JP Holistic Nutrition Blog Posts

Choosing a probiotic paste for catsby Vet Dr Paul Boland. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome such as Enterococcus Faecium, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium. Prebiotics are the fibres such as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) that provide nourishment to help maintain probiotic levels.

 

Dog parks, are they the best environment for some dogs, especially with reactive and anxiety issues and with no training in place?

Dog parks or similar environments could be causing reactive or nervous dogs to become worse by putting them in the same situation over again. 

Top 5 Natural Pet Supplements to Improve Your Pet's Health. Supplements can help pets stay healthy, and these 5 natural pet supplements are the best.

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) is a quite common progressive neurodegeneration disease in older dogs that has many similarities to dementia in people. Therefore, improving our knowledge of its causes and treatments may benefit people suffering from dementia. There is no known cure but in recent years there has been a lot of research into CCDS and our knowledge of preventing and treating it has increased considerably.

Crate training can be a good training tool if used correctly and not abused. As a dog trainer if I go to a puppy consultation and mention a crate, some owners look horrified, some owners love crate training and swear by it, others simply cannot imagine putting their puppy in a crate.

Gut Brain Connection in Dogs

Everyone has heard the saying “go with your gut instinct.” This could not be a truer saying! This is because everything starts in the gut, and it is the same for dogs just like humans. Have you ever had a gut feeling or butterflies in your stomach? These sensations emanating from your belly suggest that your brain and gut are connected. What’s more, recent studies show that your brain affects your gut health, and your gut may even affect your brain health. The communication system between your gut and brain is called the gut-brain axis.

                                           Stress and anxiety in dogs.

 

What causes stress and anxiety in dogs?

 

Sometimes it might seem like this negative behaviour comes out of nowhere, but it is usually brought on by some change in routine, environment, or activity. More owners are noticing anxiety in their dogs. Separation anxiety is one of the most common forms of anxiety in dogs, and this can affect dogs that have gone through trauma or have been abandoned in the past. This is a common with many rescue dogs, also dogs that haven’t had the correct training at the beginning of their life, and the role of genetics also plays a part in dogs’ behaviour.

Anal gland problems in dogs

Many dog owners have seen their dog scoot along the floor with their back legs in the air and dragging their bum along. This common occurrence in dogs is most often caused by anal gland problems but it can also be caused by inflammation or infection around the anus. Your Vet can quickly diagnose the problem by looking at the perineal area and checking the anal glands. Anal gland problems are quite common with about 12% of dogs having an anal gland problem during their lifetime.

As a dog trainer, I see this all the time, with owners and their dogs and this is why dog trainers end up being called out to help with many behavioural problems. It is normal to love your dog so much that you treat them as a member of the family, as another sibling or child who deserves all the affection you have to give. But could showering your dog with constant love and affection actually be smothering them?

The Festive period is upon us again and what an amazing time of year to be with your family and your dog who is obviously part of your family. Just like bonfire night, it is a good idea to start planning now for your dog, for example your dog may be nervous when visitors arrive and go over their threshold. 

Research has shown how the gut and brain are connected and it is referred to as the gut brain axis. What happens in the gut has been shown to have a positive or negative effect in the brain of dogs and people. A healthy functioning gut microbiome has many beneficial effects not only in the gut but also in the brain. The complex community of bacteria and other microorganisms in the gut is called the microbiome.