Tag / Health

why dogs do not need to eat cheese / cheese can be toxic to dogs / bad and good cheese for dogs / puppy tips and advice / english cocker spaniel blog / first published on Perfect cocker spaniel (C)
by Natalia

Let’s talk about cheese

Cheese is like ice-cream… It’s a delicious sin, so scrumptious and tempting that some people would rather say they don’t like it than confess their love…

A lot of people share both with their dogs. Ice-cream is given as a sweet express ticket to cocker’s heart. It works, it’s definitely not brilliant for dogs health, but like any treat, is an occasional affair.

Cheese, on the other hand, is different. Even books advise on using cheese as a high value reward making it a daily necessity for any successful training.

As a self-confessed bore (and cocker mum) I disagree with such a statement.

Cheese, after all, is not as dog friendly as it’s portrayed. Personally, I never give it to my boys (with an exception for home-made tvorog (a Russian version of German quark) that suits young puppies)

Let’s be fair, I have my reasons…

Cheese is dairy & adult dogs would find it hard to digest it due to lower levels of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose.

Cheese is high in salt, which can cause problems because you can easily overdo the recommended amount.

Cheese is very high in fat, which can increase risk of pancreatitis and unwanted kilos. Cockers are prone to both – why play Russian roulette with luck?

Cheese, the mouldy & gooey types, are extremely toxic to dogs & eating them can be fatal.

Cheese is an extremely concentrated source of calories, so what seems like a tiny piece to you is likely to cover your dog’s daily calorie needs (I’m exaggerating but you get the idea)

Cheese made with cows milk, unless it’s organic, can contain pesticides, antibiotic residue & even traces of puss.

Cheese, especially the strong types like cheddar, contains an amino-acid tyramine that can reach dangerously high levels (and lead to critically elevated blood pressure) when consumed with food by dogs taking MAOIs, a type of antidepressants (sold as L-Deprenyl, Selegiline and Anipryl).

So skip the cheese if you care about your pup. Chicken, turkey, eggs, chopped air dried venison sausages, sprats and even your dog’s own kibble (whatever he’s insanely in love with, basically!) can work as a high value reward instead, keeping your cocker focused and giving you a peace of mind.

Photo source: image by Дарья Колмагорова from Pixabay

Rape or rapeseed plant dangerous toxic and poisonous to dogs and why / Plants that are toxic to dogs / first published on Perfect cocker spaniel blog (C)
by Natalia

3 reasons to keep your dog away from rapeseed plant

I don’t know about you but I’ve always loved the yellow carpeted fields of rapeseed. They seemed cheerful & inviting, a true sign of spring.

Then I had my dogs & had to re-think the whole “romantic part” completely.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) turned out to be one of the worst toxic plants for dogs because it contains glucosiolnates & S-methyl-L-cysteine-sulfoxide (an analog of alliin found in garlic, leeks & onions also known to cause haemolytic anaemia in dogs). It’s so bad, the pups don’t even need to digest rape to experience the ill effects.

And here’s why…

The entire plant is toxic if eaten. It can cause haemolytic anaemia (read, death sentence for ALL dogs), blindness, breathing difficulties & digestive problems. It can damage the nervous system, too.

Worst, rapeseed has another way to attack our dogs thanks to the plant’s natural “defence mechanism”.

Rape comes from the Brassicaceae family that can protect themselves by attacking any pests with what is known as “the mustard oil bombs”. Any damage to the plant activates the enzymatic response & causes rapeseed fire out a bunch of chemicals (nitriles & isothiocyanates) to repel the offender. It is suggested that it is the “bomb” that causes burns and skin reactions in any dog who comes in contact with the plant.

Third reason not to let your pup anywhere near the rapeseed is the level of herbicides & pesticides that the crops are sprayed with several times during the growing season. The chemicals are unlikely to be fatal to dogs, but they can cause issues and, if the dog is exposed to them regularly & for a period of time, lead to serious health problems in the future.

As I was preparing this post, I noticed two polar opinions about the rapeseed. Some research, toxicity manuals and dog owners claimed that the plant must be avoided. The other camp, mainly of growers and manufacturers, said that the quantities of the toxins are so low, the dogs would not experience any ill effects whatsoever.

Personally, I am not prepared to take risks. And I am posting this today to make you aware of both opinions, so the final decision is yours.

Photo source: image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay

how to choose best natural treats and training treats for puppies and dogs / puppy tips and advice / first published on Perfect cocker spaniel blog (C)
by Natalia

Your cocker will love these good-for-him treats

“What do you feed your dogs with?” is one of the questions I’m asked at least once a day. I don’t usually advise on the choice of dog food because I believe in individuality and the choice of dog food should depend on your dog, his health, age, gender, activity and preferences, and discussed with a knowledgable vet (though I’m more than happy to chat about different brands, ingredients and types of diets)

Treats are a bit different. They are something I give to my boys in addition to their meals – because if I don’t, they will queue in the kitchen forever…  I thought I’d put all our favourites in one post in case you’ve been curious but felt a bit shy to ask.

Remember that any new food must be introduced gradually, these foods below are suitable for healthy active dogs without any diagnosed health problems, any health issues you’re aware of or dogs who take any form of medicine, prescribed drugs or supplements. If you’re in doubt, always check with your vet!

The list below is condensed, but I’ve put a lot more info in my book Perfect cocker spaniel.

DAILY my boys have…
… home-made biscuits;
… natural yoghurt / kefir (they love the taste, plus it’s a tiny dose of some B vits, calcium, magnesium, and good bacteria);
… raw manuka honey (not suitable for dogs under 12 months of age. Full of minerals, antibacterial agents and yummy taste);
… raw organic virgin coconut oil (for fab fatty acids and antibacterial properties);
… raw dried sweet potato (makes a great chew, packed with beta-carotene, B vits, vit C, magnesium, calcium, iron & fiber;
… whatever is in season and always – organic. I limit the quantities to a couple of slices for cucumber/carrot, 1-2 strawberries or 4-5 berries like blueberries. Boys have one option per day, not a salad!

ONCE A WEEK pups also have…
…. a hard boiled egg, usually we use it for training;
… cooked plain chicken or turkey, again it’s a high value training treat;
… salmon (two very small pieces, just as a little treat);
… passata (2tsp, plain passata free from salt, herbs or any other flavorings. It’s not so much for the vitamin value but to keep the plaque away)

What is your dog’s favourite treat?

Photo source: image by katerinavulcova from Pixabay