A beautiful white maltese with beard and tear stains

If you’ve ever seen a dog with red or brown marks in the areas around and just under the eyes, you’ve seen a dog that is suffering from tear staining . The staining can matte around the dog’s eyes and leave a gooey, thick mess that is hard to clean. Most people assume that the stains are caused by excessive moisture from the dog’s eyes and that they’re just a fact of life. In fact though, tear stains have many different causes, and figuring out the root of the problem could end up saving you some work and also improve your dog’s life.

1.) Ear Infections

Tear staining can be linked back to ear infections, so it’s important to keep your dog’s ears as clean and dry as possible. If you notice that your dog is getting a lot of ear infections which also coincide with excessive tearing, the two are probably related. Use a good cleansing product to make sure the ears are clean and your dog’s tear stains might be reduced as a result.

2.) Allergies

Dogs can experience reactions to thing just like humans, and tear staining can often be a reaction to allergens or irritants. In fact, some dogs will suffer reactions to their food which will change the pH level in your dog’s system which in turn can cause excessive tearing. If you notice that your dog’s tear stains get worse in certain situations than it might be an environmental factor that is adding to the problem.

3.) Blocked Tear Ducts

Some dogs are born with tear ducts that are closed which need to be surgically opened by a vet, but this isn’t the only way a duct can be blocked. At times, a dog can develop clogged tear ducts which can add to excessive tearing, and unfortunately, a trip to the vet will be needed to irrigate the ducts. Luckily, this isn’t a very common problem, but if you suspect clogged tear ducts, it should be taken care of, lest your dog suffer unnecessarily.

4.) Red Yeast

One of the biggest causes of tear staining is from a dog having an excessive amount of tears. This high level of moisture can keep the hair around the face wet, which then becomes an area where bacteria can breed. One of the most common forms of this bacteria is called Red Yeast, which causes a yeast infection around the eyes and leads to the brownish-red stains that you sometimes see on dogs.

5.) Water

Some waters contain a high mineral content, which can cause staining on a dog’s entire face and beard. A lot of moisture can remain on the face trapped in the hairs after a dog drinks, which can be moved to eye level by the dog trying to lick his face clean. And, if the mineral content is high, it will increase the level of red-brown staining on a dog’s face. If you notice both tear stains and a discolored beard, try switching your dog’s water to combat the problem.

Red or brown tear stains are not attractive to look at, and they can be a symptom of a larger problem. If your dog has excessive staining around they eyes and on its face, it might be worth looking into what the cause of the staining is.

by Lucy Postins

Owner, The Honest Kitchen

The dilemma of what to feed your pet can be influenced by many factors. The first might be palatability and your companions taste preferences. Finance may also play a big role, as well as ad campaigns that can bombard the mind and sway the way you shop.

One major factor that is only now becoming widely recognized, is concern for what is actually in the product you feed – ingredient quality, integrity and wholesomeness. Just as we become educated what is healthy for ourselves – carb and calorie counting, natural and organic ingredients and so on – it is very important to become educated on how to interpret what your pet’s food label is really telling you.

Sadly, the way the law is set out means there are a number of ‘tricks’ that some petfood companies use to mislead and confuse consumers – or at the least, make their products look better than they really are.

The ingredients panel is listed in the order of predominance by weight. Those ingredients that make up the majority of the blend come first. Try to look for meat as the number one ingredient unless you are feeding a premix or there are other special circumstances.

Be wary of packages with beautiful illustrations of plump fresh veggies and fruits, but the veggies and fruits actually appear toward the very end of the ingredient list – this means they don’t actually make up much of the final recipe.

Try not to buy food from a manufacturer who indulges in the shady practice of ‘ingredient splitting’. A food might contain 40% corn but if the manufacturer divides the corn into its individual components (corn meal, corn gluten, corn flour, corn germ, corn bran and ground corn cob are just a few of the possibilities), then each of these components might only make up say, 6% of the total formula. This means they can be dispersed throughout the ingredient list, pushing something else up to the ‘number one spot’.

Meat can show up in dog food in a number of different forms. Meat meals are a common ingredient in dry foods and basically mean that the moisture has been removed, so that the finished dried product can be ground into a powdery consistency. Chicken meal, lamb meal or some other specifically named meat in a meal form is OK. ‘Poultry Meal’, ‘Meat Meal’ or worse yet – ‘Meat & Bone Meal’ should be avoided. These are generic terms that encompass a selection of anonymous meats and in some cases might even include road kill, or other meats that are unfit for human consumption.

Labels on dry food (kibble) products that list fresh meat in their ingredient panel can have pros and cons. Fresh meat undergoes less processing than meal, but the fact that the listing is in order of predominance by weight means a fresh meat will invariable be listed as the #1 ingredient. In fact, after kibble processing is complete, the fresh meats moisture will all be removed, so that the actual equivalent amount of meat protein in the finished product is less than if a meal had been used in the first place.

The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredient panel also provide good insight into the product. The company’s vitamin premix will be listed in the lower portion of the list and shows what the company had to add, in order to make the food ‘nutritionally complete’. A very long list of vitamins and minerals indicates that the raw ingredients the company started off with, were probably pretty devoid of nutrition – or the extreme heat and pressure the food underwent, destroyed them. This is not always the case – but more often than not, a very long list of added vitamins and minerals shows that the real food ingredients are minimal or low in nutritional value. Try to find a food with lots of real, recognizable, food ingredients and a premix with just a few added vitamins & minerals.

The guaranteed analysis consists primarily of protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and sometimes ash. Protein does not always relate to the quantity or quality of meat in the finished product. Some foods contain ingredients such as ‘poultry by-products’ which might include beaks, feet and feathers. These will add to the total protein content of the finished product but will likely be highly un-digestible and of little nutritional value to the pet. They may even put an additional strain on the liver, kidneys and other systems as the body tries to digest them. Try to avoid by-products at all costs. If you see them on the label, put down the bag and move on.

A guaranteed analysis that shows high fat is not a detrimental as it might sound. Dogs are very capable of utilizing quite high levels of fat and do not suffer with cholesterol as humans do. Beware of added animal fat in the ingredient list, which may be loaded with chemical preservatives. Ideally, animal fat should come from the meat.

Conversely, a high fiber content, which humans may seek for themselves, are not necessarily the best option for our animal companions. High fiber may also be indicative of high carbohydrates and a mounting wall of research is showing that high carbs are neither natural nor desirable for pets.

Ash relates to the total mineral content of the food. While it should not be excessively high, it does not in fact mean that the manufacturer added ‘ash’ or burned material to its finished product.

Be wary of pet food labels that tell you never to add any home made or fresh ingredients to you pet’s food. They are trying to ensure you feed their food alone, to make you buy more if it! While it is not advisable to feed excessive amounts of meat along with kibble, many pets will benefit from added healthy extras. The average domesticated canine’s digestive system is not so primitive that it cannot tolerate a variety of ingredients throughout the week, so don’t be brainwashed into thinking you should only feed the same food for every meal, day after day.

A pet food label can be a mine of useful information – and can also be used to cleverly mislead customers about what is in a product, with the use of illustrations, product names (be wary of products marketed by major ‘conventional’ manufacturers touting their wares as ‘natural’ or ‘holistic’. Including carrots and one or two herbs in a formulation, does not constitute a natural product. Always read the ingredients panel and determine how many additives are also included to give a truer picture and view the company’s marketing tactics with caution until you read what’s really in the food.

The Honest Kitchen is a manufacturer of 100% natural, guaranteed human grade foods for dogs and cats. www.thehonestkitchen.com 1-866 4 DRY-RAW.

We see it out of the corner of our eyes. A lone hind leg reaches up to scratch around the ear / neck area. We begin to panic. We realize with a dawning dread that we have a potential flea situation on our hands, and we enter into Dealing with Disaster Mode. But, as we comb our pooch’s hair frantically - looking for further proof of the detested vermin – it slowly sinks in (with considerable relief), that our dog is in fact, flea free. However the dog is still scratching and he’s starting to look at you with baleful eyes, so you know that something else is up. Itchy skin can be caused by things other than fleas, and it’s important to determine what the cause might be because even if it isn’t fleas, it isn’t very pleasant for your puppy.

Environmental Allergens

It may be surprising to know that dogs can develop allergies to outside stimuli similarly to humans. It doesn’t seem like that would be the case as dogs are built so differently and have a thick layer of hair all over their bodies but it’s true. If your dog is scratching or biting at his paws, he may be allergic to grass or something that he treads on often. Or, if your dog is scratching a certain area and you notice some bumps, he might be having a reaction to an insect bite . If the biting and itching from your puppy are severe, take your dog into your vet and tell him or her your concerns. He or she will probably put your dog on an antihistamine which will give your dog some relief from his allergies.

Dry Skin

Dry skin can be quite common, and it can be very annoying for your dog. Just like in humans, dry skin can cause a dog to have itchy, flaky skin. But, unlike people, dogs can’t just grab a bottle of moisturizer and relive their irritated skin, so they will sometimes scratch until the skin becomes cracked and bleeds. So, before the dry skin leads to wounds, give your dog a conditioning treatment that will stop your dog from scratching and will give your dog relief from the itchiness.

Food Allergens

Contrary to what some people think, you can’t just feed your dog anything and he or she’ll be fine. A dog’s digestive system can be just as delicate as a person’s, and dogs can also develop food allergies. If you think your dog may be allergic to certain types of food, look for these common symptoms of a food allergy: inflamed, itchy skin, excessive scratching and inflamed areas of the face, feet, ears, armpits and groin. Work with your vet to figure out the cause of the allergy, and when you get your pet on a diet that is no longer bothering him, the itchy, dry skin should start to clear up.

So, the next time you see your dog scratching don’t automatically drag out the carpet cleaner and the flea bath materials. It could be another irritant that’s rubbing your dog the wrong way, and a little investigating will save your dog a lot of scratching!

If you have a dog, you’ve seen it. The hopeful wag of the tail, maybe the good dog ‘sit’ pose, and most importantly, the beseeching eyes of the puppy that wants to be taken along on your outing. And, since more and more places are becoming dog friendly; you have lots more opportunities to please your pet and take him or her with you. Not only will you see some immediate gratification from your dog (in terms of licks and excited noises), but you’ll also get some long-term benefits as well. Engaging your dog in more activities can result in:

• Better communication between you and your dog.
• Fewer behavioral issues. (Dogs that are provided stimulation have less opportunity to become bored and act up.)

So, in the interest of benefiting both you and your dog, we’ve come up with a list of things you can do with your dog this summer that both of you will enjoy.

Fun Summer Activities

Take Your Dog to the Beach - Check your local by-laws of course to make sure that it’s allowed, but if it is, prepare to have some fun. You can play in the sand (you building sandcastles; your dog knocking them down), go for a swim in the water, (and if you’re worried about your dog panicking, you can always put him or her in a lifejacket), or play a game of Frisbee with your dog. Although the beach can be a messy place, don’t let the thought of the dirt or the effect of the salt water on your dog’s skin be a deterrent. A quick bath or a spray of Dry Dog Instant Clean will take away all reminders of your day at the beach.

Dive For Ice Cubes – Sort of like diving for apples for humans, take a bowl and fill it with water and place some ice cubes in it. Watch your dog try and get the cubes, and enjoy the hilarity that ensues. (This is also a great way to keep your dog hydrated during the hot summer months.)

Go to Dog Camp – There are lots of places to go to that can act as sort of a vacation for both your and your dog. Dog camps are springing up across the country and are viable options for people wishing to get away from it all, and bring their pet along. Your dog will enjoy activities like learning how to dance or can even participate in some agility or obedience training.

Eat Out! – Lots of places will now let you bring your dog onto their patios while you eat your dinner. (Be sure to call first). You can enjoy a nice relaxing meal or drink in the company of your pooch and out of the house. What could be better?

This summer there’s no reason to leave man’s best friend at home when you go out. Get creative and think of how to include your pet in fun summer activities so you can both enjoy your vacation.

Your best friend may not be switching to white shoes and moving to Florida any time soon but as he approaches retirement age there are a few things you should consider. Not only are we living longer but are pets are too. Approximately 40% of the nations dogs are seniors; 18 million dogs over the age of 7.

The 18- to 20-year-old dog or cat will be a relatively common occurrence in the next 10 years," says Greg Troy, an internist at Virginia Tech’s College of veterinary medicine.

And whether it is human or canine, an aging population has special needs.

You are what you eat
The first thing to consider is diet, as dogs age, their nutritional needs change. As their energy level subsides so should their caloric intake. We all know what happens if it doesn’t. Obesity is a common health problem in older dogs. It can lead to joint problems, which decreases activity, which only exacerbates the problem. There are many really healthy foods out there one of our favorites is Verve from Honest Kitchen it’s a great all natural food specifically designed for older and less active dogs.

As your dog ages it’s important to exercise him regularly, any muscle, whether human or animal will atrophy if not used so it’s essential for your dog’s continued health to get off the couch and move.

You look marvelous
Another common development in older dogs is the graying and thinning of the hair. This is often accompanied by a dry coat and itchy skin. One way to mitigate these effects is to give your dog fatty acid supplements like Omega 3 and 6 ; they help provide essential nutrients that may otherwise be missing from his diet. Another great way to help is regular treatment with a high quality deep conditioner like Fur Butter or fur worse . The all-natural colloidal oatmeal will help relieve the dryness while shea butter and calendula improves the texture and softness of the coat.

It’s also very common for older dogs to develop calluses; they’re less active, spend more time laying down and therefore place a greater stress on the skin of the elbows and legs. If you don’t already have one, this is the perfect time to buy your little guy a bed, it will not only make him more comfortable bit will help prevent this problem. We suggest Jax and Bones or Eloise and of course it’s always smart to have a container of Bow wow butter Balm handy to help heal dry cracked paws, calluses and rough skin.

A little hope for arthritis
And no discussion of aging would be complete without a few words about arthritis and hip dysplasia. Both conditions are common in older dogs, especially the larger breeds that carry weight on their joints and breeds like Dachshunds and Bassets who are particularly prone to intervertebral (IV) disc disease. Of course Glucosamine is an excellent supplement for this problem but new research is pointing to collagen as a great way to help rejuvenate joints. A new product Joint Resolution has a particularly effective blend of BioCell Collagen II, chondroitin and organic herbs. It’s specially formulated for dogs.

And finally, there has been much discussion about the pro’s and cons of pet insurance. Obviously as your dog ages he will probably need to see the vet more often, need to take more medication and may even require expensive surgery. We have health insurance for the dogs at happytails and have found it a cost effective way to keep them healthy. I spoke to Lorna Paxton about the topic and she had this insight: "I was inspired to check out insurance after one $600 trip to the vet."
I found these two sites that really helped me pick the right plan"

www.petinsurance.com
www.aspcapetinsurance.com

Live long and prosper

The oldest dog on record lived to be 29, but with advances in veterinary science the era of 30, 40 and 50 year old dogs may not be far away. But as the saying goes "it’s not the years in your life that count it’s the life in your years ". With care and understanding your best friend can live not only a long life but also a healthy and enjoyable one.

References
www.peteducation.com

www.usaweekend.com