Read our 5-star review of The Honest Kitchen here.

But the deals don’t stop there…

Check out these offers available to our DFA subscribers, some up to 60% off:

Spot & Tango – Exclusive 50% off and free shipping on first orders w/code DFA50

A Pup Above – Exclusive $50 off your first order with code DFA50

Raised Right – 20% off your first 16-bag box with code PETS20
Nom Nom – 50% off and free shipping on first orders

The Farmer’s Dog – Exclusive 60% off and free shipping
Jinx – Exclusive up to 45% off with code DFADVISOR30
Redbarn – Exclusive 50% off dry foo d

Redbarn Dental Chews – 30% off with code DFA30
Pawstruck – Exclusive 30% off with code DFA TREAT

We Feed Raw – Exclusive 25% discount and free shipping

Open Farm – 20% off and free shipping

You can find more foods and savings on our Best Dog Food lists.

Remember, our reviews are impartial and we are never paid to promote a product. This is a service we provide and if you don’t want to be informed of any savings or feeding tips, you can always click the link in the P.S. below and opt out. It’s up to you!

This week I also bring to you my pick of the Best Dog Treats for July.

And that’s all from me. I hope you have a fantastic weekend.

Until next time,

Sophie

Writer
The Dog Food Advisor
Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food

Best Treats July 2023

Redbarn – Choppers

30% off selected treats and chews with code DFATREAT

Your dog will love getting their chops around these all-natural, grain-free treats with one single ingredient — slow roasted beef lung. They’re high in protein, low in fat, and contain zero rawhide or artificial preservatives.

Pawstruck – Collagen Sticks
30% off selected treats and chews with code DFATREAT

These treats are a great all-rounder — supporting digestion, a healthy coat, dental health, and mobility. The all-natural recipe is high in protein and includes glucosamine and chondroitin which can help ease joint pain.

Ruffin’ It Healthfuls – Chicken & Fruit Wraps

There’s nothing ‘ruff’ or artificial about these treats, just real fruit wrapped in chicken breast filet which packs a sweet, meaty flavor. The apples, kiwi, and bananas provide fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins while the chicken is high in protein and low in fat.

Ollie – Just Sweet Potato Slices

60% off and free shipping on first orders

Just… sweet potato slices. No artificial nasties, minimal processing, and one ingredient. These are a great option for dogs with sensitivities or a meat-free diet.

Full Moon – Chicken Jerky

There’s only 4 natural ingredients in this jerky which are slow-cooked for extra flavor, and of course, it’s high in protein. The chicken comes from cage-free, family farms in the USA and has been inspected by the USDA.

Things you’ll want to read

Features, advice, consumer tips and more

Prescription dog foods

Some of your FAQs answered like ‘why don’t we rate prescription dog foods?’ Read More.

4 ways to keep your dog healthy

It’s not just dog food you need to think about… but what else can keep your dog healthy? Read More.

Best Dog Food For Siberian Huskies

We’ve done the research for all of those dedicated husky owners out there. Read More.

Best Low Fat Dog Foods

Low fat dog food is ideal for dogs suffering with pancreatitis, IBD, or obesity. Read More.

June 30, 2023

Sleeping positions

There is a suggestion for different beds as you read through this but other than that it’s a fun light hearted read.

Enjoy and leave a comment ~Tricia, Rudy and Trixie

6 Dog Sleeping Positions and What They Mean

By Janelle Leeson. Reviewed by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVPon Jun. 2, 2023

If you’re a pup parent, you’ve probably noticed that dogs sleep in a variety of positions—which may or may not look very comfortable to us. “In most cases, which position they choose likely depends on their preference in the moment,” says Dr. Patrik Holmboe, head veterinarian at Cooper Pet Care. “However, there are a few tidbits of information that can be gleaned from a sleeping position.”

So, what do your dog’s sleeping positions mean?

The Side Sleeper

A common sleeping position for humans, dogs also enjoy sleeping on their sides with their limbs extended and their bellies partly exposed. Because bellies are a vulnerable part of the body, this sleeping position generally indicates a pup feels calm and content, Holmboe says. They’re likely sleeping deeply, and you might even see dreamy paw twitches.

Pups who snooze in this position are typically happy-go-lucky and can plop down just about anywhere, although they’d prefer a large bed like the FurHaven Ultra Plush Luxe Lounger. It lets them sprawl in comfort and offers orthopedic support.

Weather can also factor into your dog’s sleeping position. If it’s a hot day and you notice your pup sprawling on the cool tile, they’re trying to cool down. When that’s the case, consider offering a cooling pad, like this pressure-activated one by the Green Pet Shop.

The Lion Pose

In the lion pose, sometimes called the sphinx pose, pups who are just falling asleep and want to stay alert might sleep belly down with their head perched on their front paws.

Lion-pose pups are alert, loyal, and caring toward their families. If you have a newborn at home, don’t be surprised if your furry companion assumes this position at the foot of their bed. To keep your pup comfortable, give them a cozy place to rest their paws, like the Frisco Quilted Orthopedic Bed.

This pose may also indicate your pup is anxious and ready to jump up at a moment’s notice. When anxiety is at play, a calming bed like The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler can help your dog feel calm.

The Superman

Holmboe says French Bulldogs and Pugs are often seen enjoying the superman pose. Stomach down with back legs straight out behind them and front legs stretched forward, these pups are just as silly as their sleeping position. They’re also brimming with energy, so you’ll need a bed that can be used indoors or outdoors while enjoying your mischievous canine’s playful antics, such as the Frisco Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed.

The Belly Up

Dubbed “the dying cockroach,” Holmboe says this pose is a favorite of Greyhounds, as well as other lovable canines. You’ll find dogs in the belly up pose sleeping on their backs with their bellies fully exposed and legs in the air. These dogs are playful and loving—or they’re still puppies.

You might wonder how this position could be comfortable and if it’s safe for your pup, but Holmboe assures us that dogs typically don’t choose to sleep in uncomfortable positions. However, as dogs age, they may switch to another posture, such as the side sleeper, since belly-up sleeping can put pressure on the spine.

This Wave Fur & Velvet Bed by FurHavenoffers two bolstered sides for optional neck and head support. It’s made of orthopedic foam to take pressure off your pup’s back and continues supporting their joints as they age and swap sleeping positions. It also has heat-dissipating cooling gel, just in case your pup is in the belly up pose to cool down.

The Doughnut

Curled up in a tight ball, dogs in the doughnut pose have their limbs tucked close to their bodies, their nose near the tail. These pups are sweet and caring, but they tend to be reserved around strangers or are settling into their new homes. This posture also traps body heat, so a curled-up canine might be cold.

The K&H Pet Products Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper is a great choice for dogs who sleep in the doughnut position. The bolstered sides offer security, and the bed can be plugged in to auto-heat to fit your dog’s optimal temperature.

“A dog that feels unwell might also be curled up in a ball,” Holmboe says. So, if this is an unusual position for your dog, keep an eye on them and consider scheduling a check-up with your veterinarian.

The Cuddle Bug

Holmboe says there’s nothing wrong with letting your dog sleep in bed with you—and that’s just the vibe the cuddle bug dog is striving for. However, if you prefer not to let your dog sleep in your bed, they’ll also happily curl up with you on the couch or with another pet. These pups tend to love everyone they meet, furry or not, and might be called Velcro dogs by some.

Dogs should have a bed to call their own. However, the cuddle bug dog might enjoy the Best Friends by Sheri Throw Shag Dog & Cat Blanket. They can take it wherever they want to cuddle, and it’s big enough for them and a furry friend.

Dogs sleep a lot (16–20 hours per day for puppies!), Holmboe says. So, don’t be surprised to see your pup enjoying more than one of these silly sleepy positions at any time of day.

Featured Image: iStock/Evrymmnt

WRITTEN BYJanelle Leeson

Janelle Leeson is a Portland, Oregon-based freelance writer, where she shares her home with her fiancé, two adventure cats, a flock of…

June 27, 2023

It’s the 4th of July Hooray?

It’s a tough holiday if you have animals of any kind that don’t like the fireworks. In my neighborhood in Huntington Beach, CA it sounds like a war zone with mortar bombs going off. Those start close to a week before.

We of course have the vet sedition on hand and I’m going to promote Baileys CBD for calming and the ones for pain work really well too. Bailey is the Pug, I think it’s a Pug on the bag. They are dog people. Well that’s the story. Anyway, I suggest giving them a try

Below is a more appropriate article from PetMD. A reminder for some a good place to start for others.

10 Pet Safety Tips for the Fourth of July

By Rebecca Bermingham, CVT. Reviewed by Veronica Higgs, DVM on Jun. 24, 2023

When gearing up for a fun-filled Fourth of July, it’s important to keep in mind all of the potential risks to our pets during the festivities. While this holiday will likely include many potential stressors for our pets, there are steps we can take to minimize the impact.

Here’s how to keep your pets safe this Fourth of July.

1. Keep Your Pet Indoors

It’s best to keep pets inside during July Fourth celebrations. For one, dogs don’t sweat to cool themselves the way we humans do, making them much more susceptible to overheating. Many dogs are also overwhelmed or overly excited by a large gathering of people, and some people aren’t comfortable or confident interacting with dogs.

Keeping your dog in the house is a great first step, but it’s more ideal to have your pet behind a barrier when there are people coming in and out of the house. This helps ensure your pet doesn’t have the opportunity to dart outside and get loose. This could be:

A baby gate
An interior door
A crate
A pen

2. Create a Safe Space for Your Pet

Consider how the excitement of the day may affect your pet. For cats and dogs more sensitive to noise, a room that has the least exposure to the outdoors and the best sound dampening would likely be most comfortable for them.

They will appreciate a cozy bed or a familiar place for them to lounge, enrichment toys or their favorite chew, and fresh water. Adding white noise or music to drown out additional noise, or a pheromone diffuser such as Feliway® or Adaptil™, can provide additional stress relief.

3. Prepare for Noise Phobias

If your pet has shown fear, anxiety, or stress with sudden loud noises in the past, it is best to start making arrangements for them a few weeks before the Fourth of July. This includes discussing their sensitivity with your vet and planning for the holiday. This may include:

Prescription medications for your dogor cat
Calming chews or supplements, such as VetriScience Composure or Nutramax Solliquin Chewable Tablets
Environmental modifications
Anxiety vests, such as a ThunderShirt
Appeasing pheromones

Practicing desensitization and counter conditioning to firework sounds leading up to the holiday can also help reduce fear. Pets who are anxious typically should not be left alone, so hiring a pet sitter or making plans to stay with them during fireworks is also important.

4. Make Sure Your Pet Has an Up-To-Date ID

Even when taking all precautions, accidents can still happen. It’s important to make sure your pet can be easily identified and returned to you if they do get loose. Having your pet wear a collar with up-to-date contact information can make their prompt return more likely.

Having your animals microchipped—and the microchip registered with all necessary information—provides an added method of identification if they happen to lose their collar. It’s also a good idea to have clear, up-to-date photos of your pets in case they go missing.

5. Don’t Give Your Pet People Food

While it can be tempting to share our Fourth of July feast with our pets, it’s often not safe to do so. Many common backyard barbecue foods carry serious medical risks for both dogs and cats. Beyond the risk of gastrointestinal upset, many ingredients are also incredibly toxic to our pets, such as onions, garlic, and grapes.

Dogs cannot digest high-fat foods well, and ingesting large quantities of snacks like brisket or hot dogs can lead to a very painful condition called pancreatitis. Things like corn cobs and meat bones pose a risk of causing a GI obstruction. If bones are chewed and splinter, the sharp pieces ingested may lead to perforations of the esophagus or intestines. It’s best to avoid sharing food with your pet altogether.

6. Avoid Letting Your Pet Around Alcohol

Alcohol can be very toxic to dogs and cats, causing depression of the central nervous system, organ failure, and even death.

It’s important to note that alcohol does not have to be ingested for your pets to have a toxic reaction; it can also be absorbed through the skin. For your pets’ safety, any product containing alcohol should be kept out of their reach.

Alcohol does not have to be ingested for your pets to have a toxic reaction; it can also be absorbed through the skin.

7. Don’t Let Your Pet Play With Glow Sticks

Glow sticks are very popular on July Fourth, but they are not safe for pets. Glow sticks contain the chemical dibutyl phthalate and, though it’s non-toxic, when chewed or ingested glow sticks can cause reactions in dogs and cats such as:

Drooling
Pawing at the mouth
Agitation
Potentially vomiting

8. Keep Your Pet Away From Citronella

Citronella is commonly used during the summer as an insect repellant. It can be found as candles, sprays, torches, essential oils, and in plant form. But none of these products are ideal for our pets to be around.

Burning citronella can be a respiratory irritant for pets, and ingesting the candles can cause severe GI upset. Coming into contact with a citronella plant can cause skin irritation in pets, while ingesting the plant can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and weakness. It’s best to avoid having our dogs and cats around any type of citronella.

9. Stay Alert for Signs of Overheating

Pets don’t tolerate hot, humid weather well, and high temperatures can put them at risk of overheating. Providing ample shade and plenty of cool water are two things we can do to minimize this risk, but it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that our pets are too hot.

Heavy panting, labored breathing, drooling, red mucus membranes, and an increased heart rate are all possible signs of an overheating pet. Brachycephalic pets, pets with laryngeal paralysis, or pets with other types of respiratory compromise are even more at risk of overheating, so extra precautions should be taken to protect them from the summer heat.

10. Be Wary of Open Flames

Firing up the grill for a yummy barbecue is a quintessential Fourth of July tradition. Unfortunately, grilling is not an activity that’s safe for our pets to take part in.

All pets should be a minimum of 3 feet away from open flames or hot grills. It’s even more ideal to have the grill be inaccessible to them completely. Smoke inhalation can cause significant respiratory irritation, so avoid having pets downwind of any flames. Lighter fluid, matches, and lighters are all toxic to our pets, and the grease drippings from the grill are also not safe for them to lick up.

Preparing ahead of time and taking the necessary precautions to ensure the well-being of our pets can allow us all to have a fun—and safe—holiday.

WRITTEN BYRebecca Bermingham, CVT

Veterinarian

June 19, 2023

Poop…Not a dirty word

I llooovvvee a good poop. As a per parent I and others I know watch our pups poop. It tells us everything they can’t. Too loose, hard, wet, brown, black, it goes on. PetMD wrote a great article one I couldn’t stop reading. Enjoy. And Please always pick up their poop.

Enjoy, ~Tricia, Rudy and Trixie

How Often Should Dogs Poop?

By Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP on Apr. 29, 2022

You may not spend a lot of time thinking about your dog’s poop—but from a medical point of view, it can provide some very valuable insight into their overall health.

Keeping tabs on what your dog’s stool looks like, how often they defecate, and what their particular habits are can clue you in very quickly to certain health concerns.

How Often Should a Dog Poop?

In general, how often dogs poop depends on their life stage:

Most adult dogs poop once a day on average, although for some dogs, two or three times per day is still considered normal.
Puppies, on the other hand, may need to go much more often—sometimes as much as five times a day or more.
Senior dogs may need to defecate less frequently, closer to the once a day or sometimes even less than that.

While your dog may have their own patterns, any change in consistency should get your attention.

If your dog is a consistent once-a-day pooper and suddenly starts pooping three or four times a day, there’s a reason behind it. It could be as simple as a change in your dog’s diet or exercise schedule, but it could also be a sign of a health problem that needs to be addressed.

How Long After Eating Does a Dog Poop?

Most dogs will poop about 30 minutes after eating, or immediately after waking up. These are both great times to plan walks or exercise for your dog. Of course, all dogs have different schedules, so you’ll learn what works best for your dog.

For most dogs, it takes between 8-12 hours for a meal to be fully digested, with puppies digesting food faster than older dogs. If your dog eats a smaller meal, they’ll digest it faster than a larger meal, also. So if you’re feeding your dog two meals a day, they are likely going to have to defecate about twice per day.

Why Is My Dog Pooping So Much?

If your dog is always a frequent pooper, going several times a day may just be normal. However, if they suddenly need to go more often, or it seems to be urgent when they need to go, there may be an underlying medical issue.

Why Is My Dog Not Pooping?

Just like pooping too frequently, not pooping often enough can be a sign of a health problem. If your dog skips a poop but is not straining, it’s not as concerning. However, if your dog is regularly straining to poop and not producing any stool, or the stool is firmer than normal, they may be constipated.

Constipation can be caused a number of issues, including dehydration. Check with your vet to see if there may be an underlying cause. Don’t try to treat the constipation by giving your dog any sort of laxative unless recommended by your veterinarian. Even dog-safe laxatives may have side effects like diarrhea.

When Should You Worry About Your Dog’s Poop Schedule?

An occasional extra poop or missed poop is normally nothing to worry about. Several factors influence your dog’s elimination habits, including their diet, how often they eat, getting extra snacks, raiding the trash, how much exercise they get, stress, and the household schedule.

Any change in the normal pattern that lasts for more than a day or so should be checked out. The same is true for the stool itself: any change in color, odor, or consistency may signal that something is going on.

When you are unsure if something is normal, keep careful notes (even keeping a diary might be helpful) and check in with your veterinarian.

How Often Should You Walk Your Dog?

Barring any medical reason, such as arthritis or mobility issues, it’s almost impossible to walk your dog too often. However, if you want to time walks or letting your dog out for when they are most likely to poop, it should be at least twice per day, about 30 minutes after meals.

Afterward, it’s always a good idea to find and pick up the poop. This will not only keep the yard or street clean, but it will also let you check for changes in smell, color, and consistency.

The most important thing is to know what’s normal for your dog, and then watch closely for any changes. If you do see changes, keep track of what you’re seeing and let your vet know what’s going on.

Featured image: iStock.com/Robert Kovacs

WRITTEN BYSandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP

Veterinarian

Sandra Mitchell is a 1995 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, she has worked in many fields…

June 6, 2023

Food Recall Alert

Greetings,

You’re getting this email alert because you signed up on our website and asked to be notified of dog food recalls.

Lazy Dog Cookie Co. of Saratoga Springs, New York is voluntarily recalling a specific lot of Pup-PIEs due to a customer complaint.

There have been no confirmed reports of illness as a result of the ingestion of one of these products and the nature of the complaint is unclear.

For full details, please visit this link: Lazy Dog Cookie Co. Issues Voluntary Recall of Pup-PIEs

This specific product is not currently reviewed on The Dog Food Advisor. It therefore doesn’t appear on our lists of most recommended brands, which you can view here.

Please be sure to forward this email alert to other dog parents.

If you’ve changed your mind about getting lifesaving recall alerts, no worries. There’s an “unsubscribe” link below.

Stay safe,

Andrew

Editor
The Dog Food Advisor

Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog

May 27, 2023

I’m posting a story about Amino Acids. Something we don’t think about but should.

Have a great day. ~Tricia Rudy and Trixie

Hey,

Happy Wednesday!

How are your amino acids today? All in order? Good to hear it.

Even if you don’t know exactly what amino acidsare or what they do, I’m pretty sure you know they’re important. In fact, many of them are essential to life itself.

One of the more talked about amino acids, when it comes to pets, is taurine, which aids the function of the nervous, digestive and immune systems. The market for taurine supplements for dogs is sizeable.

It’s something we address in a new article on the site: How Important is Taurine for Dogs?

Dogs need taurine. A deficiency can cause all manner of health issues.

In fact, recent research has established a link between taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in certain dog breeds. A similar link to DCM in cats led to the routine addition of taurine to cat food.

So do dog parents need to add taurine to their dogs’ diets? Should dog food manufacturers be adding it?

Deal of the day: Nom Nom

Exclusive 60% off first orders until May 27th.

Ideally, no. The good news is the vast majority of dogs will never suffer taurine deficiency. That’s because, unlike cats, dogs can produce their own taurine from a good and balanced diet, especially if it’s full of high-quality meat.

However, if a dog isn’t getting the right food — or has a genetic disposition to taurine deficiency, as some dogs do, particularly among larger breeds and American Cocker Spaniels — then there could be an issue.

Luckily, your vet, with your keen observations, will be able to diagnose taurine deficiency and advise on a remedy.

And while your dog’s tolerance for taurine is pretty robust, making an ‘overdose’ highly unlikely, it’s wise — for your dog and your pocket — to avoid adding supplementswithout veterinary input.

For a bit more detail, particularly on the potential symptoms of taurine deficiency, I highly recommend reading the article here.

That’s it from me today. Time to keep my taurine levels up with a hearty breakfast.

Until next time,

Andrew

Editor
The Dog Food Advisor
Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food

May 19, 2023

ALERT Dog Food Recall

Greetings,

Ark Naturals Company of Tampa, Florida is voluntarily recalling three value packs of Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste due to the inadvertent omission of a mold-inhibiting ingredient.

Although there have been no confirmed reports of illness as a result of the ingestion of one of these products, there’s a risk that mold might develop before the end of the product’s shelf life.

For full details, please visit this link: Ark Naturals Issues Voluntary Recall of Brushless Toothpaste Value Packs.

This specific product is not currently reviewed on The Dog Food Advisor. It therefore doesn’t appear on our lists of most recommended brands, which you can view here.

Please be sure to forward this email alert to other dog parents.

If you’ve changed your mind about getting lifesaving recall alerts, no worries. There’s an “unsubscribe” link below.

Stay safe,

Andrew

Editor
The Dog Food Advisor

Saving Good Dogs From Bad Dog Food

May 13, 2023

Happy Dog Mom Day

I looked up the history of Dog Mom Day which is below. Have a super Dog Mom Day. Tell me how you spent your day I’m so sad I couldn’t get a picture of me and my babies to post. I’ll keep trying.

~Tricia Rudy and Trixie

NATIONAL DOG MOM’S DAY – Second Saturday in May

(Last Updated On: May 10, 2023)

NATIONAL DOG MOM’S DAY

During the second Saturday in May, National Dog Mom’s Day sends out a chorus of yips, barks, and howls of praise for all the dog mommas!

#DogMomsDay

Our dogs are our family members, whether they came into our lives unexpectedly or as carefully planned additions. We adopt them as puppies, adolescents, or fully mature animals with a bit of baggage, and yet, we find common ground, a connection, and bond like families do. They know our moods, and we know theirs. We care for them, shelter them, and share an immeasurable loyalty with them.

National Dog Mom’s Day recognizes the bond women share with their fur kids. When they humor us, charm us or even when they are naughty, they are like any other child to us.

HOW TO OBSERVE DOG MOMS DAY

Celebrate by making sure to get some extra cuddles. Bake up some yummy homemade puppy treats. Plan for some double pampering – a pedicure for you and paws for the puppers. Then take an extra special selfie with fur baby to mark the occasion.

NATIONAL DOG MOM’S DAY – Second Saturday in May

(Last Updated On: May 10, 2023)

NATIONAL DOG MOM’S DAY

During the second Saturday in May, National Dog Mom’s Day sends out a chorus of yips, barks, and howls of praise for all the dog mommas!

#DogMomsDay

National Dog Mom’s Day recognizes the bond women share with their fur kids. When they humor us, charm us or even when they are naughty, they are like any other child to us.

HOW TO OBSERVE DOG MOMS DAY

Use #DogMomsDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL DOG MOM’S DAY HISTORY

Dig – The Dog Person’s Dating App founded National Dog Mom’s Day to celebrate and thank the dog moms who dedicate their love and support every day to their dogs. It’s a different, special and visceral love that deserves its own day to be recognized and appreciated.

The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Dog Mom’s Day to be observed the second Saturday of May beginning in 2018.

About Dig – The Dog Person’s Dating App
Dog people are always looking for ways to get dogs in their lives. You’ll linger near the dog park’s fence, you’ll repeatedly offer to dog-sit while your friends are away, and you’ll scan every dating app for photos of potential matches with dogs at their sides. If you’re lucky enough to own a pup, you know that things never work out with someone if they’re not as into your dog as you are. So Dig founders Casey and Leigh Isaacson built a dating app that connects dog people based on what’s most important to them. Dig is the best way for dog lovers and dog owners to find a compatible date.

NATIONAL DOG MOM’S DAY HISTORY

The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Dog Mom’s Day to be observed the second Saturday of May beginning in 2018.