Solving Struvite, Bladder Stones, Canine and Feline Urolithiasis

Struvite Crystals, FLUTD, Canine Struvite Urolithiasis, Bladder Stones

Understanding the causes.
Struvite crystals, bladder stones and urinary disease syndromes are examples of nutritionally influenced disease conditions. As is the case with many domestic animal diseases, it is important to note that canines and felines in the wild that consume a natural raw diet do not experience struvite crystals and urolithiasis to any degree. Domestic animals on the other hand, which are fed a diet of highly processed denatured, starch-based, synthetic products, succumb to struvite crystals, bladder stones, and urolithiasis in large numbers.

There are two primary causes for this disparity in disease incidence:
•Domestic animals are fed an exclusive diet of nutrient depleted, highly processed pet foods. This is in stark contrast to the natural, meat-based, raw diet replete with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and probiotics consumed by wild canines and felines. This, plus overfeeding, creates an unhealthy physiological environment in which disease can take root.

•Conventional pet foods are unnatural in that they are denatured by heat, imbalanced in minerals, and laden with starches and carbohydrates (in far greater quantities than would ever be consumed in the wild). This yields a more alkaline urine, which causes the precipitation and the development of struvite crystals, bladder stones and urolithiasis disease.

The frequency with which companion animals fall victim to urinary disease syndromes is astounding. Prevention and treatment can be achieved while simultaneously creating optimal health for your pet by mimicking the natural/archetypal diet. This fosters an acidic body environment, which will aid in both the treatment and prevention of struvite crystals, bladder stones, FLUTD, and canine urolithiasis.

In spite of common opinion, the magnesium content of natural foods is not an etiological factor in FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) and canine urolithiasis unless it is added in the form of excess magnesium oxide rather than magnesium chloride. Animals in the wild maintain an acid urine and freedom from struvite crystals, bladder stones, FLUTD, and canine and feline urolithiasis, yet the foods consumed by wild canines/felines contain higher levels of magnesium (0.1%) than suggested by some pet food manufacturers.


Treatment and Prevention of Struvite Crystals, FLUTD, Canine Struvite Urolithiasis, Bladder Stones

Revert the diet to its natural form.
The diet pet carnivores are designed for is meat-based. It is not by coincidence that high protein foods naturally generate a more acidic urine which prevents the development of struvite crystals and bladder stones.

To combat the formation of struvite crystals, FLUTD, bladder stones and Urolithiasis seek out high meat protein, low carbohydrate natural (preferably raw) foods which resemble the natural canine and feline diet.

About the Author: Visit http://www.wysong.net/bladder-stones-struvite to learn more about Wysong treatment and prevention of Struvite Crystals, FLUTD, bladder stones, canine and feline Urolithiasis.
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Grapes, Nuts, and Your Dogs Health - Foods that Fido should Avoid

“Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got himself into sticky situations…”
So begins a story in the latest report from the ASPCA on foods that may be toxic to dogs. It turns out that Magoo got into the pantry and snagged himself about a pound of raisins. He ate the whole thing, of course.

The ASPCA never mentions Magoo’s fate. But they do tell us that as little as a handful of raisins can impair a dogs health and has been fatal for some. Ditto for the grape.

Who Knew?
Growing up, I regarded our family dogs as “the first cycle of the dishwasher”. They were good about waiting their turn for whatever we left on our plates, and we weren’t too concerned about offering them “people food”. It never crossed our minds that our dogs health could be affected by a few measly table scraps. What was safe for us, we figured, was safe for our pets.
What’s more, whenever I ate grapes, I liked to give one or two to our German Shepherd “Tiffany”. The grapes always popped out of her mouth when she tried to bite into them and Tiffany, ever the good sport, refused to give up until she’d squashed each one into submission. It guaranteed at least 60 seconds of harmless fun.

Tiffany was also fond of chewing gum (she chewed it — wrapper and all — but didn’t swallow it!) We had the sugarless kind, which is often sweetened these days with xylitol.
Little did I know that I might have been poisoning our family pet! (More on xylitol below).

Why are grapes harmful?
As far as grapes and raisins go, no one is sure why they’re harmful. It’s been confirmed that even grapes grown without fertilizers or pesticides can be toxic to dogs. But not to every dog, and not every time. It’s also not known whether small amounts eaten over a long time period could have a cumulative effect.

What we do know is that the end result in nearly all reported cases of grape or raisin toxicity is acute kidney failure. (The term “acute” means that the condition is severe and comes on quickly.) The dog ultimately can’t produce urine, which means they can’t filter toxins out of their systems — a process essential to life.

During the twelve-month period in which the effects of grapes were studied, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handled 140 cases involving one or more dogs. Over a third of the dogs developed symptoms ranging from vomiting to kidney failure, and seven dogs died. The ASPCA based their study on reported cases, so naturally there may be cases where a dogs health is entirely unaffected by eating grapes. But until they know all the facts, the Society advises against feeding pets grapes or raisins in any amount.

An ounce of prevention
So, your dog just scored himself a big box of raisins. What’s a pet owner to do?
The first line of defense, if the grapes or raisins were eaten recently, is to induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal (it absorbs toxins in the GI tract). Vomiting is also the first sign that your dog is in trouble, so skip right to the activated charcoal if vomiting has already occurred. (In a pinch you can make your own activated charcoal by charring a piece of toast until it’s blackened and crumbles easily.) Then call your vet right away.
Can’t reach the vet? Call ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435

The vet will keep your dog on intravenous fluids for at least 48 hours and monitor blood chemistry daily. Normal blood work after 3 days usually means your dog is in the clear.
Keeping a watchful eye out, of course, is the best way to keep your pet out of trouble. Like children, dogs (and other pets) have a knack for getting into mischief when we’re not looking.

It’s Not Just the Grapes…
There are other foods your dog should be kept away from, and some of them may surprise you.

Here are some other foods that can put a dogs health in harms way:

Chocolate
Who can resist chocolate? Like it your not, your dog. Chocolate is made with cocoa beans and cocoa beans contain a chemical called Theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. So on Valentine’s Day, you’re actually being kind to your best buddy if you eat all the chocolates yourself!

Cocoa Mulch
Cocoa bean shells are a by-product of chocolate production (which is how mulch made it into the “foods” category) and are popular as mulch for landscaping. Homeowners like the attractive color and scent, and the fact that the mulch breaks down into an organic fertilizer. However, some dogs like to eat it and it contains Theobromine.

Fatty foods
Fatty foods are hard for a dog to digest and can can overtax the pancreas, leading to pancreatitis. This can threaten your dogs health and is potentially fatal.

Nuts
Macadamia nuts should be avoided. In fact most nuts are not good for a dogs health since their high phosporus content is said to lead to bladder stones.

Mulch
Mulch isn’t food, but there’s one type tempting enough for dogs to eat. Some dogs are attracted to cocoa mulch, and will eat it in varying quantities. The coca bean shells can contain from 0.2% to 3% theobromine (the toxin ) as compaired to 1-4% in unprocessed beans.

Onions
Onions, especially raw onions, have been shown to trigger hemolytic anemia in dogs. (Stephen J Ettinger, D.V.M and Edward C. Fieldman, D.V.M. ’s book: Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine vol. 2 pg 1884.) Stay away from onion powder too.

Potatoes
Potato poisonings among people and dogs are rare but have occurred. The toxin, solanine, is poorly absorbed and is only found in green sprouts (these occur in tubers exposed to sunlight) and green potato skins. This explains why incidents seldom occur. Note that cooked, mashed potatoes are fine for a dogs health, actually quite nutritious and digestible.

Artificial Sweeteners
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, especially sugarless gum and candies. Ingesting large amounts of products sweetened with xylitol may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar in dogs, resulting depression, loss of coordination, and seizures. According to Dr. Eric K. Dunayer, a consulting veterinarian in clinical toxicology for the poison control center, “These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30 minutes after ingestion of the product” states Dr. Dunayer, “…therefore, it is important that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately.”

Turkey
Turkey skin is currently thought to cause acute pancreatis in dogs, partly due to it’s high fat content.

Other foods listed by the ASPCA as harmful:
Alcoholic beverages
Avocado (the only “fatty” member of the vegetable family)
Coffee (all forms of coffee)
Moldy or spoiled foods
Salt
Yeast dough
Garlic

The Bottom Line , Thanks to a more educated public, fewer fatalities from foods like chocolate are being reported these days. But it’s important to keep up with what’s currently known about foods and their effects on dogs health. Grapes and cocoa mulch, for example, were only discovered very recently to have harmful effects. Check frequently with sources like the ASPCA, or sign up for the “Cold Noses News” and we’ll keep you informed. (You’ll also get a bunch of cool dog stuff along with your free registration).
Of course, being alert and getting your pet to the vet promptly will help assure a happy outcome if something unfortunate should happen. Here’s to your dogs health and good nutrition!

Article source: http://www.nextarticle.com

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Healthy dog biscuit recipes

An overwhelming majority of people around the world own pets and most folks buy treats for their pets at one time or another. Some people own cats and buy cat treats, others own dogs and buy dog biscuits and chew toys. The one thing all of these people have in common is that they want their pet to have the healthiest food and treats possible! That’s why home made dog biscuits and treats have become so popular! Here is an excellent dog biscuit recipe that is all natural and is sure to satisfy the hungry hound in your home!

This dog biscuit recipe is very simple and can be put together by kids or adults. You start with a fourth cup carrots, three cups of parsley chopped up very fine, one forth of a cup of cheese, grated fine. A good tip is to make sure your dog likes the particular kind of cheese before you make the biscuits. Usually, mozzarella or parmesan are the best to use.

Add 2 and three fourths cup of flour, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder so the biscuits will rise a little when you bake them and 2 teaspoons of bran so they are extra healthy for your pooch. The final ingredient is a half cup to a cup of water, but be sure not to add it until the rest of the ingredients are blended.

Make sure your oven is set to 350 degrees. Kids, make sure mommy or daddy take care of this part. You’ll want to use a cooking spray to lightly grease a baking sheet. Once all of the dry ingredients and the oil are mixed, slowly add the water until you have a moist texture. Knead the dough until it is uniform than roll it out with a rolling pin. Use a fun shape to cut out the biscuits and cook them for 20-30 minutes. Make sure they are fully cooled before you give them to your doggie! - http://www.uncopettreats.com

Author Info: David Gilmore http://www.uncopettreats.com Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles

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Diet For Dogs -- How To Select Them

The dog world is a-buzz these days about the natural diet for dogs. A decrease in overall pet health, commercial pet food recalls and sky high vet bills are some of the reasons pet owners have started closely examining their pet food and the effects it is having on their dog's well being.

Natural diets, also called the raw food diet for dogs, refer to a species appropriate diet as if your canine were living in the wild. Dogs, being carnivores, would eat meat, bones, vegetable matter and grains, with the vegetable matter and grains coming from the stomach contents of its prey.

But is this style of diet the best diet for dogs? Let's take a closer look.

For many pet owners, the thought of feeding your best pal all raw food doesn't sound the least bit healthy at first. Ideas of harmful bacteria and diseases come to mind and it seems like it would be more harmful than nutritious.

We tend to dismiss the fact that we are really different species. We humans cook our food to inhibit bacteria and disease, so it seems reasonable to do the same for the canine members of our family.

We need to understand that the digestive system of humans and dogs are different. A dog's digestive system is specifically created to eat raw foods. That's why when your dog eats a dead critter it does not get sick from it.

Another point to consider in natural diets for dogs is that your pet will eat a lot of the same food that you would eat, but in a healthy way instead of table scraps. The main difference is cooking.

When you look at a raw food diet meal example, you'll see that it's actually much better than the images we get from envisioning about our pets hunting and eating in the wild.

Example:

Raw meat – any raw muscle meat will work, however many pet owners use ground turkey or regular hamburger because of price and convenience.

Raw bones – turkey necks, chicken necks or chicken backs.

Raw vegetables and fruit – Carrots, apples, green beans, kale, watercress, parsley, mustard greens, etc. Use a blender or food processor to dice and mix with meat and bones and serve

Some of the values of a natural diet for dogs can be helpful in deciding to utilize it with your pet. Many pet owners say that their dogs have better smelling breath, cleaner teeth, healthier skin and coats, and more energy. They also tell that their dogs seem generally happier and healthier overall.

The bottom line is that we all enjoy our dogs and want them to live a long and happy life. Just as with humans, that begins with proper diet and nutrition. The best diet for dogs is one based on general dog dietary needs, and then is adjusted to your pet's individual needs and tastes.

Author Info: Ron King For more about dogs, visit Natural Diet For Dogs. Also check out Diet For Dogs. For Ron's website, visit Natural Diet. Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles

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How Healthy and Safe Is Your Dogs Food?

by Jeffrey Wolf

Content: This article seeks to give you a solid knowledge base regarding the healthiness and safety of your dog's food, no matter what your previous experiences on the topic. With the issue of the healthiness and wellbeing of your dog's food inside the last 12 months, the question still stands. How healthy is your dog's food?


The other issue with dog food is will your dog eat it and will they get tried of eating the same food every day through out their life. I know of numerous dog owners that did just that, fed their dog the same food through out the dog's adult life until the dog has been eating the same food for over ten years. Then marvel why their dog stops eating their food and start eating table scrappes.

Many world-renowned Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and Published "Dog Care Experts" universally allow any dog that eats commercial dog food is at a much serious threat of failing prematurely and by the time symptoms are noticeable, it's regularly too late to stop an agonizing death excluding by lethal shot.

We hope that you have gained a clear grasp if the subject matter presented in the first half of this article.World-Renowned vet and dog care novelist Alfred Plechner, says the meager nutritional politeties of commercial dog food inevitably advance to disease. Raw Ingredients vs. Cooked Ingredients: People who supply their dogs raw food diets feel that nature planned for animals food vs. cooking human food. That all of the nutrients are still active in cooked food providing healthy meals for animals.

People who consider in supplying their dogs raw food feel that no additives are wanted and that their animals are receiving all of the nutrients they oblige. They feel that the commercial food companies use additives to enhance the palatability of their food effectively "addicting" a dog to it.

Commercial food advocates say that additives such as omega 3 and 6 greasy acids are central to the dog"s health system, while raw food is gone some central vitamins and minerals.

It is little things, such as this that may aid you in your search. So, sit down and decide which avenue would be best for you to take for your dog.

About the Author: Jeffrey Wolf is affiliated with: thedogfoodconspiracy.com

Article Source: http://www.getmyarticles.com

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