Facts about the benefits of dogs. What benefits do dogs bring to our health? Dogs can't eat raw fish


Health

You may not be entirely sure that animals can positively affect your health, especially when you clutch your heart at the bill issued by the veterinarian. In fact, there are many benefits to having pets. According to some data, including those based on real scientific studies, it turned out that dog owners turn out to be healthier than those who do not have pets.

They can spot cancer

In 1989 in the magazine The Lancet An article was published that told of a patient who reported that her dog sniffed at a mole on her leg and once tried to bite it off. The hostess guessed to go check, and it turned out that in this place there really was malignant melanoma.

Dogs not only can detect cancerous tumors skin, some of them can also detect other types of cancer: bladder, breast, lung, ovarian, and colon. A specially trained eight-year-old black Labrador named Panda was able to accurately detect colon and rectal cancer in 33 out of 37 cases based on stool samples provided by the researchers. What's more, according to an article published in Gut this year, Panda was also able to detect colon and rectal cancer at an early stage with great accuracy.

It is not yet known exactly how the dog detects the disease: using the sense of smell, it detects specific unknown, rapidly evaporating components associated with the tumor, or it smells typical substances that are associated with an increased risk of cancer, such as metabolites after smoking. However, in this experiment, Panda identified cancer patients among those who had inflammation, smokers, or who had other diseases.

They will help you be more active.

Of course, it's no secret that dog owners have to be outdoors more often, walk or even train with them. Dogs, more than other pets, require regular walks and love to be played with by their owners.

According to a 2010 study published in the journal American Journal of Public Health, children who have dogs spend more time on active physical exercises compared to those without dogs. The same is true for adult dog owners.

In 2006, Canadian scientists from University of Victoria researched and found out that dog owners lead an active lifestyle to a greater or lesser extent. On average, they walk about 300 minutes a week. Those who don't have dogs spend an average of 168 minutes a week walking.

The difference between those who have dogs and those who don't is not that big, but it's still quite significant.

It does not always happen that the owner has a desire to regularly walk the dog. According to a 2006 study by scientists from Johns Hopkins University, despite the fact that the dog obliges the owner to walk with it daily, only a part of the owners walk the dog more than 3 times a week, and usually these are elderly people. Your pets can walk the dog, or you can just let it out into the yard on your own. If you are too lazy to walk your dog, then there will be no special health benefits in this case.

They can warn of low blood sugar

Some trained dogs can detect low blood sugar levels. According to a magazine article british medical journal in 2000, more than one third of dogs with diabetic owners can change their behavior when their owners' sugar levels drop, even when the patient is unaware of it. Two cases were recorded when dogs not only determined this, but also encouraged the owners to eat.

It's not yet clear exactly how the dogs detected this, but it's possible they may have noticed muscle contractions or their owners' scent changes, according to the scientists. Perhaps dogs can be trained to do this.

They may reduce the risk of eczema

Many patients worry about their children interacting with dogs, which they believe can lead to allergies or eczema. However, preliminary studies have shown that children are less likely to develop eczema by the age of four if they are exposed to dogs from early childhood.

In a study published in the journal Journal of Pediatrics in 2011, 636 children took part. It was found that problems were observed to a lesser extent in those who had a dog in the house. In fact, even children who are predisposed to dog allergies do not increase their risk of developing eczema if they have a pet.

Before you get a dog for your child, remember that more research is needed in this area. Other studies have shown that some children have an increased risk of asthma if they have a dog in the house.

They can help with epileptic seizures

The task of a dog that helps people with seizures is the same as that of guide dogs - to help a person in daily activities and protect him from dangers. There are many organizations in the US that train dogs to help people with epilepsy. In most cases, these animals are trained to recognize specific changes in the behavior or gestures of patients.

Some believe that dogs can warn owners that a seizure is coming, allowing them to take their medication on time, go to a safe place, or call for help. However, there has been too little research to date to support the notion that dogs can actually predict when an attack is coming.

In the magazine Neurology two articles appeared in 2007 arguing that all data on this issue were obtained from the patients themselves and their relatives, so they may be biased. Despite this, scientists argue that some dogs may be more responsive to psychological seizures, which are related to emotional problems and are somewhat different from epileptic seizures. In one reported case, a dog caused a non-epileptic seizure by licking its owner's face.

Although some scientists question the fact that dogs can warn of an impending seizure, most of them agree that helping dogs with epilepsy patients is very important.

They may discourage you from eating food that causes allergies.

Some dogs are good at sniffing out illegal substances or even detecting bombs. However, it is assumed that the sense of smell in dogs also helps to identify allergens.

In people with severe peanut allergies, even the slightest smell of peanuts can trigger a reaction. A dog that detects peanuts can be a real treasure for such people, according to educational institution for dogs Florida Canine Academy. After hard training, these animals are able to smell peanuts in the room, for example, if the peanuts are in a biscuit lying on the table, or in a candy hidden in a bag.

People with this form of allergy should always be on the lookout and carry epinephrine with them in case dangerous situation. In this case, a dog that smells peanuts will help them be more calm.

They help you recover from illness

To participate in many programs at hospitals and rehabilitation centers dogs are allowed.

"Dog Therapy" helps to stimulate mobility, interpersonal contacts and socialization in patients.

According to a 2005 review in the journal british medical journal, dogs act as "social catalysts" to help people interact with others and reduce feelings of loneliness, especially in elderly patients with physical disabilities.

Dog owners do better stressful situations, which greatly helps to avoid stress-related diseases.

The researchers also found that dog owners are less likely to die from heart attacks compared to those who do not have pets.

Dogs have faithfully served man for thirty thousand years. And if earlier they helped a person to get food, hunting with him, and guarded his home from encroachment, now he increasingly lives in an apartment.

The benefits of dogs for humans can be divided into two categories:
1) "Service" - this category includes dogs involved in various jobs.
2) "Aesthetics" - the benefits of dogs is to deliver aesthetic pleasure to a person, these are companion dogs that live in houses.

Often have dogs at home service breeds. They are more trainable and have high intelligence. But do not expect that such a dog without proper training will show all these qualities, because proper upbringing- at the first place.

Experts also warn against such a responsible step as taking a dog into the house, which for a long time was in the service. It is noted that such four-legged friends show too much zeal in their professional skills. So a shepherd dog can be pretty nervous if family members are in different rooms. And there will be no benefit from a dog in the house if she constantly tries to change the family way of life for herself.

The benefits of a dog in the house

What are the benefits of having dogs in the home? Yes, the most varied. She saves a person from loneliness, reduces stress levels and can even be a nanny little child! In addition, daily walks with the dog help to strengthen the immune system and improve overall health.

The most important thing is to choose the breed that will best suit the character, age and lifestyle of the owner. Dogs are usually bred by those people who lack communication and a sense of security.
Such true friend with competent
upbringing is able to become reliable
human protection and support.

The dog creates comfort and a good microclimate in the family, because its positive attitude and the joy of being next to the owner cannot but be transmitted to all family members. In a house where a four-legged pet lives, children from an early age will learn to treat all animals responsibly and with love.

The benefits of a dog for humans

The benefits of dogs are not only psychological aspect. Four-legged friends help treat some serious ones - autism, senile dementia, mental disorders. Treatment with the help of dogs is called canister therapy.

Thanks to their loyalty and friendliness, a person gets rid of depression and social phobia, learns to interact with the outside world. AT European countries and in the US, dogs often live in nursing homes and are part of general therapy. This way, older people experience states of despondency more easily, absent-mindedness disappears, and motor functions improve.

To get a dog in the family, or at least sometimes walk and play with it, is also advised to children with various forms autism. Communication with four-legged friend allows the child to open up to the world and learn social interaction.

Are dogs helpful? The unequivocal answer is yes. A dog is a true friend great companion, defender, and just a creature that loves you just because you have it!

You don't think about the benefits of dogs when you're anxiously waiting for the vet's verdict or while your pet is lounging on the couch. You just love your pet. However, scientists say that dogs bring tangible benefits to human health.

Dogs are able to identify malignant tumors

This is not an assumption, but a scientifically substantiated fact. Dogs can really detect malignant neoplasms on the body of their owner. Doctors have been talking about this for at least two decades. Back in 1989, in one of medical journals the results of a curious case were published. A patient diagnosed with malignant melanoma told doctors that he was literally sent to an appointment own dog. She sniffed the same place on her leg for a long time and, in the end, even bit the problem area.

This case forced scientists to explore the possibilities of pets more widely. It turned out that dogs can “sniff out” not only skin cancer, but also breast cancer, tumors in the lungs, colon, ovaries and bladder. To date, there are even specially trained animals that are professionally engaged in the search for malignant neoplasms. Thus, a Labrador named Panda became widely known when he correctly “diagnosed” colon cancer in 33 out of 37 cases only on samples of the patient’s feces and breath. Also, according to the results of the study, the dog was accurate in identifying the early stages of colon and rectal cancer.

In the future, doctors plan to target specially trained dogs to detect tumors associated with volatile compounds, such as cigarette metabolites when detecting lung cancer. One way or another, a dog named Panda can now identify the disease by the smell of saliva samples from an experienced smoker.

Dog owners are more physically active

If you care about your own health, you probably know about the benefits of daily physical activity, the most common and accessible of which is walking. There is nothing surprising in the fact that dog owners walk more. It is also useful for children. According to a 2010 study, children who walked dogs were more active than children who spent time without dogs. This trend extends to adults as well. The researchers did a random sample and found that dog owners walk an average of 300 minutes a week. People walking without dogs spend only 168 minutes walking each week.

It is important to have the desire to walk

The key factor in this matter is a sincere desire to want to walk the dog. Scientists have found that if a person is reluctant to go for a walk with a pet, considering in this process something mandatory and routine, there will be little health benefit from such walks.

Dogs Can Detect Low Blood Sugar

A 2000 study by British scientists showed a dog's ability to recognize low sugar levels in a diabetic owner. More than one-third of dogs are able to recognize falling blood glucose levels in their owners from muscle contractions and changes in body odors of the sick owner. In such cases, smart pets simply push their owners to eat.

Pets and Allergic Reactions

One passionate desire of a child to have a dog, it turns out, is not enough. Often parents refuse their children because of the fear of allergic reactions or eczema. However, this should not be feared if the child has not yet reached the age of 4. According to scientists, children under 4 years old can come into contact with dogs, and their parents should not be afraid of the risk of skin diseases. Getting used to living conditions together with animals, children and at a later age do not earn from pet any allergic reactions. Scientists examined 636 children living under the same roof with a dog. The risk of eczema in this group was even below average.

Now let's talk about the sad news. In some children, dogs may be at risk for asthma. Therefore, before you get a pet for your baby, an examination in this area is necessary.

Guide dogs

There are many organizations that prepare a faithful guide companion for a visually impaired person. They help their owners not only to move around the street, but also to cope with the presence at an important event. Any critical situation will immediately be appreciated by the dog, and she will immediately come to the defense of her ward.

Some organizations in the United States of America teach dogs to pre-detect epileptic seizures based on certain behaviors. Indeed, pets are perceptive enough to have time to warn the owner of an impending attack. Therefore, a person has time to take the means to block the next seizure. If the drugs are not at hand, the dog will always be able to call for help from outsiders. However, this medical feature our smaller brothers have been studied too little, and some researchers question the ability of dogs to recognize an impending epileptic seizure.

Dogs looking for allergens

If dogs know how to look for drugs and explosives, then it doesn’t cost them anything to learn to recognize allergens. So, in America, many people suffer from allergies to peanut butter. Specially trained dogs can detect the presence of peanuts in a room, whether it's a piece of biscuit left on the table or a candy bar packed in a bag.

Conclusion

The most important benefit of our four-legged friends is their unconditional love and the joy of fellowship. People who have dogs experience less stress, which means they are less prone to heart disease. Older people see pets as a rescue from loneliness and some protection from unforeseen situations.

New research shows that having a dog can reduce the risk of asthma and colds in children. But there are also disadvantages.

From the study: “My children are unlikely to read this text, fortunately for me, because it would give them ammunition to wage an ongoing fight for a dog or a cat. Because research shows that having a pet is good for children’s health!”

Data published in October in the Journal of the American Pediatrics Association shows that children who had a dog in their first year of life were 13% less likely to develop asthma by the time they were six years old than those who had dogs. did not have.

A study using data from more than 1 million children found that children who grew up on farms with animals were 50% less likely to get sick bronchial asthma in school age. These results are consistent with the so-called "hygiene hypothesis", which believes that children are more likely to develop allergies if they are brought up in an ultra-clean environment.

This study also revealed other factors that increase the risk of asthma (for example, the presence of a pet does not reduce the risk of asthma if one of the parents has it), but so far only at the associative level.

It is estimated that 46% of households in the UK have pets. In most cases, these are dogs and cats. Evidence for cats' benefit in reducing allergies is not strong enough, but some research suggests that pets generally make children healthier.

A study of 397 Finnish babies, published in the journal Pediatrics in 2012, found that during the first year of life, those babies whose families had dogs or cats were less likely to get colds and ear infections, and, accordingly, they needed fewer courses of antibiotics. than those who grew up without pets.

Dogs are healthier than cats

Those animals that spend less than 6 hours a day in the house (assuming a separate house, not an apartment) have the most beneficial effect: according to scientists, this is because they brought more dirt from the street to stimulate immune system babies.

There is also some evidence that having a pet can make children more empathetic and responsive. Pets have the potential to help children learn about responsibility, develop their physical activity(if they have a dog).

Earlier studies (conducted before the advent of social networks) have shown that pets increase family time and positive emotions. However, research on the health benefits of pets is not strong enough to justify having them in your home.

What can't dogs eat? In this post, I will try to list most dangerous foods for dog health and explain why they not to be given to dogs.

Once, on the pages of my blog, I already discussed the topic - In that article, I substantiated my position, why I decided to stop on dry food.

Photo by Victoria Makarova

However, I periodically pamper my caudates with a small amount of natural food. It is given to dogs as a treat and an additional source of nutrients.

Currently, on the Internet you can find a huge amount of diverse, and sometimes conflicting information about what not to feed your dog. Let's figure it out together - what is really dangerous and what is not in large numbers not only will it not harm the animal, but it can even be useful.

We will only immediately agree that this article does not apply to elderly, sick dogs, as well as animals prone to allergic reactions of the body. I also make a special emphasis - if you have just transferred your dog to natural food, or you have a miniature pet (and we know that such breeds usually have a very vulnerable pancreas) - it is better to refrain from food experiments!

At the heart of any natural diet dogs should lie, first of all, safety and taking into account the peculiarities of the digestion of a particular animal.

So, 30 FOOD PROHIBITED FOR DOGS- myths and reality:

1. DO NOT GIVE YOUR DOG RAW MEAT.


There is an opinion that some breeds lack the genetic ability to digest raw meat. Also, a person is afraid of the possibility of infecting a dog with all kinds of helminths and infections (for example, salmonella or coli). As a result of such conclusions, a recommendation is born - to subject the meat to serious heat treatment.

In fact
- if you boil meat for about an hour, it significantly loses its usefulness for the animal - microelements and vitamins are destroyed. At a temperature of about 60 degrees, protein denaturation begins, as a result of which its bioavailability is reduced by half!

Raw meat is good for any dog, regardless of age or breed. The most important thing is to process it correctly. It is believed that in meat frozen at -18 degrees and below, all microbes and bacteria are killed. Therefore, I recommend freezing the meat for about three days. If you introduce raw meat into the baby's diet, at first you can cook it a little (not long, about 5 minutes).

It is best to start introducing raw meat into your dog's diet from puppyhood. If the baby or adult dog was not yet familiar with it, it is best to start with a raw beef shaved. You need to start introducing little by little - a little bit, but every day. This also applies to dogs that eat dry food, they should not be deprived either. raw meat in the diet. This is especially important for dogs. large breeds and working dogs.

It is clear that fresh meat for dogs should be taken only in a safe place. I buy meat for my dogs in the same place as for myself, to be sure that it has passed all the necessary examinations.

Advice: No tenderloin will bring as much benefit to your pet as meat containing various cartilages, films, veins, i.e. rich connective tissues. Therefore, lean soup beef of the II grade, as well as its offal, is the best choice person for your pet.

2. DOGS SHOULD NOT HAVE RAW FISH.

There is an opinion: If you regularly feed your dog with fresh fish, this will certainly lead to unwanted negative consequences- loss of appetite, loss of vitamin B, and even urolithiasis. As a consequence of an excess of fish in the dog's diet, convulsions can develop, and in rare cases even fatal outcome.

Actually: The enzyme thiaminase contained in some types of fish really inhibits the synthesis and absorption of B vitamins (especially B1). Their deficiency leads to convulsions and dysfunction of the central nervous system.

Other types of fish contain trimethylamine oxide, which prevents the body from absorbing iron and causes anemia.

In order to reach this state of health: 1. you need to feed the dog raw fish every day, 2. in a fairly large amount, 3. for a long period of time.

If you replace with sea fish (because river and lake fish often have helminths - tapeworm, etc.) one or two meat feedings per week, this is will only benefit! Fish is an excellent source of vitamins A, D, B12, iodine and phosphorus. It has a beneficial effect on the condition of the pet's coat, skin and joints.

Advice: fish it is desirable to feed a dog freed from scales, bones, entrails and gills.

3. DOG SHOULD NOT HAVE PORK.


Prerequisites:
1) Pigs can be intermediate carriers of the following diseases: nematodosis, taeniasis, helmitiosis.
2) Aujeszky's disease (hidden rabies, rabid scabies, infectious bulbar paralysis, itchy plague) - viral disease farm animals of all kinds, fur animals and rodents. It is believed that people do not get sick with it, therefore, meat is not tested for Aujeszky's disease viruses. For dogs, this disease is transient and fatal.
3) Fat content of pork.

In fact:
Contrary to popular belief, a dog can sometimes be fed lean pork purchased from a trusted supplier (where the meat is subjected to strict veterinary and sanitary inspection). Lean pork (lean parts) - tenderloin, chop, shoulder. You can also introduce pork cartilage (without adipose tissue on them), kaltyks, ears and other parts of the carcass without excess adipose tissue into the diet of dogs.

Aujeszky's disease in some cases also affects humans. Secondly, carcasses with signs of damage characteristic of this disease, are not allowed for sale in their raw form, they are sent for processing.

In addition, it is worth adding that pork, unlike beef and chicken, is hypoallergenic meat. Given its relatively low cost and wide availability, lean pork is a great option for dog owners with food sensitivities. (Based on an article by veterinarian and veterinary nutritionist Valeria Ogneva).

Personally, I think the best option is give the dog pork infrequently and exclusively lean.

Advice: Pork heart is much less fat than, for example, veal heart. But the heart is a valuable product in the diet - it is a rich source of protein, fat, macro- and microelements.



Cause: The avidin enzyme found in eggs interferes with the absorption of vitamin B and biotin, which can lead to coat and skin problems. There is also a risk of contracting salmonellosis.

Actually:
The yolk is useful in its raw form, as it is more bioavailable and retains vitamins and trace elements (D, lecithin) that are very valuable for dogs, and helps lower cholesterol levels.

For problems to occur, an animal must eat more than five raw chicken eggs per week. If you observe a sense of proportion and feed the dog 2-3 eggs per week, it will only benefit.

Quail eggs are especially useful, they are also best given raw. The feeding norms are as follows - for a medium-large dog 2-3 quail or 2 raw chicken yolks. If there is a desire to give eggs more often, then it will be appropriate to alternate raw eggs with a "lazy" omelet with cheese and vegetables.

Advice: Quail eggs useful to give along with crushed shells.

5. DOGS SHOULD NOT BE GIVED ONIONS AND GARLIC.

Cause: They contain disulfides and sulfoxides, which negatively affect red blood cells and contribute to the development of anemia. Interestingly, cats are much more sensitive than dogs in this regard, and onions are much more toxic than garlic.

Fact: In order for the dog to develop Iron-deficiency anemia, she regularly and for a long time needs to be fed garlic in an amount of at least 6 heads per week.

Previously, in large kennels, experienced breeders regularly gave garlic to dogs. Onion - found in small quantities in almost all natural classic recipes for dogs. By the way, Savva Khokhrin's garlic was recommended for service dogs in the autumn-winter period.

However, keep in mind that garlic can irritate a dog's gastrointestinal tract (if given on an empty stomach) and also impair its sense of smell. Personally, I don't give onions and garlic to my dogs.

6. DO NOT GIVE POTATOES TO DOGS.

Theory: This raw vegetable is a source of solanine, a dangerous and poisonous substance for dogs. Therefore, it should not be given to puppies, even when during the period of teething they want to chew secretly stolen potato skins.
If we talk about boiled potatoes, then it is a rich source of slow carbohydrates, which tend to be deposited in the fat layer, and starch, in addition to weight gain, also contributes to an increase in the hypoglycemic index. If the dog moves a little, then it threatens him with obesity. This vegetable is also hard to digest. gastrointestinal tract dogs and can cause diarrhea.

Actually: potatoes, pasta and many cereals are not species-specific food for canines and are poorly absorbed by their gastrointestinal tract, so it is not recommended to introduce them into the diet. But letting the dog eat a couple of slices of raw peeled potatoes (in case the pet is not indifferent to it) will definitely not cause harm.
Potato peels and potatoes that have a greenish color on the cut - give Absolutely forbidden!
If you do not want to harm the dog's health, better not to give boiled potatoes / mashed potatoes / french fries for the dog.

Considering all of the above, it is surprising that potatoes and potato starch can be found in the composition of some completely expensive feeds as the main filler.

7. DO NOT FEED BROCCOLI TO A DOG.




Cause: The isocyanate found in broccoli is a toxin for dogs, causing severe stomach irritation, and in large quantities it can even cause death. The amount of broccoli in the total mass of vegetables should not exceed 5%.

Objectively: In order for broccoli to significantly harm a pet, it must be given daily as the only vegetable. If you introduce broccoli into the diet periodically (a couple of times a week), then this will only benefit the pet and enrich its menu.

The vitamin reserve contained in broccoli includes: A, E, C, K, B vitamins, as well as folic acid, copper, potassium and phosphorus. The amount of valuable beta-carotene in broccoli is on a par with pumpkin and carrots.

Conclusion- introducing a small amount of broccoli into the dog's diet will make it healthy and tasty for the animal.

8. NUTS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR DOGS.



Cause: Many people think that nuts should not be given to a dog due to the high risk of developing allergies and the danger of negative effects on the pancreas, because nuts are a very fatty, oil-rich food.

Nonetheless: if there is no individual intolerance, nuts are a very valuable product containing many valuable trace elements for maintaining the heart muscle and nourishing the brain, as well as easily digestible protein.
But not all nuts are good for dogs!
Can calmly feed several grains: almonds, cedar, chestnut, cashews, limited peanuts.
Not recommended: walnuts, pistachios, acorns, hazelnuts, nutmeg.
Nuts are not part of the diet and are given sporadically, as a "snack" - no more than three times a week and little by little.

9. TOMATOES FOR A DOG ARE FORBIDDEN.



Noticed:
With regular and abundant feeding of a tomato, a dog develops an upset stomach, tremors, a violation in the work of the heart muscle, and rapid heartbeat may be observed. Often there are allergic reactions to tomatoes.

However: If you give tomatoes to your dog as a treat (in a small amount) - this is useful! It is best to treat your pet with tomatoes before meals - this is an excellent prevention from tartar and plaque. They are useful fresh and poached, it is a strong antioxidant, tomatoes help fight cancer and inflammation.

10. SOME FRUITS ARE FORBIDDEN TO DOGS.


For example:
Grapes and raisins
contain a little-studied toxin that can cause kidney failure, with vomiting, increased urination and increased thirst - potential symptoms of poisoning.
Persimmon- causes indigestion, contains a high content of sugars, and its seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.
Avocado- contains persin, vomiting and diarrhea.
Bananas- contribute to weight gain, cause relief.
Citrus- a strong allergen for many dogs. May cause vomiting.
Peaches,quince and plum- lead to diarrhea, and eaten bones can contribute to bowel obstruction. The cyanide contained in the bones can accumulate and cause poisoning of the body.

11. DOGS SHOULD NOT HAVE BONES.


Base: lead to slagging of the body, perforation and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, spoil the teeth.

Actually: harm boiled bones, as well as under a strict ban are hollow tubular chicken bones. A classic BARF is built on meat bones *.

*BARF(Bones And Raw Food diet or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food diet) is a dog nutrition system based on raw natural foods.

Bones should be given with meat, fresh and in small quantities.
To a trained dog familiar with this system, can be given: chicken, turkey and ostrich necks, chicken wings (with care and removed the first joint), paws without claws, heads without beaks, beef moss - sugar bone, chicken backs (skeletons), beef vertebrae, beef shoulder blades, soft meat cartilage, veal knees, beef tail.

Cause: food allergies and misconceptions about the impact on the onset of diabetes.

Answer: Honey is a very useful product for dogs; it is introduced into the diet of puppies, whelping bitches, and convalescent animals. This is a real storehouse of trace elements. And the fruit sugars contained in it do not carry the risk of developing diabetes. It is given 2-3 times a week for 1 teaspoon - 2 tbsp. spoons (depending on the size of the dog). It is recommended to add honey to cottage cheese and treats.

13. SALT FOR DOGS - POISON!


Very often, salt is included in the list of prohibited foods for dogs.
Cause: When eaten in excessive amounts, salt leads to electrolyte imbalance, edema, and provokes diseases of the cardiovascular system and kidneys.

Answer: In the wild, the ancestors of our domestic dogs obtained salt from the blood of the victim. AT modern world all meat is bled. Nevertheless, salt is important in the diet of dogs, but we will immediately stipulate that it is many times less than a person needs.

Savva Khokhrin in his famous book "Feeding Dogs" wrote that the lack table salt in the diet of dogs leads to loss of appetite, decreased excretion gastric juice, deterioration of protein digestion, growth retardation of puppies.

Sodium chloride (salt) is necessary to maintain the osmotic pressure in the cells and the constancy of the volume of fluid in the body. Sol plays important role in the mechanism of secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and correct work potassium-sodium balance.
To meet the needs of dogs for salt, in addition to its content in feed, salt is used for puppies 530 mg per 1 kg of body weight, for adults 220 mg per 1 kg of dog body weight.
The general ambassador can be defined in words - barely salty. For this purpose, you need to use coarse salt, iodized or sea food. It is not necessary to add salt to each dish. It is enough to do it periodically. Salt can replace a small piece of herring or red fish of its salting - twice a week, as well as seaweed.

14. MILK AND OTHER DAIRY PRODUCTS SHOULD NOT BE RECOMMENDED FOR DOGS.



Theory: With ages, from about 5 months of age onwards, dogs cease to produce lactase, an enzyme that breaks down cow's milk protein (lactose). Therefore, milk begins to negatively affect the liver of the animal, especially fatty. It provokes serious allergic reactions - profuse skin rashes and even vomiting.

On practice: The enzymatic system is very individual and flexible, in many people over 35 years old and dogs over a year old, lactase is maintained at a sufficient level throughout life to easily break down and absorb milk protein.

In terms of milk, the priorities are basically the same as for children. Optimal for puppies (of course after the bitch) will be diluted goat milk, because casein is a protein that is absorbed by the body better than others. You can, of course, give dogs lactose-free products to drink, but there is less benefit in them.

If there are problems with the amount of milk in a bitch, remember that infant formulas and powdered milk for puppies are undesirable. If it is not possible to use a substitute bitch milk or goat's milk, can be diluted with warm boiled water in a ratio of 1 to 1 fresh farm cow's milk. You can also cook porridge for puppies in milk.

My adult jacks tolerate milk very well and drink it with pleasure. If there is a lack of an enzyme in the dog's body, it is easy to calculate it without analysis. Give me some milk adult dog- you will immediately understand everything by the stool of the animal.

CHEESE, SOUR CREAM, YOGURT.

Cause: high fat content, danger of disrupting the pancreas and causing diarrhea.

In fact: These products are really it is better to exclude from the diet of mini-breed dogs and animals with a weak pancreas. But puppies, puppy bitches and healthy young and active animals can safely feed unsalted and low-fat cheese (preferably homemade), as well as periodically use it in training along with other delicacies.
The same can be said about sour cream - in the amount of 1 tsp - 1 tablespoon, it is included in the diet, especially for fast-growing puppies, juniors, working dogs and aviary animals. It is also good to add sour cream to salads and chopped, slightly stewed vegetables, for a more complete absorption of nutrients and trace elements, in particular, beta-carotene.
Yogurt is not given due to the high content of sugars, but homemade without sugar and fillers - you can and should give it!

15. DOGS SHOULD NOT HAVE ICE CREAM.

In theory: contains milk fats, sugars, palm oil and promotes weight gain. In addition, dogs should not eat cold food.

Actually: Of course, ice cream is a treat, and often it should not be given. However, there is nothing terrible in pampering your pet with an ordinary waffle cup in the heat. Carefully read the composition - there should not be vegetable fats and palm oil.

The ban on cold food is more relevant for puppies or weakened animals, usually dogs practically do not get colds, only viral and bacterial infections.
There is even a practice for kennel dogs to put a bowl of clean snow in winter - for drinking. However, you should not abuse cold food - it is harmful to the digestive tract. Dog food should be at room temperature.

16. DOGS SHOULD NOT BE BREAD.


Actually the dogs it is forbidden sweet and yeast products, White bread, cakes, muffins and cakes.

Cause: this is slow carbohydrates contributing to weight gain fermenting, flatulence and allergies in dogs. As a rule, this "dead food", which is not beneficial, contains a large amount of sugars and dyes.

Actually: that's right, but there are exceptions, for example, slightly dried wholemeal bread with bran (in a small amount) is quite a useful product. You can also sometimes treat with a simple drying, without additives or a piece of baby oatmeal cookies.

17. FAT


Prerequisites: the occurrence of pancreatitis and other diseases of the pancreas and liver.
Important: This refers to the fat that was collected after frying meat, for example. Do not use the product you do not need in your dog's food.
For healthy young and energetic dogs, the presence of sufficient amounts of animal fats in the diet is very important. Especially in captive keeping or working breeds, athletes, during active physical exertion.
For this purpose, fish oil / salmon oil is moderately introduced into the diet, especially in the autumn-winter period, to a limited extent. butter(a small piece 2-3 times a week) and even sometimes homemade bacon without salt and spices.
There is no need to specifically remove fat from the rumen or kidneys, but only if you give them raw. Read about sour cream in paragraph 14 above.
Also important is the high content of fats in the diet of small and underweight dogs, they are recommended more fatty fish, such as trout, pink salmon, halibut and products like beef udder, lamb and even lean pork.
When a problem excess weight- the amount of fat in food is reduced, excess fat is contraindicated and with genetic predisposition to problems with the pancreas.
The opinion that dogs are given skim cheese and dairy productserroneously, there is no benefit in them, rather harm. However, for most dogs, a diet with moderate fat is more suitable, so cottage cheese can be taken 3.5-9% inclusive, and kefir about 2.5-3%.

Prohibition 18.
Dogs can not many herbs and greens: celery leaf, sorrel, parsley, rhubarb leaf.

Sorrel - contains oxalic acid.
Rhubarb leaf: Contains oxalates, which affect the central nervous, digestive and urinary organs of the dog.
Read about onions and garlic above (point 5).
In principle, dogs can be fed any greens, except for sorrel and rhubarb.
But we must remember that sea kale stains the coat of light dogs.
Suitable for feeding: all types of lettuce, dill, parsley, leaves of young nettle and dandelion, gout, quinoa, celery stalk. Remember that parsley is not recommended for dogs with kidney problems and pregnant bitches.

Prohibition 19.
Dogs are not allowed pasta and cereals

Cause: slow carbohydrates that contribute to weight gain, they are poorly absorbed.
In fact: the diet is an individual thing, someone feeds BARF, someone "mother's porridge". Three cereals are best absorbed in dogs - rice and buckwheat in the form of "friendship" and sometimes they give puppies oatmeal. But the proportion of cereals should not exceed 15-20% of the diet, the basis of meat and meat offal. Dogs are not recommended for feeding: semolina, pearl barley, sorghum, millet, maize, bulgur, oatmeal.
Pasta can be included in the diet occasionally for weight gain, but only from expensive durum wheat and no more than 5% from other types of plant foods.

Prohibition 20.
Children food.

Baby food sometimes contains onion powder and a lot of starch, which is dangerous for dogs and doesn't meet the needs of a growing puppy.

Prohibition 21.
Corn.

Theory: The body of canines is not adapted to the digestion and assimilation of corn, it passes in transit and can cause fermentation and flatulence. It is also a highly allergic product containing gluten, which is dangerous for dogs. Whole ears should not be given, they can cause obstruction and even lead to death of the pet.

Fact: For dogs, canned corn is strictly prohibited, as it contains sugar and a large amount of preservatives and dyes. It is also completely indigestible, passing through the intestines of the dog "through".

Legumes: beans, peas, beans.

Cause: are not species-specific food for dogs and are practically not digested by them, cause flatulence, fermentation and create a favorable environment for the development of candidiasis and pathogenic microflora intestines. The same is true for soy.

As an exception, you can give a small amount of young peas or green bean pods.

Prohibition 22.

Chocolate, candy, coffee, tea and other sources of caffeine.

In theory: Cocoa beans contain theobromine, an alkaloid plant origin), which affects cardiac activity. For humans, small doses of theobromine are beneficial. For dogs, the opposite is true - theobromine is poisonous for them, it excites the central nervous system causing arrhythmia, tachycardia.
The least that products containing theobromine, theophylline and caffeine can cause is to cause severe allergies, hair loss, eye leakage, allergic otitis media.
Dogs don't have enough insulin to convert sugars into glucose, and sweets can lead to diabetes and blindness, and if given in large amounts often, can lead to death.

In fact: Regular human chocolate raises blood sugar and can cause eye leakage, diabetes, and blindness in dogs.
The toxic dose for a dog is approximately 7 grams of dark chocolate per 1 kg of the animal's live weight.
That is, even the floor of a bar of uncontrolledly left chocolate can take the life of a Papillon, Spitz, Pug and Jack Russell Terrier ...
The first signs of chocolate poisoning are the following - vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat and breathing, agitation, intense thirst. In such a situation, you need to urgently contact the veterinary clinic, otherwise convulsions, an epileptic seizure may develop, coma and death are possible. Keep in mind that dogs take longer to digest chocolate than humans, so it may take a while for your dog to show signs of poisoning.

As an exception, chocolate is given to rescue dogs in the mountains, before climbing. For this purpose, chocolate with a low percentage of cocoa beans or milk chocolate is chosen, as it is an invaluable source of fast energy and a natural adaptogen that promotes the production of seratonin.

Modern chocolate is dangerous not only because of cocoa beans and theobromine in it, but because of the harmful "impurities" contained in chocolate - soy, palm oil, emulsifiers and vegetable fats. So from any point of view, chocolate for dogs is poison and evil!

Advice: Chocolate and candy are the worst treat for a pet, special "dog" chocolate is produced for this purpose!

Prohibition 23.
Eggplant. Radish. Turnip. Cucumber.

Cause: Eggplant is contraindicated in dogs with a tendency to allergies or kidney disease.
Answer: after checking individual tolerance, it can be given occasionally, but in boiled, stewed or baked form.
Radish - contains a lot of coarse fibers and is a natural "toothpick". At the same time, it irritates the intestinal walls and increases peristalsis, which can exacerbate existing gastrointestinal problems.

Turnip and cucumber - they were absolutely mistaken on the list of prohibitions. Turnip favorably affects the kidneys. Cucumber is also not only completely safe, but also beneficial for dogs. The only thing to remember is that when giving a cucumber, it is important not to overdo it with the amount, otherwise you can provoke liquid stool. By the way, turnips can be given both raw and baked - your choice.

Prohibition 24 .
Beet.

In many breeds, beets are poorly digested and cause persistent diarrhea, bloating and pain in the intestines. However, this is very healthy vegetable. It is recommended to give it stewed and boiled, grated or chopped in a blender. It must be borne in mind that beetroot gives the red coat a bright saturated shade, but you should not give it to white dogs.
Theory: beetroot is a strong allergen that is poorly tolerated by certain breeds of dogs.
Fact: With absence allergic reaction, as well as for dogs with red hair - a very useful and valuable product. Improves bowel function, given with a spoon linseed oil and greenery.
It is a valuable source of fiber, contains vitamins A, B, C, and has a beneficial effect on liver function. It should be given sparingly, no more than 2 times a week.

Prohibition 25.
Cabbage.

Cause: First of all, it is about white cabbage. The reason is that in its raw form it causes flatulence, bloating and pain in the intestines.
Answer: give it should be limited and boiled. Brussels sprouts, broccoli, Peking and cauliflower are more useful for dogs, they are also better to be slightly stewed or boiled. Cabbage is useful for vitamins A, C and beta-carotene.

Prohibition 26.
Many berries unexpectedly fell under the ban: blackcurrant, strawberry, wild strawberry ...

In fact, in reasonable quantities and in the absence of allergies, you can and should feed any seasonal berries growing on your site, just do not forbid them to eat in plenty, at the request of the dog itself. The most useful: cranberries, blueberries and lingonberries.

Locked 27 .
Mushrooms.

Theory: For canids, mushrooms are a heavy food that they are unable to digest and assimilate. In addition, mushrooms often contain dangerous substances, they accumulate salts of heavy metals, carcinogens and toxins that can cause allergies, diarrhea and severe forms of poisoning, up to the death of a dog.

Fact: It will be better if the dog does not know mushrooms as food, because the harm from them greatly exceeds possible benefit for her body (mushrooms contain a lot of vitamin D, nicotinic acid and antioxidants). Dogs that are sometimes allowed to eat mushrooms by their owners can later become poisoned by dangerous poisonous mushrooms.

Prohibition 28.
Alcohol.

From the history: Earlier, in the USSR, cynologists were forced to give alcohol to dogs, due to heavy loads. However, alcohol is not for dogs! Intoxication, coma or death are the consequences of drinking drinks with a degree. How less dog- the greater the effect.

Fact: Although we all heard or know cases when dogs were successfully treated with vodka or cognac with egg yolk in the villages for poisoning, distemper and even piroplasmosis, you should absolutely not risk your pet's health. In dogs, it is not possible to break down and excrete ethanol and its decay product - acetaldehyde, it is completely and instantly absorbed into the blood, has a depressant effect on the central nervous system and leads to serious disorders in the liver and kidneys, and when frequent use to undermined health and even death of a pet.

Prohibition 29.
Xylitol.
A sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candy, and bakery products. Xylitol may be approved for humans, but causes liver damage and lowers blood sugar in dogs to life-threatening levels. A dog weighing 5 kg is enough to eat one piece chewing gum without sugar to get a potentially toxic dose. Low level in the blood can develop within 10-15 minutes after taking xylitol, along with vomiting and loss of coordination.

Prohibition 30.
Bouillon and mince.

Cause: dogs are not recommended to give broth, and even in the case of cereals in the diet, it is more correct to boil them in water, it is better to drain the broth before serving. The main reason is fat elevated content active substances, provoking excessive release of bile and gastric juice, as well as high fat content of the broth. This leads to diseases of the pancreas and liver, as well as gastritis and cholecystitis. Often such nutrition leads to allergies, hair loss and diseases of the liver, kidneys and pancreas. As well as gaining excess weight. The exception is non-fortified diluted chicken broth for a recovering animal.
This is not natural canine food!
Store minced meat is often made from stale meat, may contain emergency slaughter products, and often contains colorings and preservatives. In addition, eating minced meat leads to the formation of plaque, the jaw muscles do not work, it harms the dog. Even puppies are encouraged to give the meat in small pieces, and not in a pate consistency.
There are exceptions - this is beef jelly containing broth. It is very useful for growing puppies and dogs of large breeds, as well as for the period of rehabilitation after an injury.

There are few strict prohibitions, it is easy to remember them. In moderation and with good tolerance, you can give the dog a lot of controversial, but healthy foods, so a natural diet is good.

And to remember, short list of truly forbidden foods for dogs:
acute,
marinated,
oily,
fried,
smoked (sausage, sausages, barbecue),
hot and frozen food
spices, salt in large quantities,
sugar and its substitutes, chocolate,
canned food,
alcohol, tobacco,
Tea coffee,
carbonated drinks,
cat food,
mushrooms,
some human vitamins and medicines,
boiled and hollow chicken bones,
spoiled food,
leftovers from the table, soups, cereals, cutlets and minced meat (not desirable),
many cereals (millet, barley, semolina, maize, sorghum),
yeast dough, pastries and bakery products,
beans and corn
crisps,
ketchup, mayonnaise and sauces.

It is important to remember the main thing - the diet is a purely individual thing, it must take into account a lot of factors, the sense of proportion and tolerance of certain types of products are especially important.

Never feed your dog food that you are not sure is safe.
Fatty, smoked, peppered, fried foods are definitely not for dogs!

And if suddenly something went wrong, contact your veterinarian immediately!

Carefully observe your pet's behavior after the introduction of a new product into his diet, Clear signs poisoning of the body may not appear immediately, but the success of treating the animal depends on how quickly you notice something is wrong.

In any matter of keeping a pet, the first condition should be safety, the second - the absence of fanaticism. You should not believe categorical prohibitions if they are not justified and not supported by facts. It is worth being careful, but it is important to remember that we live in an advertising world that knows how to manipulate our consciousness and habits.