What to Know
As pet owners, we want to give our pets the best quality of life by feeding them highly nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and early spaying/neutering in hopes of proving a long healthy life. In doing so, we unintentionally exposure our pets to possible health risks. The articles listed below will give you insight into common misconceptions during the growth and development of a young puppy.
We want to encourage our pet owners to consult with their veterinarians to create a health plan that works best for you and your pet to promote a long healthy lifestyle.
What to Know About Hip Dysplasia
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a condition that begins in dogs as they grow and results in instability (laxity) in the hip joint. Hip dysplasia has a complex mode of inheritance under the influence of multiple genes and environmental conditions, affecting the progression and severity of the disease. CHD is seen in a variety of breeds but is most prevalent in large-breed fast-growing dogs. Although the exact cause of CHD remains unknown, the development of the disease occurs in genetically predisposed animals exposed to environmental factors that enhance expression of the genetic weakness.
Studies show environmental risk factors include weight and growth, nutritional influences, and trauma to the hips.
Weight has proved to be an influential environmental factor in several studies. Increased weight alone does not “cause” hip dysplasia but plays an instrumental role in the manifestation of the disease in dogs having genetic susceptibility. A conducted Feeding Study concluded a decrease in over-fed dogs when implementing a restricted intake diet versus a free choice grazing diet. Red Barn Doodle Farm recommends feeding twice a day, the correct caloric intake for your pet to prevent obesity.
Studies show nutritional aspects of hip dysplasia include excessive Vitamin-C, Vitamin-D, and high protein diets. Excessive supplementation of Vitamin C and D leads to disruption in the physiologic process the bones undergo and thus can cause CHD. High protein diets may influence an accelerated growth in body weight. An example of a high protein is puppy food, which is beneficial to a growing puppy at a young age. However, long-term use of a marketed a puppy diet is not recommended due to the high protein content. No dietary deficiencies have been shown to “cause” hip dysplasia, but dietary excesses have been found to contribute to development of the disease.
CHD has a genetic basis with a complex mode of inheritance under the influence of multiple environmental factors, affecting the way CHD manifests and its severity. We recommend owners take precautions when exercising, supplementing, and feeding their canine companions to help decrease the risk of CHD.
What to Know About Early Spaying and Neutering
Gonadectomy, or more generally referred to as “neutering” or “spaying” is a common procedure in companion animals. Because neutering/spaying is a highly effective procedure in the management of population control, early age neutering/spaying has gained popularity. Studies have shown negative associations between neuter status and health conditions, mostly associated with early neutering.
Many physiologic systems in our pet’s body rely on the hormones produced by the reproductive organs to ensure proper development and physiologic maintenance. Early neutering and spaying have been found in association with hip dysplasia, immune-mediated disorders, urinary incontinence, cystitis, and cancers.
Given the importance of the hormones provided by the gonads in musculoskeletal development, early neutering/spaying impacts the ability of the bone to elongate properly as the bone matures. Studies have shown, joint disorders associated with neutering/spaying including hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear or rupture, and elbow dysplasia.
Neutering/spaying also alters metabolism thereby causing weight gain in dogs. Neutering is viewed as a common predisposing risk factor for obesity for dogs. Studies show obesity puts pets at risk for many disorders.
Due to the negative health impacts of early neutering, Red Barn Doodle Farm recommends that our Doodles are neutered/spayed, after 1 year of life to decrease the risks of joint disorders and cancers associated with early neutering/spaying.
What to Know About Grain Free Diets
Walking down the dog food aisle with a plethora of brands and diets can be overwhelming when it comes time to choose a dog food for your pet. Red Barn Doodle Farm does not recommend feeding grain-free diet or boutique brand diets. Studies have shown a link between grain-free diets and cases of canine heart failure known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Unlike cats, dogs are not true carnivores, they require a variety in their diet to meet their nutritional needs. Therefore, an ideal diet for your canine companion will contain meat, grains, and fruits. We do recommend brands such as Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina. These brands meet or exceed the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional standards and are backed by feeding trials, quality control, and nutritional analysis.
Our dogs at the Red Barn Doodle Farm are fed with a mixture of Hill’s Science Diet and Purina. We hope when considering a diet for your pet that you choose a diet that is well balanced and nutritionally beneficial for your canine companion.