The Cavalier Chronicle
April 2018
EDITOR'S MESSAGE
INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE OF THE MONTH
NEW MEETING LOCATION
PUPPY PICNIC
Alice Alford,CGC Evaluator, would like to congratulate the following members and their Cavaliers for passing the CGC test: Margie Roe, Brookhaven Penny Lane; Carolyn Powell, Monticello Rolling Stone; Carol Land, Chanel Jamie; Carol Land, Huntland Happy; and Susan Bess, GCH Tusus Ring of Fire.
Our future handlers
Shannon and her beauties
Margie being stared down
CAR HEAT DANGERS
NEXT MEETING
CLUB BOARD NOMINATIONS
President: Paula Ayers
Vice President: Linda Whitmire
Treasurer: Carol Land
Secretary: Sharon Utych
Director: Brenda Martz
Director: Mark Fitchpatrick
Director: Carolyn Powell
At the April meeting the floor was opened for nominations, there were no additional nominees. At the May meeting, we will be voting for our officers
NATURAL REMEDIES
Anorexia in Dogs
by By Anna Burke
Jun 22, 2017 AKC Website
If you’re like most dog owners, one of the first things you probably do before calling the veterinarian is a Google search of your dog’s symptoms.
Appetite loss in dogs is called anorexia. Partial anorexia refers to an animal that is eating some food, but not enough to keep him healthy, and complete anorexia refers to total appetite loss for around three days.
Anorexia in dogs is different from the type of anorexia we associate with human eating disorders, and so this terminology can be a little confusing. In some cases, this confusion can lead you to the wrong conclusion about the seriousness of your dog's condition, putting your dog at risk.
Causes of Anorexia in Dogs
Illness is just one of a few reasons why dogs don’t eat. Your dog’s appetite loss could also be caused by a change in environment, a drug reaction, dental disease, pain, or nausea.
Illness and Appetite Loss
Although illness is only one of several causes of anorexia in dogs, it is still a very serious concern. Appetite loss is a common symptom for a host of disorders, from cancer to kidney failure. The best thing you can do for a dog with appetite loss is call your veterinarian and observe your dog for any other symptoms that seem out of the ordinary.
Environmental Changes
Think back to the last time you were in a stressful situation. Did you want to eat a full dinner, or were you too concerned with what was going on to eat? Many dogs react to stressful situations and new environments with a decrease in appetite. Some dogs stop eating when their owners leave them with the pet sitter for a few days. Others may temporarily stop eating if your family has recently moved to a new house or traveled to an unfamiliar destination.
Drug Reaction
Vaccinations are vital for your dog’s health, but they can cause mild side effects. One of those side effects is appetite loss. If your dog was recently vaccinated or placed on a new medication, call your veterinarian and ask if appetite loss is a possible adverse reaction. Loss of appetite from a vaccine reaction should only last around 24 hours, so be sure to get in touch with your veterinarian if it extends beyond that.
Dental Disease
Have you ever tried eating with a toothache? Dental disease can make it painful for your dog to eat. Broken teeth, periodontal disease, and foreign bodies in your dog’s mouth all make eating difficult and require a visit to your veterinarian to resolve. If your dog is lying by his food bowl and not eating, or has thick, fetid saliva and is pawing at his mouth, you should contact your veterinarian.
Pain
Dogs can’t speak, which leaves us struggling to understand the clues they give us. Pain, either from an injury or an underlying condition, such as hip dysplasia or arthritis, can suppress your dog’s appetite and stop him from eating.
Food Aversion
Many of the causes of appetite loss in dogs are serious. Sometimes though, dogs are just picky. Switching to a new diet can cause some dogs to turn up their noses, and others may turn down food if they are fed in a stressful situation, for example eating next to a food-aggressive dog. However, make sure you take your dog to the veterinarian to rule out any other causes before you conclude that your dog is a picky eater.
Treating Anorexia in Dogs
Appetite loss can have negative repercussions on your dog’s body. Dogs can go for several days without eating without suffering severe consequences, but if your dog hasn't eaten for 24 hours or longer you should contact your veterinarian — especially if your dog has a medical condition. If you have a puppy that isn't eating, you should call sooner. The younger the puppy, the sooner the call!
In most cases, resolving an underlying problem also resolves your dog’s anorexia. Removing an infected tooth, for example, should make it comfortable for your dog to eat again, and altering your dog’s lifestyle to accommodate behavioral issues such as food aggression, or medical issues such as arthritis can help him start feeling better. Your veterinarian may recommend hand feeding or adding a strongly flavored substance, such as animal fat, meat drippings, or fish to persuade your dog to eat.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Banana Dog Treats
total time: 25 MIN
prep time: 5 MIN
cook time: 20 MIN
These homemade dog treats are filled with savory peanut butter and mashed banana- everything you need to keep your pup happy & energized!
Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup peanut butter*
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 mashed banana (1/2 cup)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and knead until a dough ball forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
Roll it out on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. (I use the cap of spices for tiny circles, since he’s itty bitty.)
Place the cutouts on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes.
**All-natural peanut butter without added salt or sugar is best. Do not use lite or sugar-free peanut butter, as those may have artificial sweeteners (such as xylitol) which is toxic to dogs.
HELLO SUNSHINE
THE CAVALIER CHRONICLE
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB OF GREATER ATLANTA
Mark Fitchpatrick, editor