Pets Welcomed

[ConstitutionRose]

FDA Investigating Potential Connection Between Diet and Cases of Canine Heart Disease

July 12, 2018

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting pet owners and veterinary professionals about reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients. These reports are unusual because DCM is occurring in breeds not typically genetically prone to the disease. The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, a collaboration of government and veterinary diagnostic laboratories, are investigating this potential association.

Canine DCM is a disease of a dog’s heart muscle and results in an enlarged heart. As the heart and its chambers become dilated, it becomes harder for the heart to pump, and heart valves may leak, leading to a buildup of fluids in the chest and abdomen. DCM often results in congestive heart failure. Heart function may improve in cases that are not linked to genetics with appropriate veterinary treatment and dietary modification, if caught early.

The underlying cause of DCM is not truly known, but is thought to have a genetic component. Breeds that are typically more frequently affected by DCM include large and giant breed dogs, such as Great Danes, Boxers, Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, Saint Bernards and Doberman Pinschers. It is less common in small and medium breed dogs, except American and English Cocker Spaniels. However, the cases that have been reported to the FDA have included Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Whippets, a Shih Tzu, a Bulldog and Miniature Schnauzers, as well as mixed breeds.

Continued - https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm613305.htm

Checked the high priced dog food I am feeding my Great Pyrenees.  Potatoes are item 2 and peas item 3.  I called my vet and he suggested I change to a dog food for something where the carbs are not potatoes are legumes. 

[Sanguine]

Checked the high priced dog food I am feeding my Great Pyrenees.  Potatoes are item 2 and peas item 3.  I called my vet and he suggested I change to a dog food for something where the carbs are not potatoes are legumes.

Do you mind saying what kind it is?

[RoosGirl]

Checked the high priced dog food I am feeding my Great Pyrenees.  Potatoes are item 2 and peas item 3.  I called my vet and he suggested I change to a dog food for something where the carbs are not potatoes are legumes.

Or, you can supplement with taurine, which is passed out in urine if the body doesn't need it.

[DCPatriot]

[Suppressed]

ROTFLOL!

Have had friends who raise alpacas and llamas.  This is great.

[Suppressed]

[ConstitutionRose]

Do you mind saying what kind it is?

Blue Wilderness High Protein Grain Free with Salmon for Large Breed Dogs.  We also fed him the Costco version when we could get it.

[Sanguine]

Blue Wilderness High Protein Grain Free with Salmon for Large Breed Dogs.  We also fed him the Costco version when we could get it.

Thanks.

[ConstitutionRose]

https://skinnyms.com/doggie-green-bean-crunchies-for-healthy-weight/

I put them in when I go to bed and they are usually ready when I get up.  Big help in getting Atticus' weight down.   I "season" them with Bakon Yeast and keep them in the freezer.

*Bakon Yeast is a brand name for hickory smoked dried torula yeast.  No salt, no sugar, no calories.  Lots of options on Amazon and other retailers.

[Sanguine]

https://skinnyms.com/doggie-green-bean-crunchies-for-healthy-weight/

I put them in when I go to bed and they are usually ready when I get up.  Big help in getting Atticus' weight down.   I "season" them with Bakon Yeast and keep them in the freezer.

*Bakon Yeast is a brand name for hickory smoked dried torula yeast.  No salt, no sugar, no calories.  Lots of options on Amazon and other retailers.

I got mine a little sister to keep his weight down.  I adopted a year-old Doberman female from a rescue and she runs him ragged.  He's looking and acting better than he has in a couple of years! 

I'll try the green beans, that looks interesting.

[ConstitutionRose]

I got mine a little sister to keep his weight down.  I adopted a year-old Doberman female from a rescue and she runs him ragged.  He's looking and acting better than he has in a couple of years! 

I'll try the green beans, that looks interesting.

Atticus will mug you for a green bean.  When we move back to TN, I am going to get a puppy for Atticus to raise.   When my husband and I were dating, he had a Great Pyre that raised our bull dog puppy.  Griffin was an adult rescue.  So patient with the puppy.   

[RoosGirl]

Two articles with info on grain-free foods and DCM in dogs:

A broken heart: Risk of heart disease in boutique or grain-free diets and exotic ingredients

It’s Not Just Grain-Free: An Update on Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy


One interesting thing I learned in the second article is that 90% of dogs with DCM are not deficient in Taurine.  My vet did tell me that they think there could be a possibility that the legumes in food actually block Taurine from being used, so the dog isn't necessarily deficient in it, its body is just unable to use what it has.

[ConstitutionRose]

Two articles with info on grain-free foods and DCM in dogs:

A broken heart: Risk of heart disease in boutique or grain-free diets and exotic ingredients

It’s Not Just Grain-Free: An Update on Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy


One interesting thing I learned in the second article is that 90% of dogs with DCM are not deficient in Taurine.  My vet did tell me that they think there could be a possibility that the legumes in food actually block Taurine from being used, so the dog isn't necessarily deficient in it, its body is just unable to use what it has.

Thanks for the info.  I wonder if there is a test for Taurine deficiency.  I will check with my vet next week.

[RoosGirl]

Thanks for the info.  I wonder if there is a test for Taurine deficiency.  I will check with my vet next week.

There is a test.  One of the two articles talks specifically about it.

[BassWrangler]

My best friend, this morning, waiting for my wife to wake up.

[RoosGirl]

My best friend, this morning, waiting for my wife to wake up.

Spinone Italiano?

[RoosGirl]

Hmmm... no, I don't think that is right. Coat is not wirey enough.

[BassWrangler]

Hmmm... no, I don't think that is right. Coat is not wirey enough.

@RoosGirl - Australian Labradoodle

[austingirl]

My best friend, this morning, waiting for my wife to wake up.

Darling pup.

[InHeavenThereIsNoBeer]

Two articles with info on grain-free foods and DCM in dogs:

A broken heart: Risk of heart disease in boutique or grain-free diets and exotic ingredients

It’s Not Just Grain-Free: An Update on Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy


One interesting thing I learned in the second article is that 90% of dogs with DCM are not deficient in Taurine.  My vet did tell me that they think there could be a possibility that the legumes in food actually block Taurine from being used, so the dog isn't necessarily deficient in it, its body is just unable to use what it has.

When I was looking into this recently I found that there can also be a deficiency in B6, which is needed for the body to process taurine.

Which seems a little odd, since if you look at the top five sources for taurine and B6, four of them are the same.

[InHeavenThereIsNoBeer]

https://skinnyms.com/doggie-green-bean-crunchies-for-healthy-weight/

I put them in when I go to bed and they are usually ready when I get up.  Big help in getting Atticus' weight down.   I "season" them with Bakon Yeast and keep them in the freezer.

*Bakon Yeast is a brand name for hickory smoked dried torula yeast.  No salt, no sugar, no calories.  Lots of options on Amazon and other retailers.

My recipe:

Go outside.
Grab green beans.
Throw to dogs.

[TomSea]

Winning photo from the "Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards" (who would think such existed).



http://www.thetower.org/6923oc-israeli-photographer-wins-international-prize-for-polar-bear-photo/

[ConstitutionRose]

My recipe:

Go outside.
Grab green beans.
Throw to dogs.

You mean the dogs haven't discovered your source.   I know that if Atticus found green beans on the vine, he'd harvest the lot.

[InHeavenThereIsNoBeer]

You mean the dogs haven't discovered your source.   I know that if Atticus found green beans on the vine, he'd harvest the lot.

They know where the garden is, but they also know they're not allowed and they don't take things that aren't offered to them anyway.

[BassWrangler]

Another pic of my fur-bearing friend. Wearing a jacket I got for him in some Black Friday deal. $10, and it packs up in a tiny stuff sack.

[Cyber Liberty]

Another pic of my fur-bearing friend. Wearing a jacket I got for him in some Black Friday deal. $10, and it packs up in a tiny stuff sack.

What a baby!

[Gefn]

Another pic of my fur-bearing friend. Wearing a jacket I got for him in some Black Friday deal. $10, and it packs up in a tiny stuff sack.

Handsome doggy!

[austingirl]

Hank and Harriet wish you a Merry Christmas.

[austingirl]

Hank and Harriet wish you a Merry Christmas.

Bobbi, Rocky, and Lillian Gish, the doggies in my avatar pic are all in heaven now. I still miss them, treasure them and think of them often.

[BassWrangler]

Handsome doggy!

Thanks. He's a never ending joy. Like a kid except he doesn't grow up to be a pain in the posterior 

[AllThatJazzZ]

.

[austingirl]

.

Love the red noses. Cute pups.

[Gefn]

Hank and Harriet wish you a Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas Hank and Harriet! 

[Gefn]

.

Merry Christmas jazz and zoey

[austingirl]

Meet our newest addition. Dana is now renamed Dixie and it suits her. She's a loving sweet 8 pounds. Hank and Harriet are a tad jealous, but they were the new kids once upon a time.

[AllThatJazzZ]

Meet our newest addition. Dana is now renamed Dixie and it suits her. She's a loving sweet 8 pounds. Hank and Harriet are a tad jealous, but they were the new kids once upon a time.

All your babies are so delightful. Isn't it wonderful to have dogs underfoot all the time?! I can't imagine a household without a dog. I remember back in the 80s when I had to put my baby girl down, I just couldn't make myself go home after work. My heart was so broken, I was tentative about loving another dog. Yet, that was exactly what I needed. When I finally figured that out, I rescued my first poodle. Instead of avoiding coming home after work, I couldn't wait to get home. I think I exceeded a few speed limits to get home as quickly as I could! 

[austingirl]

All your babies are so delightful. Isn't it wonderful to have dogs underfoot all the time?! I can't imagine a household without a dog. I remember back in the 80s when I had to put my baby girl down, I just couldn't make myself go home after work. My heart was so broken, I was tentative about loving another dog. Yet, that was exactly what I needed. When I finally figured that out, I rescued my first poodle. Instead of avoiding coming home after work, I couldn't wait to get home. I think I exceeded a few speed limits to get home as quickly as I could! 

@AllThatJazzZ

Despite the pain of losing a baby, I can't live without them. Having multiple dogs helps.

[ConstitutionRose]

They know where the garden is, but they also know they're not allowed and they don't take things that aren't offered to them anyway.

Your dogs are obviously well trained.

Training a Great Pyrenees isn’t like training most dogs — they aren’t necessarily “eager to please”. While a Golden Retriever may do what you say because you said so, a pyr won’t be so likely.
...

I cannot express how important patience is when training a Great Pyrenees. Pyrs do what they want on their own time. Don’t be surprised if your pyr takes ten or fifteen seconds to follow the command you asked for.
...

A continuation of “be patient” is to be confident. A Great Pyrenees will challenge you. They are independent dogs that were bred to do their job without humans. That instinct doesn’t disappear in pet pyrs.

...

The Great Pyrenees is an extremely sensitive breed, despite their large size and sometimes intimidating demeanor. Hitting, screaming, alpha rolling, or other similar behavior will only harm your relationship with your pyr. If your pyr can’t trust you, he certainly won’t want to work with you.
  https://itsdogornothing.com/10-tips-for-training-a-great-pyren 

Alll of which is why  Atticus is my dog.  My husband likes the "eager to please" and "instant obedience" sort of dog.  He's never had the patience to work out a relationship with Atticus.   I would describe Atticus as compliant rather than obedient.  They are a challenge as a pet, which is why so many get dumped as adolescents.

I sort of envy you your well trained dogs, but I wouldn't  trade what Atticus is for well trained.

[Gefn]

Meet our newest addition. Dana is now renamed Dixie and it suits her. She's a loving sweet 8 pounds. Hank and Harriet are a tad jealous, but they were the new kids once upon a time.

Aawwww!!!!'
She’s wonderful!

[austingirl]

@Freya

Thanks. She's doing well.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Saw this and thought of you @Freya   

Merry Christmas!   

[Gefn]

@Right_in_Virginia

Isn’t this gif great?

[attachment deleted by admin]

[ConstitutionRose]

Saw this and thought of you @Freya   

Merry Christmas!   

Perfect.  I buy a new box of ornaments at the sales every year to replace the ones the cats have broken.  Cats are going to bat ornaments off the tree sure as the sun rises and sets.

[RoosGirl]

Perfect.  I buy a new box of ornaments at the sales every year to replace the ones the cats have broken.  Cats are going to bat ornaments off the tree sure as the sun rises and sets.

My dog does the same thing, but with his tail.

[Right_in_Virginia]

@Right_in_Virginia

Isn’t this gif great?

Sorry @Freya .... my laptop wouldn't let me open it.       

[Cyber Liberty]

Sorry @Freya .... my laptop wouldn't let me open it.     

Maybe a link will work better than an attachment?

[Gefn]

 Thank you @Cyber Liberty

Isn’t that a cute kitten?

I love this time of year

 

[BassWrangler]

My dog does the same thing, but with his tail.

LOL. This is our first Christmas with the dog, although we've had a cat for past Christmas. My wife is terrified that the dog will eat her ornaments. She delayed decorating the tree, and when she finally did, it looks like this:

[RoosGirl]

LOL. This is our first Christmas with the dog, although we've had a cat for past Christmas. My wife is terrified that the dog will eat her ornaments. She delayed decorating the tree, and when she finally did, it looks like this:

Hah, the bad part with my dog is that he's short tailed, so he purposely has to back himself up against things to thump them with his tail.  We knew he liked thumping doors and the curtains in the bedroom, but the tree is new this year.

With our first Shorthair we came home one evening and found a glass ball crashed on the floor at the front door.  I checked his mouth for cuts and discovered the red paint from the ornament stuck all over his teeth.  So he pulled it off to play with it and probably had a grand time flinging it around the room for himself until it hit the tile at the front door and broke.

[BassWrangler]

Hah, the bad part with my dog is that he's short tailed, so he purposely has to back himself up against things to thump them with his tail.  We knew he liked thumping doors and the curtains in the bedroom, but the tree is new this year.

LOL, thats hilarious.