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Pumpkins for Pups

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It’s pumpkin season! If you’re making a special trip to the pumpkin patch, don’t forget to pick out a pumpkin for your dog too. Almost every part of a pumpkin can be fed to your pup and the health benefits of this super squash may surprise you.

What part of the pumpkin can dogs eat?

Dogs can eat raw, cooked, pureed, and canned pumpkin in its purest form- meaning no additives. Your pup can also consume pumpkin seeds raw or roasted.

The only part of the pumpkin that your dog shouldn’t eat is the stem since it splinters easily and can cause internal damage or obstruction in his/her digestive tract. Be careful not to feed pumpkin pie filling or canned pumpkin that contains added sweeteners or spices. When prepping pumpkin seeds for your dog, avoid adding oils or salt.

 

puppy on carved pumpkin

What are the benefits of eating pumpkins?

Pumpkins are packed with nutrients and is considered a superfood for dogs!

Pumpkin contains a high concentration of vitamin A (beta-carotene) which promotes eye health. Vitamin A, zinc and several other nutrients found in pumpkin improve your dog’s skin and coat. Plus, the high moisture content in pumpkin flesh contributes to a gourd-eous 😉, shiny coat and helps with dry skin.

This tasty squash’s high water content not only helps to moisturize skin, but it provides more water to your dog’s diet to keep your pup hydrated and healthy.

Boost your dog’s immune system with pumpkin’s antioxidants. Another beneficial nutrient found in pumpkins is Vitamin C, which is essential for immune health.

Including pumpkin in your dog’s diet can maintain digestive regularity with its high fiber content. This superfood has the incredible ability to cure both constipation and diarrhea in your pup. Just remember, too much fiber in your pet’s diet is not a good thing since it may inhibit the absorption of other nutrients.

 

pumpkin seeds in dish

Pumpkin seeds are also very beneficial to your dog’s health. These tasty seeds contain a variety of antioxidant phytonutrients and are a great source of potassium, calcium and magnesium. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids and oils.

Plus, ground pumpkin seeds are actually a traditional remedy for tapeworm and are known to prevent urinary incontinence in pups.

 

various pumpkins in patch

How do I serve pumpkin to my dog?

Pumpkin is incredibly versatile. You can combine it into your dog’s meals, especially with dry food. Add pureed pumpkin to baked dog treats or stuff it into a Kong toy. ( See more Kong recipes here! ) Steam, mash or puree fresh pumpkin or buy a can of organic pureed pumpkin with no additives. You can bake pumpkin and cube it for a delicious home-cooked snack.

What about the pumpkin seeds? If you love to snack on pumpkin seeds, you can roast a special batch of seeds for your doggo. Avoid adding other ingredients to your dog’s batch- no salt or seasonings. Now you and your pup can kick it and enjoy this tasty snack together.

Food Advisories:

As you know, not all dogs have the same diet. Please consult your veterinarian before feeding pumpkin to your dog if you are unsure how your dog will react to it. Some pups have sensitive stomachs, and the addition of new foods may cause digestive issues.

Does a Completely Hypoallergenic Dog Exist?

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Do you or a member of your family suffer from allergies when around dogs? Perhaps you sneeze, get itchy or watery eyes, hives on your skin, or even more serious respiratory issues. If you are a dog lover, you may have avoided owning one because of this problem, especially if the allergy symptoms are extreme.

In recent years, several breeds have gained the “hypoallergenic” label. Given that up to 20% of western country populations are allergic to dogs, it’s no surprise that this label has grown in popularity. But, if you have been pinning all your hopes on one of these dogs being the perfect solution, don’t get too excited—this term is not as accurate as it sounds.

True Hypoallergenic Dog Breed Don’t Exist

Although some individual dogs may indeed elicit fewer allergy symptoms than others, studies suggest that there is no specific breed that is truly hypoallergenic.

Dr. Tania Elliott is an allergist and a spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She explains that “somewhere along the line, the fact that a dog didn’t shed became synonymous with the word hypoallergenic. While some people can be allergic to dog hair, others may be allergic to the dander (skin cells) and even their saliva.”

In 2011 the American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy published a study that found no major differences in the levels of the primary dog allergen, Canis familiaris (Can f 1), in homes with dogs labelled as hypoallergenic compared with those that weren’t. While the study authors state that there is a need for more research to confirm these findings, the results threw a wrench in most allergy sufferers’ plans.

The results of a further study in 2012 actually found low-shedding Poodles had some of the highest levels of Can f 1 present in their coat samples. Surprisingly, Labradors Retrievers, often regarded as a breed more likely to trigger allergies because of their excessive shedding, had significantly lower allergen levels. This study also found no major difference in the amount of Can f 1 found in the air of homes with “hypoallergenic” and other dog breeds.

Dog Breeds Commonly Mislabelled as Hypoallergenic

While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, it’s possible to find less-allergenic d og breeds that are better suited for allergy-sufferers. Some popular breeds frequently referred to as hypoallergenic include Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Schnauzers—all low, no-shedding or hairless dogs. Unlike Labs or Huskies, for example, these dogs do not molt excessively.  While these breeds are typically better for allergy sufferers, and can help minimize the amount of vacuuming and clothes brushing you may have to do, there are no guarantees they will result in fewer allergy symptoms in all people. There may be less hair, but you can’t avoid their dander and saliva!

What Can You Do to Help Cope if You Are Allergic to Your Dog?

For some allergy sufferers, their reaction to the Can f 1 allergen is too severe to consider owning a dog. For others, their desire to share their home with a furry friend could become a reality.

You may hear other dog owners referring to how they have built up a tolerance to the allergens. However, as Dr. Elliott says, “many people who report “tolerance” have mainly learned a new normal of everyday congestion and rhinitis.” Encouragingly, though, allergen immunotherapy shots are an option for building up true tolerance against allergens. “By giving you very low levels of what you are allergic to and building up tolerance over time—you essentially train your system to no longer be allergic,” she explains.

Good housekeeping habits can also help to keep allergies at bay. Some of these include keeping your pet out of your bedroom, using a HEPA air filter appropriate for the size of the room, and regular vacuuming. Dr. Elliott even suggests wearing a mask while interacting with your pet, and this could also be a good option when vacuuming. It is also possible to get a vacuum cleaner with a certified asthma and allergy-friendly filter.

It is worth noting that in the 2012 study mentioned above, homes with carpets had higher levels of the Can f 1 allergen present than those with hardwood floors. If you prefer to keep carpets in your home, opt for one with a low pile and regularly steam clean it.

One suggestion for allergy-sufferers looking for a new pet is to spend 15-20 minutes with a breed to see what level of reaction they produce. While someone might have a great reaction to, say, a Schnauzer, their reaction might be less with an American Hairless Terrier or even a Portuguese Water Dog. Allergy sufferers will also be better off with a purebred dog than a mixed-breed dog. Mixed-breed dogs or dogs mixed with Poodles have unpredictable genes and do not result in non-shedding dogs.

Some people opt to bathe their dogs more regularly. However, this might not reduce the symptoms, and over frequent bathing could strip the coat of its valuable oils.

Is Owning a Dog Good for your Health?

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owning-a-dog-good-for-your-health-YouTube-Thumbnail-17-1024x576

Ever wondered why dogs are so important in our lives? Maybe you already suspected owning a dog has palpable benefits for her humans. Turns out it’s true, and some of them are actually measurable. For thousands of years, in fact, dogs have been helping people—as protectors, as shepherds of livestock, even as beasts of burden—and not least of all as our best friends, loyal to a fault. What are the tangible benefits of that connection? A goofy dog makes us all laugh, but how does that laughter improve our health? And we ‘dog people’ do find ourselves walking more every week—but how much more? Let’s look at some of the advantages of having a dog by the numbers.

Is Owning a Dog Good for Your Health?

There’s strong evidence it is. A study in Sweden revealed 23% fewer deaths from heart disease and a 20% lower risk of death by any cause, among the 3.4 million people between ages 40 and 80 who participated over the course of the study’s 12 years. Earlier studies had already suggested dogs may relieve social isolation and depression, each known to increase the risk of heart disease and premature mortality. In 2013, in fact, the American Heart Association went so far as to conclude dog ownership was “probably” tied to a reduced risk of heart disease, stopping just short of affirming the cause-effect relationship because it’s unclear whether the dog’s the thing, or people drawn to dogs are healthier to begin with. But the same study revealed that for people who live alone, a dog makes a respectable surrogate for another human: she encourages her human companion to go for walks, provides social support, and in general gives life more meaning. A dog encourages her human to interact with other people. And if a person is taken ill, there’s no better incentive to get better quickly than a dog’s need for her human’s attention and care.

The ‘Pet’ Effect

In spite of the lack of an established cause-effect relationship between owning a dog and a reduced risk of heart disease, the fact remains that dog owners have lower blood pressure than non-dog owners. Researchers believe the explanation is that dogs have a calming effect on their people, and also because these same people get more exercise—if for no other reason than they must, thanks in no small part to the tail-wagging canine standing by the back door with the leash in her mouth. And while the jury’s still out, there’s even some evidence suggesting a connection between owning a dog and having lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, unexplained by diet, smoking, or body mass index (BMI).

Ever wondered why dogs are so important in our lives? Maybe you already suspected owning a dog has palpable benefits for her humans. Click To Tweet

As you might guess, because dogs help calm humans, this effect, in turn, appears to help humans handle stress in general. In other words, in a stressful situation, people who are dog owners have demonstrated less cardiovascular reactivity than people without dogs. So the heart rate and blood pressure in a dog owner escalate less and return to normal more quickly, easing the overall physical effects of stress.

Fun Factoid: The Swedish study showed retrievers and pointers had the greatest health benefits for humans.

What Are the Benefits of Dogs for Kids?

Here are seven ways science suggests having a dog is good for a child:

  1. Dogs build self-esteem in kids. The responsibility of caring for a dog makes a kid feel important.
  2. Kids learn empathy from dogs. Animal stewardship develops compassion that a child soon learns to transfer to people.
  3. Dogs don’t judge. And that feels reassuring to a child with a problem, who may be willing to talk it out with the dog.
  4. Kids with dogs have better cognitive skills. This phenomenon is probably connected with simply speaking to a dog—and who doesn’t want to help their child’s cognition?
  5. They’re less stressed out. And why shouldn’t this be the case, if the same holds true for grownups?
  6. ‘Dog’ kids are happier kids. They have higher levels of mood-boosting serotonin and dopamine.
  7. Kids with dogs are healthier. This one’s simple: they’re more active and spend more time outdoors, thanks to the family dog, and some studies suggest children who are raised with dogs have a reduced chance of developing allergies.

Conclusion: having a dog measurably benefits children.

What Are the Benefits of Dogs in the Workplace?

More companies are embracing a ‘Dogs in the Workplace’ paradigm, and for several good reasons. Office dogs reduce workplace stress, in general, provide social support for employees, and encourage trustworthiness and positive interactions between coworkers—which sometimes result in professional collaborations that help a company’s bottom line. On a practical note, workers who bring their dogs to the office spend less time away from work dealing with their dogs. And for employers, offering a dog-friendly office is a nice perk to attract new talent.

Why Do Dogs Make Us So Darn Happy?

To recap:

  • A dog is good for your heart—literally. Having a dog can lower your blood pressure and increase your chances of surviving a heart attack.
  • Petting your dog will help you feel calmer (see lower blood pressure above). And the serotonin and dopamine levels dogs seem to amplify in humans help us fight depression.
  • Your dog helps get you up off the sofa and move, which in turn cuts down on obesity and other problems.
  • Your dog connects you to other people: you’re more likely to strike up a conversation with other ‘dog’ people with your own beloved dog by your side.

Of course, perhaps the biggest benefit of owning a dog is her unconditional love. And that can’t be measured, because a dog’s love knows no bounds.

When does a female dog have her first estrous (heat) cycle?

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Dogs will have their first estrous (reproductive or heat) cycle when they reach puberty. Each cycle consists of several stages; the stage called estrus refers to when the female can become pregnant. Often a dog that is in the estrus stage is said to be in heat or in season.

“A dog that is in the estrus stage is said to be in heat or in season.”

On average, puberty (or sexual maturity) is reached at about six months of age, but this can vary by breed. Smaller breeds tend to have their first estrous cycle at an earlier age, while large and giant breeds may not come into heat for the first time until they reach eighteen months to two years of age.

How often does a female dog come into heat?great_dane_chihuahua_heat_cycle-01

Most dogs come into heat twice per year, or about every six months, although the interval can vary between breeds and from dog to dog. Small breed dogs may cycle three times per year, while giant breed dogs may only cycle once every 12 months. When young dogs first begin to cycle, it is normal for their cycles to be somewhat irregular. It can take up to two years for a female dog to develop regular cycles. There is no time of year that corresponds to a breeding season for (domesticated) dogs except for Basenjis and Tibetan Mastiffs which typically tend to cycle in the spring.

What are the signs of estrus?

The earliest sign of estrus is swelling or engorgement of the vulva, but this swelling is not always obvious. In many cases, a bloody vaginal discharge is the first sign that a pet owner will notice when their dog comes into heat. In some cases, the discharge will not be apparent until several days after estrus has begun. The amount of discharge varies from dog to dog.

“In many cases a bloody vaginal discharge is the first sign that a pet owner will notice when their dog comes into heat.”

The vaginal discharge will change in color and appearance as the cycle progresses. At first, the discharge is very bloody, but as the days pass, it thins to become watery and pinkish-red in color. A female dog that is in heat will often urinate more frequently than normal or may develop marking behavior, in which she urinates small amounts on various objects either in the home or when out on a walk. During this phase of her cycle, the urine contains pheromones and hormones, both of which signal her reproductive state to other dogs. This is the reason that dogs in heat will attract other dogs, particularly males.

When does a female dog have her first estrous (heat) cycle? Click To Tweet

Male dogs can detect a female in heat from a great distance and may begin marking your property with their urine in an attempt to claim their territory.

How long does estrus last?

Estrus is the stage when the dog can become pregnant. Although this can vary with each individual, on average a dog will be in heat for 1 ½  to 2 weeks but this can be shorter or longer.

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At what stage of the estrus cycle is the dog able to get pregnant?

The female dog usually ovulates at about the time that the vaginal discharge becomes watery; this marks her most fertile stage and is the time when she will be most receptive to breeding. However, sperm can survive for a week in the reproductive tract and still be capable of fertilizing the eggs, so it is possible for her to get pregnant at any point while she is in estrus. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary for the female to tie with the male dog in order to get pregnant (for further information see the handout “Estrus and Mating in Dogs”).

How long does pregnancy last in a dog and when can pregnancy be detected?

Pregnancy lasts approximately nine weeks (63 days) in the dog.

How can I prevent my dog from becoming pregnant?

The best way to prevent your dog from becoming pregnant is to have her surgically sterilized (an ovariohysterectomy or spay operation) before she has her first estrous cycle. Since it can be difficult to predict when this first cycle will occur, most veterinarians recommend performing an ovariohysterectomy before the dog is six to seven months of age.

Is there anything I can do if my dog has been mismated, or accidentally mates with another dog?

If this happens, you need to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. There are mismating injections that can be used within the first one to two days after mating, but there are risks associated with their use. Your veterinarian will discuss your options and any risks associated with them.

Should I let my dog have an estrus cycle or a litter of puppies before spaying her?

There are no valid reasons for letting a dog have a litter of puppies before being spayed. Newer research has shown that some larger dog breeds (Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds) may benefit medically from delaying their spay surgery until after their first heat cycle; however, the overall consensus at this time is that spaying will increase the lifespan of a dog. Dogs can become pregnant on their very first estrous cycle, increasing the chance that an accidental breeding may occur. Dogs are indiscriminate, so a brother may breed with its sister, a father may breed with his daughter, and a son may breed with his mother.

A common myth is that female dogs will become more friendly and sociable if they are allowed to have a litter of puppies. This is not true and only serves to contribute further to the serious problem of dog overpopulation.

​When Do Dogs Go Into Heat?

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A female dog reaches sexual maturity at around six months old. The stage of the cycle when she’s receptive to mating is called estrus, or heat. During this stage, there’s an increase in estrogen levels, then a sharp decrease and then her ovaries release eggs. Although six months old is the average age of a dog’s first heat, this can vary widely. Some dogs can go into heat as young as four months, while larger breeds may be as old as two years before their first heat. Responsible breeders never breed a dog on her first or even her second heat. It is considered best practice to wait until her third heat, at about 18-24 months. Your vet will perform any necessary genetic testing and will also be able to tell you when your dog is ready.

How can you tell if your dog is in heat?

There are distinct signs of estrus, both physical and behavioral. She may urinate more than usual. There will also be a blood-tinged discharge and swollen vulva. She may seem nervous or distracted. She’ll be receptive to male dogs and may initiate sexual contact, including raising her rear towards male dogs and deflecting her tail to one side, which is called ‘flagging.’ During the middle stages of the cycle, a female dog will actively court males and this may continue until the cycle is over.

How often will my dog go into heat?

Female dogs cycle into heat on average every six months. But this can vary, especially in the beginning, so it’s a good idea to keep track. It can take some dogs 18-24 months to develop regular cycles. Small dogs will tend to go into heat more frequently, as much as three or four times a year. Very large breeds, like Great Danes and St. Bernards among others, may only go into heat every twelve months.

The estrus cycle usually lasts an average of three weeks, although this can vary from 2-4 weeks. It begins with swelling of the vulva and vaginal discharge and ends when all bleeding has stopped. A female may allow a male to mount her at any time during the cycle, although most not only accept mounting later in the cycle but actively seek it.

Your dog will continue to go into heat throughout her life, although the length of time between estrus will increase as she gets older. With experience, pet owners become more adept at recognizing the onset and taking good care of their dogs during this natural life cycle.

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