Is Your Dog Suffering from Skin Allergies?

Lick, Bite, Chew, Scratch.  Why is my dog so itchy!

Could your dog be suffering from skin allergies? One sure sign that they could be is that your dog is always itching. After preventive care, itching is the most common reason for dogs to see the veterinarian. Many dogs suffer from itching that causes them to scratch, bite, lick, rub and traumatize themselves - and it can drive everyone in the household a bit nuts!

If curing itching in dogs was simple or straight forward, veterinarians would have already done it and no dog would have to suffer.  Sadly, figuring out what is causing the itch and what can stop it is often complicated and takes a lot of time, effort and money.

Your dog’s itch is just a symptom.  The itch usually has a main underlying cause or primary disease such as:

• Allergies to things in the air, like pollen
• Allergies to food, usually protein
• Contact allergies
• Parasites, like fleas, scabies, cheyletiella or demodex
• Ringworm
• Autoimmune disease
• Cancer

The primary diseases and the associated trauma to the skin from scratching disrupt the normal protective barrier of the skin, allowing secondary disease such as:

• Bacterial infection
• Yeast infection

Additionally, anxiety, stress, and boredom can exacerbate the itching.

To successfully manage your dog’s itching, your veterinarian will have to do some tests to determine the primary disease and the secondary diseases. Remember, itching is a symptom, not a disease, and the most successful treatment involves identifying and treating the underlying cause.  Your veterinarian will use a stepwise approach to try to get to the bottom of this challenging problem.

Step One - Your veterinarian will take a thorough look at your dog's medical history and ask what symptoms you are seeing to make a list of the most likely causes. Some common questions include:

• How old was your dog when the itching started?
• Is the itching getting better, worse or staying the same?         
• Does the itch get better and then come back?
• Is it seasonal or nonseasonal?
• Has any treatment worked in the past?

Step Two - Your veterinarian will check for parasites.  This may include combing thoroughly for fleas and using acetate tape and a scalpel to scrape the skin to collect samples to look at under the microscope for cheyletiella or demodex.

Step Three - Your veterinarian will look for the presence of bacteria or yeast by pressing a microscope slide on your dog’s skin, staining the slide and looking at the material under the  microscope.

Based on the findings from steps 1-3, your veterinarian may choose a treatment that will likely be effective.  This can include:

• Anti-parasitic medication
• Topical and/or oral antibiotics
• Topical and/or oral antifungal medication
• Topical and/or oral steroids
• Oral anti-itch medication

Step four - If your dog has recurrent episodes of itching or does not respond to therapy, your vet may recommend more even more tests.  These tests can include:

Blood work.  Your veterinarian will be looking for changes in screening blood work that suggests there may be an underlying endocrine disease. Some endocrine diseases like Cushing's disease and hypothyroidism make dogs more likely to develop skin infections.  Diagnosis of these diseases may require further tests.  Treatment for endocrine disease varies by disease.

Skin culture.  Your veterinarian will rub a sterile swab over the affected area and will send the sample to the laboratory.  In the laboratory, the material will be placed in a special dish with agar to see if any yeast or bacteria will grow. If there is growth, the lab may be able to identify exactly what type of yeast and/or bacteria is present and what medications are likely to kill them.  Your veterinarian will make medication recommendations based on these results.

Skin biopsy. Your veterinarian will anesthetize your dog and surgically take a few small samples of the areas affected most.  Your dog will likely go home with a few stitches. These samples will be sent to the laboratory to look at the skin itself for clues.  These samples may reveal parasites, auto-immune disease, cancer or other causes of disease.  Treatment will depend on the findings.

Food elimination trial. Food allergies can cause recurrent itching and skin infections.  Most commonly, dogs are allergic to the protein component of their diet.  To figure out if this is the case, and if so, what protein your dog is allergic to, your veterinarian may recommend a food trial.  A food trial involves eliminating all food except the diet prescribed by your veterinarian. This food will contain only one protein - either a novel protein, like kangaroo, that your dog will never have eaten before or a hydrolyzed protein that has been treated so that your dog’s immune system will not react to it.  You will feed this diet, and only this diet, for at least 6–8 weeks to see if your dog’s itching improves. If there is an improvement, then the old food is given to your dog for 7-10 days. If the itching returns when the old diet is fed, the diagnosis is made.

A blood test or intradermal skin testing for allergies to things in the environment. These tests look for your dog’s reaction to environmental allergens, such as grass, trees, pollen, mold, dust mites, etc.  If your dog reacts to these allergens, your veterinarian may recommend “allergy shots” similar to those given to people.

If you are lucky, you may get to a diagnosis for your dog’s itching.  While treating the underlying disease, your dog will need to also be treated for any yeast or bacterial infections with oral and or topical medications and will need relief from the itching.

As you can see, underneath what seems like a simple itch can be one or more very complicated diseases that cannot be relieved a simple "recipe" that will be effective in all cases. Just like in human medicine, a specialist may be necessary to get to a proper diagnosis and treatment for your dog's itching. A board-certified veterinary dermatologist can be found here acvd.org/tools/locator/locator.asp

Listen to Your (Dog's) Gut

New microbiome testing kit provides gut health insight

Your dog’s gut health is crucial to their overall wellbeing. A healthy microbiome (the good bacteria in the gut) keeps “bad” bacteria in check—too much bad bacteria can lead to syndromes like IBS—and influences digestion, energy levels, disease development, and even emotions. Researchers believe the gut may even “talk” to the brain. Studies show that the balance of bacteria in the gut microbiome may affect emotions and the way the brain processes sensory information. Scientists suspect that negative changes in the bacteria balance may play a role in depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. In short, gut health affects the whole body.

Thus, investigating your dog’s gut health can provide important insight on your dog’s immune system function, weight management, and even mood and behaviour. Testing your dog’s microbiome and gut health is now super easy with NomNomNow’s Insights Microbiome Kit. Simply collect and mail a stool sample from your dog and NomNomNow’s scientists will evaluate the types of bacteria that reside in the gut, then send a report describing the overall structure and how that compares to other dogs. If your dog is lacking any good bacterium, they’ll suggest diet adjustments you can implement to keep your dog’s gut happy and healthy! ($59, nomnomnow.com) 

We only promote the best products for you and your dogs. Some of these products are from our affiliates, which means we may earn a small amount from purchases made. Thank you for your support! All products featured on ModernDogMagazine.com are independently selected by our editors.

A Heart-Dog is Forever

My little girl. My first baby. Four months have gone by since my dog Esther’s passing and there’s not a day that I don’t miss her. Saying goodbye to her was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done—the mad panic few days of trying to make her better at any cost, and the horrifying, heartbreaking realization that I would have to let her go. Helping her pass was both a privilege and an impossibly devastating decision. It felt like my heart broke.




I almost refused to answer the door when the vet arrived at our house. Pacing in the kitchen, my face stained with tears, I had to have my husband greet her. He didn’t want to answer the door either. For a while I refused to come out, desperately wishing for another outcome, my heart filled with terror and disbelief. What a heavy thing to decide for someone you love, but also what a blessing. I was able to be there and help her cross over, at home, in the nicest way possible—on her sheepskin, surrounded by flowers from the neighbourhood, with “Sleep My Baby,” a favourite song from my son’s nighttime music, playing. I just hope I made the right decision for her, and that she knows how deeply she is missed.

When I ask my son, now 20 months, if he remembers Esther, he says, “woof woof” and smiles. Esther took his arrival, that of a demanding interloper, with such grace, lying next to him and sharing bites of sweet potato. But then again, of course she did. She always had such composure. She was like royalty. A pet psychic once told me she was an Egyptian woman of high standing in a past life. With her regal bearing and kohl rimmed eyes, I can believe it. 

Esther and I spent 16 years together—my entire adult life, really—but it felt more like lifetimes. Among the many moons, seasons, phases, and places encompassing our time together, she was my one constant. I used to say she was my “once in a lifetime dog,” smiling down at her, so proud of her slightly aloof, discerning intelligence and always perfect composure, but I’d like to revise that. One lifetime was not enough.

Esther, it’s my fervent wish you come back to me. I can’t wait to see what magnificent form you take next. In the meantime, I carry you with me, not only in my heart, but in the form of a small yellow diamond I’m having your ashes pressed into. I’ll wear it with my wedding ring. I miss you my friend. You were—are—my baby, my familiar, my best friend. I miss the sound of your ears flapping, your love of carpeting, and how you’d head to the door if you saw me getting ready to leave the house, always sure you were coming along (you were right). If I try really hard, I can recognize you’re still right here with me.

Shine Bright Like a Diamond
Memorial diamonds turn cremains into a brilliant tribute to a beloved dog

Heart in Diamond creates beautiful gem-grade diamonds from your dog’s ashes or fur so you can carry your dog with you wherever you go. 

1. The first step in the process is to determine the diamond size, cut, and colour you would like. There is a rainbow of colour choices, including orange, yellow, blue, and colourless. The intensity of the final colour (for example, a very pale yellow-orange or a deep orange) will depend on the individual’s carbon chemical composition.

2. Next, you send ⅔ cup of your pet’s ashes or a ½ cup of fur. You can also combine the two or even add a lock of your own hair. If you don’t have enough, Heart In Diamond can combine additional generic carbon to create your diamond, though most people opt to add in their own hair, says Heart in Diamond’s Operational Manager, Anastasia Formenti.

3. The carbon from the sample you provide is compressed and placed in a machine that recreates the natural conditions of a diamond growing under the Earth’s crust (extreme temperatures of 3,632°F and pressure levels of 60,000 Atmospheres!). Finally, your diamond is inspected, polished by a diamond polisher, and graded for the 4C’s—colour, clarity, cut, and carat—ensuring your diamond is gem grade. It takes just 75 to 120 days, depending on colour, to create your genuine diamond. Your lab-grown diamond comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and is guaranteed to be physically, chemically, and optically identical to earth-mined diamonds.

Heart In Diamond genuine diamonds start at $750. They offer a 0% interest plan allowing families to spread the cost over six, 12 or 24 months, as well as a bundle deal in case you want more than one diamond made. For example, if you order four of the smallest sized diamonds (all made from the same ashes), then the price is $295 per diamond. You can find out more at heart-in-diamond.com.

So You Think You Want a Husky?

This beautiful breed comes with a specific set of needs and issues

I’ve been involved in wolf, wolfdog and dog rescue for something like 30 years. I’ve volunteered for and have been employed by L.A. city shelters. I’ve worked for a respected rescue group. In addition to being a professional trainer and behavior specialist, I now volunteer at an L.A. County shelter. I share all of this to let you know that I’ve seen a lot in the dog world over the years. But never in all of that time have I seen anything like the flood of Huskies that is now pouring in to California shelters and rescues.

When a breed is popularized through film or television, unfortunate things happen. People get the Disneyesque version of the breed in their minds. Remember 101 Dalmatians? Think about all the unwanted Dals that ended up in shelters when people found out their dog was not Pongo. Or how about the Taco Bell Chihuahua, and all those oh-so-cute Chihuahuas who were purchased, given up, and left saying, “Yo quiero…a permanent home.” Add one part over-breeding and two parts lack of education and, well, now it’s happening with Siberian Huskies. I believe the trend can be attributed in large part to the huge popularity of Game of Thrones. I personally never watched the show, but I do believe the “direwolves” were the catalyst for many people wanting wolfy-looking dogs.

The unfortunate part is that Huskies, a breed I know well and love, are not only not direwolves, they’re not even typical dogs in the sense of what most people expect when they get a dog. Hence all the poor Huskies that are now sitting in shelters and rescues. Unfortunately, people often see only the beauty of the breed. And huskies are beautiful; the gorgeous, thick coat (which, by the way, will shed constantly and also decorate your home twice a year when the undercoat is blown), the masked-looking eyes that are sometimes a startling blue, and yes, the resemblance to wolves. And Huskies are intelligent, affectionate yet independent dogs who normally get along well with other big dogs. But what many people don’t see is that the breed comes with a specific set of needs and issues.

If you’re considering getting a Husky, consider this:

1. Huskies are escape artists. They’ll jump over fences and dig under. (Burying a skirting of chain link along the fence line can help prevent dig-outs.) As far as fence height, some huskies will remain inside five foot fencing, but my recommendation is six feet or higher. Some owners even add lean-ins—those angled arms you see at zoos—at the top. Adding lean-ins to our already high fencing was the first thing we did when we adopted my girl Sierra, a Husky mix who had been at a County shelter no less than four times before we adopted her. Oh, and getting back to your yard, if it’s a beautiful, pristine oasis with lovely flowers that you don’t want dug up or destroyed, this may not be the breed for you.

2. Huskies have a strong prey drive. More than a few have been surrendered to shelters because they chased or killed the family cat, or killed chickens or other small animals. Unfortunately, some have also attacked or killed a smaller family dog. Not all huskies have this strong of a prey drive, and some do coexist with smaller breed dogs. But personally, if I had chickens, a cat, or a small dog, I would not bring a Husky into the home. Why take the chance?

3. Huskies need lots of exercise. And I don’t mean a 15-minute potty walk twice a day. I mean exercise; daily runs, hikes, or at least long walks. We used to do “urban mushing” with our dogs (a Husky mix and a Malamute mix), where, using special equipment, they pulled one of us on a scooter. In colder climates, people do actual mushing or carting with their huskies. Again, these dogs need serious exercise. If you’re an active, outdoorsy type, great! A Husky may just be the perfect companion for you. If you’d rather sit on the couch and watch Game of Thrones reruns, maybe not so much.

4. Huskies can be very destructive when left alone. If you’re planning to leave an unexercised husky in an apartment and go off to work, you should also plan to come home to a space that has been completely redecorated in the Doggy Demolition motif.

5. Huskies don’t bark much, so they don’t make good watchdogs, but they do howl. Will this be a potential problem with your neighbors?

6. Huskies can be challenging to train to off-leash reliability. I tell you this not only as an owner but as a long-time trainer. I’m not saying it can’t be done, but it will likely take a lot more work, as many will run off and will chase squirrels and other prey rather than coming back on command.

You might think, given all of these warnings, that I’m trying to dissuade you from adopting a Husky. I’m not. I’m just trying to prevent more from ending up in shelters or rescues. Again, Huskies are beautiful, affectionate, intelligent, companions. It’s because I love this breed that I implore you to consider whether a husky is really the right dog for you. If you do decide to get one, consider adopting. Shelters and rescues are filled with Huskies of all ages, victims of a lack of knowledge on the part of previous owners. And consider an adult dog. What you see with an adult is what you get as far as temperament; it’s not going to develop into something different as the dog grows. And, you’d be saving a life.

If you’re interested, please visit your local shelter, especially city and county shelters where the dogs are in danger of being euthanized if they’re not adopted. You can also search on Petfinder, Pet Harbor, Instagram, Facebook, and many other places online to find huskies that are available through private owners or rescues. If you’ve got the right containment and home situation, you might even consider fostering for a rescue group, which would allow you to “test-drive” the dog and make an informed decision on whether to adopt. In any case, howls of thanks to you for reading. Please help to spread the word and to educate others about this very special breed.

* Nicole Wilde is an internationally recognized, award-winning author and lecturers, as well as a professional canine behaviour specialist and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). Her 11 books include Don’t Leave Me, Help For Your Fearful Dog, and Keeping the Peace: A Guide to Solving Dog-Dog Aggression in the Home. 

Learn Why You Need To Know What Is In Your Dog's Grooming Products!

I bet you are more aware of the dangers of certain ingredients in the products you use for ourselves but what your dog's grooming products? Can using the wrong products really affect your pup? Should you be using organic dog shampoo? There has been a siginficant increase in organic products aimed towards dogs, it is exciting to see that maybe one day organic will be the new normal.

So why are organic ingredients so important to your best friend? The answer to this ultimately comes down to two major problems with non-organic ingredients. The first one to consider is the environmental impact of synthetically manufactured chemicals. Producing chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides used to grow non-organic ingredients requires more energy. CO2 emissions significantly increase when these chemicals are released into the environment, and they can alter and damage important ecosystems.

The other problem with synthetically manufactured chemicals is their negative impact on your dog’s health. Here is a list of some of the most common synthetic ingredients you dont' want to see in your dogs grooming products and their effects they can have.

Parabens: Parabens are preservatives that can be found in everything from food to beauty products. They are listed as a Category 1 Priority Substance by the European
      Commission on Endocrine Disruption as they interfere with hormone function. It has also
      been suggested that they cause cancer and interfere with male reproductive functions.

Sulphates: Sulphates are used to create the suds in products like shampoo. The lather created by sulphates isn’t necessary to the cleaning process, but since their addition
      to shampoos in the 1930s, we have come to associate lather with cleanliness. Sulphates
      are not quite as dangerous as some of the other ingredients, but can cause severe skin,
      eye, and lung irritation.

Phthalates: Phthalates are chemicals often used to soften hard plastics to make them pliable. They can occur naturally, but most phthalates used in the production of
      products are synthetic. Some phthalates are known as endocrine disruptors and have been
      proven to cause cancer. Studies have even shown that exposure to phthalates can
      interfere with reproductive functions.

Artificial Colours: Artificial colours are made up of a number of different synthetic chemicals. Many include ingredients like coal tar (a carcinogenic) or petroleum, which
      are often contaminated by substances like arsenic and lead. Many colours have been
      linked to skin problems and behavioural issues.

Artificial Fragrances: Artificial fragrances are also made up of a mixture of different synthetic chemicals. Many fragrances have been shown to contain hormone
      disruptors linked to abnormal cell reproduction. They have also been linked to liver and
      breast cancer, diabetes, and obesity.

Your dog's largest organ is their skin, you need to treat it properly! You want to keep harmful chemicals as far away as you can from your pet. 

These ingredients can be found in nearly every dog grooming product imaginable, not just food. Cheap dog shampoos and conditioners are one of the biggest culprits, and can have major impacts on your pet’s health as they come in contact with the entire exterior of the body/skin.

If you’re looking to make the switch to more organic products, we recommend starting with Spina Organics. Not only are these dog grooming products natural and organic but created by Mauro Spina, top Beverly Hills hair stylist. They create all-natural, vegan body washes and conditioners for pets, and are open and honest about the ingredients they use. These dog-friendly products contain natural extracts to bring the beauty and shine of your dog's coat naturally!  Get your dog the products they deserive, click here!

We promote the best information and products for our readers, and some may be affiliates of Modern Dog, which means we make a small amount when you purchase. Thank you for your support! 

How To Massage Your Dog

4 dog massage techniques to help your pup rest, relax, and rejuvenate

Ahhh—yeah—that’s the right spot, how to massage your dog! What’s that? No, it doesn’t hurt, it’s divine. Don’t stop now... Who doesn’t love a massage? You can’t beat something that feels so good and is good for you, too. Dog massage lowers blood pressure and reduces stress for both the giver and receiver and takes only minutes a day. Better yet, learning how to give your dog a massage is easy. And if you believe in karmic retribution, just think of all those massages waiting for you down the road!

Daily Dog Massage

     In just ten minutes a day, you can give your dog a “maintenance” massage. Use a flat palm to slowly touch all the parts of your dog’s body. Really focus on what you are feeling and pay attention to all the layers, from hair through skin, fat, muscle, and down to bone. Meanwhile, Liverlover is basking in the attention and loving the extra “petting.” However, there is more to these massages than just quality time together. After a few days, you will have a clear picture of what is normal for your dog’s body. In future sessions, you will be quick to notice any differences in surface temperature, sensitivity to touch, localized swelling or muscle tension, poor coat quality or tight skin. Left undetected, these things can lead to problems requiring medical care, medications, or even surgery. Knowing what feels normal for your dog can also help you provide better information for your veterinarian, trainer, or massage practitioner. This is one way that regular massage can add to the length and quality of your pet’s life.

How to Massage Your Nervous Dog To Calm Them

    Oh, oh. The distant sound of thunder is rolling through your neighbourhood. Your dog begins to whine, roll his eyes, and pant. He dives under your bed. Is there anything you can do to reduce his stress? Massage may be the answer. Massage therapists use a stroke similar to petting to relax the nervous system. Lightly rest the flat palm of your hand on top of your dog’s head or neck. Make long, sweeping passes along the length of the spine and down the tail. Repeat this several times slowly. You can gradually increase your pressure if your dog likes it. Do not press straight down on the lower part of the back. To finish, allow one hand to rest at the base of your pet’s head and the other hand to rest over the area of the pelvis (the high point over your dog’s hips). These two areas correspond to the part of the spinal cord that controls the rest and relaxation responses of the body (for example, sleep, digestion, and tissue repair). This technique is useful any time your dog is nervous or fearful, such as during nail trimming or vaccinations, or when he is hyperactive or restless.

Warm-Up Massage for Active Dogs

    If you work out or play a sport, you’ve likely been told many a time that warming up your body is a vital part of your fitness routine. Active dogs that compete, run, hike with their owners, or just play hard also deserve a good warm-up, and it may even prevent injury. Start with several minutes of petting strokes over your dog’s entire body. Briskly rub the large muscles (neck, shoulders, buttocks, and thighs) with the heel of your hand. Gently lift and squeeze the muscles. The technique is a lot like kneading bread dough. Wrap your fingers around each lower leg and squeeze gently. Relax your grip and move up Warm-up for active dogs the leg gradually, squeezing as you go. Finish with more petting over the entire body to stimulate the nerves.

Relieving Joint Stiffness and Soreness With Dog Massage

    The weekend was great—on Saturday, Tex ran with the gang for hours at the dog park. Then, on Sunday, you two hiked all day. But Monday doesn’t look so good. Tex is limping from couch to water dish, and declining your invitations to play. Ouch! Recent exertion, aging, or inactivity can lead to soreness and stiffness in joints and muscles. To help, start by petting the area around the joint to warm the tissue. Then place your hand(s) over the area and apply gentle compressions over the area. You can use your breathing or count slowly to establish a rhythm as you press and release the muscles. The pumping motion moves fluids through the muscles and takes tension off the tendons surrounding the joint. Never use sudden or direct force over a bone. Finish with more petting over the area to soothe the nerves. Keep in mind that regular massage throughout the life of your pet may help prevent the stiffness and pain that contributes to arthritis. Readers should note that knowing how to massage your dog is not a substitute for veterinary care. Severe conditions require diagnosis and treatment by your veterinarian.

10 “People” Foods for Dogs

10 people foods that dogs can eat to provide a fun variety and a great nutritional boost!

YUM! It's no rare fact that most dogs LOVE "people" food. Here's a list of the top 10 dog-approved "people foods" your dog can eat to increase the variety of their diet and give a nutritional boost!

Can dogs eat that? Apples, salmon, pumpkin, beans, yogurt... people foods that are safe for your dog to eat. As a responsible and informed dog lover, you probably know that too much “people food” can make your dog ill or overweight, but there are some human foods that can be safely added to your dog’s meals in moderation to give a nutritional boost to Queenie’s diet and add a bit of variety to her food bowl. Just remember: any additions to your dog’s meals shouldn’t comprise more than 25 percent of her weekly caloric requirement.

Are you worried that your dog has food allergies? Check out Food Allergies in Dogs.

1. Yogurt is a good source of available calcium and protein. When choosing yogurt, pick one that has live active bacteria and no sugars or artificial sweeteners. The active bacteria may act as probiotics. If your pooch is pudgy, make sure that you pick fat-free yogurt but not one that contains fat substitutes (e.g., Simplesse or Olestra). Frozen yogurt is a nice summer treat for dogs.

2. Flax seed (ground or oil) is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids that are good for skin and coat. Whole flax seeds are best if ground right before feeding as this type of fat can go rancid quickly. Flax seed can also be added to your dog’s diet as a source of fibre. Flax oil is a more concentrated form of omega- 3 fatty acids without the fibre. Make sure that you store the oil or seeds in the fridge in an air tight dark container. 

3. Salmon is a fatty fish which is also a good source of omega- 3 fatty acids. These fats support the immune system and can be beneficial for skin and coat health. There has also been some indication that they may benefit dogs with allergies. You can feed salmon or salmon oil. If feeding salmon, make sure it’s cooked before serving, as raw salmon can carry a parasite that can make your dog sick.

4. Pumpkin is a good source of fibre and beta carotene (a source of vitamin A). Dogs need fibre in their diet. The current trend is towards highly digestible diets that lower stool volume and this is not necessarily a good thing. Keeping the GI tract moving helps keep the cells lining the gut healthy.

5. Sweet potatoes are another source of dietary fibre and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, and manganese. Sweet potatoes are great sliced and dehydrated as a chewy treat for your dog. There are so many dog treats on the market that we often overlook the simple, healthy, and reasonably priced treats available at our grocery store.

6. Green beans are a good source of plant fibre, vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese. If your dog has a tendency to put on weight, then replacing some of her regular food with green beans is a great low calorie way to fill her up and help her maintain a healthy weight. Many dogs enjoy green beans frozen.

7. Eggs are a great source of very digestible protein, riboflavin, and selenium. For some dogs that are prone to digestive upset, eggs can give them a little protein boost. Adding eggs to your dog’s food is a healthy treat. Make sure to use cooked whole egg, as raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency. If you do a lot of training with your dog, consider taking cooked eggs to your next class as training treats.

8. Brewer’s yeast is the yeast that’s left over from making alcohol. Dogs seem to really enjoy the tangy taste of brewer’s yeast. It’s full of B vitamins which are good for skin, coat, and carbohydrate metabolism. Make sure you’re using brewer’s yeast (available at health food stores), not baking yeast which will make your dog sick. Brewer’s yeast can spice up your dog’s appetite. Just sprinkle a little on the food of a picky eater and watch her dive into her food.

9. Apples are wonderful crunchy treats for your dog. Apples with the skin on are full of plant chemicals (phytonutrients) that are thought to be protective against some types of cancer in humans. They are a source of vitamins A and C and fibre. Apple seeds, however, contain cyanide so your dog should not be allowed to eat the core. Though the effects of a few apple seeds will likely not harm your dog, the deleterious effects can accumulate over time if allowed to eat apple seeds regularly. To safely feed your dog apples, slice the apples into smaller pieces and make sure no seeds are present in the pieces you're giving your dog. Another good idea is to start in small quantities so your dog can become accustomed to a new ingredient in their diet.

10. Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fibre. This can be beneficial for some older dogs that may have trouble maintaining bowel regularity. Oatmeal is also an alternative source of grain for dogs that are allergic to wheat. It can be fed in conjunction with probiotics to enhance their function. Keep in mind oatmeal should always be fed cooked and plain with no sugar or flavouring. As always, check with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they are on any medications. Upsetting the vitamin and mineral balances in your dog’s diet can have negative effects on your dog’s health and some medications interact badly with some nutrients. The aim of most dog owners is to give their dogs the best diet possible. Good nutrition coupled with a health care program may result in extending your dog’s life by as much as 15 percent. The suggestions above are not meant to replace your dog’s normal, balanced diet. Rather, they are ideas for alternative treats or for adding a little variety to your dog’s meals.

Bonus Ideas! Modern Dog Editor Picks:

Fresh-made food. We tried it. Your dog will LOVE this food. Feeding our dogs healthy, balanced meals is extremely important for their health and wellness but busy schedules can prevent us from making them ourselves. Try NomNomNow, delivering fresh, pre-portioned, nutritious meals to fit any dog's diet.—Ed.

Dog Arthritis Pain Relief

8 Things You Can Do To Help Your Dog’s Sore Joints

8 Tips to Give Your Dog Arthritis Pain Relief

Most dogs will experience some form of arthritic pain as they grow older, with many dogs beginning to show arthritic symptoms at just six or seven years of age. Signs of arthritis in dogs include difficulty or pain when getting up (indicated by stiffness or yelping), a reluctance to walk, play, or climb stairs, lagging behind part way through a walk, limping, a dislike of being touched, licking at joints, or a change in personality, such as snappish behaviour from a normally good-natured dog. Here’s how to help a dog with arthritis.

#1 Keep the weight off. Arthritic pain can be managed—and in some cases prevented—by maintaining an ideal body weight. Extra weight puts extra pressure on already sore joints. How do you know if your dog could lose a pound or two? A dog at a healthy weight has a slightly defined waist and a soft outline of the rib cage.

If your dog could stand to lose a few pounds, mind those treats. Hills Pet Nutrition did the math: For a 20-pound dog, a one ounce cube of cheddar cheese is the human caloric equivalent of one-and-a-half hamburgers.

#2 Adjust your dog’s environment with supportive bedding and stairs or ramps.

A bed designed to cushion joints, like the Bowsers' Oslo Ortho Bed (think cool gel memory foam plus a scooped front), is a godsend for older dogs.

Hampton Bay Pet Steps makes ramps and stairs to help senior pups get around and access areas like the couch or the car.

And if your dog is increasingly reluctant to do the stairs, stair treads from Dean Flooring provide much appreciated traction to prevent older dogs from slipping on stairs. They install in five minutes without adhesives and can make all the difference for older dogs.

Also, be sure to keep those nails short. If your older dog has trouble with hardwood floors and other non-carpeted surfaces, try Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips, non-slip grips that fit on your dog's toenails to prevent their feet from sliding out from under them on slippery surfaces. By providing traction they improve the mobility of injured or older pets.

#3 Controlled Exercise. It’s important that you get your arthritic dog moving. Encourage your dog to get up and move around. Exercise should be short in duration and low impact—swimming is an ideal non-weight-bearing exercise. Depending on your dog, short, slower walks are also good.

#4 Supplements. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and fish oils are the gold standards in promoting joint health. GlycoFlex Plus combines glucosamine, chondroitin and other anti-inflammatories to support your dog’s motion and comfort and has been clinically proven to increase hind leg strength.

Iceland Pure’s unscented salmon oil for dogs ($14) is an omega powerhouse. It is extracted at low temperatures, ensuring the fatty acids are not broken, meaning the quality of the oil is the best it can be. 

#5 Keep your dog warm and dry—cold and damp conditions aggravate arthritis. A thin bed on a cold floor is guaranteed to leave your arthritic dog feeling stiff and sore. Make sure your dog’s resting place is cushy enough to not transfer cold up from the floor, but also that’s it’s not so elevated that your dog has trouble getting into it. A cozy, well insulated dog bed with a dip in the bolstered edge provides draft protection while still being easy to enter. 

 Three of our top recommended dog beds for older dogs are: 

• BuddyRest the Juliet Orthopedic Dog Bed utilizes LiftTex technology to promote joint health, while the waterproof Crypton suede fabric ensures the bed stays clean. (From $175, buddyrest.com)
• Bowser’s Oslo Ortho Bed features a revolutionary cool gel memory foam technology for maximum comfort for old joints. ($125, bowsers.com)
• Pet Play’s California Dreaming Memory Foam Bed provides ultimate support and relief from life’s daily pressures. From ($199, petplay.com) 

#6 Massages can improve blood flow and dramatically help relieve the discomfort, stiffness, and muscle tension associated with arthritis. How to massage an arthritic dog: Situate your dog on a soft surface in a comfortable position. Start by petting your dog all over and then proceed to lightly stroke the affected areas, typically the hips, lower spine and knees, using very little pressure. This technique is called effleurage and helps promote circulation and drainage. Using a soft touch, gently massage the area around the joints—avoid putting any direct pressure on the joint itself; doing so can increase inflammation. You want to alternate gentle kneading with rubbing your dog’s skin to create friction and some gentle effleurage strokes to encourage drainage. Pay attention to your dog’s cues and lighten your touch if it appears painful. Start with sessions of five to ten minutes and work up from there, ideally massaging twice a day, in the morning to help your dog limber up after a night of inactivity and again at the end of the day. Find our full, illustrated canine massage how-to here.

#7 Laser therapy. Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses light to stimulate cells and increase blood circulation. It is also thought to reduce pain signals and decrease nerve sensitivity while releasing endorphins, aka natural pain killers. Consult your vet—many offer this treatment modality. 

#8 CBD. The hemp-based, non-psychoactive cousin of marijuana, CBD, or cannabidiol, has dog owners raving about the improvements they’ve seen in their dog’s mobility. For more on this natural remedy for pain and inflammation, as well as anxiety and a host of other issues, read our full article on CBD for dogs.