In the UK we have the annual firework displays soon approaching in early Novemeber, these will be repeated for new year. ~Many many dogs and some cats never mind wild animals are terrified of these bangs and flashes. How can we reduce the fear?

Every year dogs are sacred tiles, run away in fear I have had a dog run over and killed by a train, very year the are road traffic accidents brought in to Vet'sNow and other out of hours providers many have life changing injuries or die. We try to limit firework use, persuasion just does not seem to help irresponsible or ignorant individuals will continue to use fireworks and to be honest do you remember being trilled by them as a child. We just have to put up with them and mitigate the affects as best we can.

More too follow

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Pancreatitis

Read more at Nutrition expert Dr Conor Brady’s website

www.dogsfirst.ie

If your companion has been diagnosed with pancreatitis then this would be my advice. However you should always consider the professional who has seen your dogs advice

1. Feed little and often

Fasting was once recommended for pancreatitis in dogs. This is no longer the case. When your dog is recovering from acute pancreatitis, it is best to feed smaller, easily digestible meals, little and often throughout the day. While still recovering, you will want to keep the fat reasonably low. The following proteins (if tolerated by the dog) would be recommended for this period, organic where possible –

• Lean meats such as turkey and chicken
• Wild game such as venison, rabbit and pheasant – highly digestible
• Cottage cheese
• Bone broth – with fat removed, is highly nutritious and delicious!

Consider feeding “DIY” for a while – this way, you know exactly what you are feeding, and there are no “hidden” fats that there may be in cheaper

Once the dog has fully recovered from acute pancreatitis, you can start introducing “fattier” meats – remember,it’s carbs, NOT fat, that causes pancreatitis – yes, fat will cause issues during acute pancreatitis. There will always need to be some vigilance; monitoring your dog is essential, but they do not necessarily have to stay on a low or no-fat diet forever.

2. Remove all aggravating / inflammatory factors

Now that your dog has fully recovered, don’t rattle the cage – you need to address all the causes that may drive inflammation in your dog. The list is long….

• Ultra Processed dry and canned food – This must be the first thing you remove – studies show that dry-fed dogs undergo TEN TIMES more inflammation than dogs fed raw food.
• Avoid treats full of sugars, derivatives, wheat and, glycerine, etc, usually the cheap ones found in supermarkets – 100% meat – always check where the meat was sourced from, even better – make your own
• Ditch the chemicals – this includes unnecessary flea/worm/tick treatments, kennel cough vaccines and most certainly those annual boosters after one year of age. NSAIDs – While your dog is in extreme pain with acute pancreatitis, of course, pain relief is vital. However, these are not drugs that you want your dog to take long-term.Use paracetamol short term Boswellia and other herbs longer term
• Maintain good dental health – when your dog has periodontal disease, bacteria make their way into the body via the capillary-rich gum line; this fuels inflammation and is a constant threat to the immune system – which can aggravate and inflame the pancreas. To achieve a healthy smile naturally, I recommend raw meaty bones OF COURSE

Additions For Pancreatitis In Dogs

1. Pancreas IN small amounts, perhaps 5% of the diet of fresh pancreas could be beneficial IF YOUR BUTCHER can source it You can get freeze dried but at the moment I do not have a brand I could recommend

There are lots of things that you can include on top of this diet that is sure to help them at this point. As your vet is unlikely to stock most of them, you can try the local health store for some, but I think most are easiest found on Amazon;

2. Digestive Enzymes

I strongly recommend a digestive enzyme mix of lipase, tripase and amylase for a dog with pancreatitis. I recommend Pet Plus certainly perhaps Lypex https://amzn.to/3se5huK

These are particularly important if your dog is suffering from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), as they will give the pancreas less work to do and the brand. Dose him according to size, and sprinkle on food. If feeding some fresh pancreas, you will not need digestive enzymes.

3. Probiotics

I recommend you include some probiotics in their diet for at least a month while we get him right. They will help reset their digestive system, which will be in disarray. A healthy gut microbiome is a healthy animal, and it’s not to be forgotten.

Full-fat probiotic yoghurt or kefir are good additions, aiding the digestive process, but we’re unsure just how much gets through the dog’s strong digestive acids. Fidospore if really acute attack. Natural probiotics are found in healthy organic soils (teaspoon daily) on surface of grasses - let him chew a bit when out

4. Omega 3

Omega 3 fatty acids are excellent at reducing inflammation. The ACVN recommend a therapeutic dose of 700mg of combined EPA and DHA per 10kg of dog to help alleviate some of the more painful symptoms of pancreatitis, I would keep it going in to help avoid its occurrence in the future. Fish and flax oils perhaps but.

Algal oil is a a great choice and much more sustainable. Once they are recovered from the acute bout of pancreatitis – feed fresh oily fish like sardines and sprat; they don’t need a lot, and as little as 100g a week for a 15kg dog would be a start.

5. Herbs

Dr Steve Marsden's has developed a herbal combination ADOPTREX which we are proud to be the UK distributor for This should in my opinion be used as well as the recommendations above 

FAQ

1. Is chicken and rice suitable for dogs with pancreatitis?

The short answer to this is chicken – yes, rice – absolutely not! Remember, we are avoiding carbohydrates, so rice is a very bad idea for all dogs, especially for dogs with an already inflamed pancreas!

2. Can raw dog food cause pancreatitis?

As discussed above, your dog needs to come off the carbs and eat a fresh diet; I highly recommend this diet. However, not all raw dog food is created equally. Higher fat content in some cheaper pre mades may be an issue.

Also, it is essential to be aware of any intolerances your dog may have to certain proteins. This can cause inflammation which will put the pancreas under pressure. Remain vigilant with your dog and any sign of itching, soft stools, vomiting, diarrhoea etc; an elimination diet may be needed here.

3. Will my dog recover from pancreatitis?

Yes, they absolutely can and do, providing you take evasive action now. Our experience shows that the gross amount of pancreatitis dogs and cats are mysteriously suffering today is entirely localised in the dry-fed community.

The issue evaporates once fed an appropriate fresh diet, and all chemical products are eliminated. Enzyme readings return to normal after a few months. The pancreas is expected to recover, and clients have these dogs back eating all the usual foods a normal healthy dog will. So hang in there; you’re giving them the best fighting chance.

More reading:

https://www.bellaandduke.com/learn/dog-health/pancreatitis-in-dogs/

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/manage-pancreatitis-in-dogs/

https://www.dogsfirst.ie/dr-conor-brady-blog/

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This Recipe is based on the original recipe by Dr Doug English an Aussie Veterinary Surgeon

Please note that some turmeric suppliers have begun to sell "raw" turmeric powder. You'll know it's raw if you see that wording on the packaging or their advertising. If the brand you buy is advertised as raw, you will need to extend the cooking time to at least 30 minutes(not the 7-10 minutes mentioned in the recipe). In the past, turmeric has always been cooked in the process of converting it to a powder. Some vendors are now skipping that step in order to appeal to "raw food" practitioners. This is still fine to use, but it does require the longer cooking time to provide sufficient digestibility. Raw turmeric is poorly digested, so little of the active components are available for absorption before it's excreted.

INGREDIENTS:
• 1/2 cup (125 ml / 60g) turmeric powder
• 1 cup water (250 ml) plus extra water in reserve, if needed
• 1/3 cup (70 ml) coconut oil (use raw, unrefined, cold-pressed)
• OR linseed oil (flaxseed)
• OR olive oil (use virgin / extra virgin)
• 2 - 3 teaspoons freshly cracked (ground) black pepper

Note: the amount of pepper has been increased since May 2016, on Doug English’s recommendations and review of greater success in a large number of cases using the extra pepper. Reduce pepper if you cannot tolerate it. The absorption of turmeric will still be improved by cooking it and adding oil, but it will be less effective without the pepper.

Cracked pepper and ground pepper refer to the same thing. How finely it's ground is up to the user. If you like to have crunchy bits of pepper in your golden paste, then grind it less finely. If you don't (and that's probably most of us), grind it more finely.

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You have probably heard of bone broth and its benefits, and you might have even purchased it for your dog.
Alexanders Natural make it near to us and there are now a number of suppliers in the UK. Making your own gives you control over the ingredients that you use, which is particularly important if your dog has any food sensitivities or allergies.
Bone broth also provides several essential nutrients, making it yourself can save you money, and it’s easy to make!
To read more about its uses see elsewhere on the website.
Bone broth has several health benefits for dogs, as it contains collagen, gelatine, minerals, and plenty of protein. It can provide dogs with extra hydration and enhance their appetite. It can also boost their immune system and decrease inflammation.
It’s known to improve gut health and is beneficial for dogs with leaky gut syndrome. It can even detox the liver, provide joint support, and be good for the skin and coat.
Ingredients:
Bones: You’ll need bones, of course. It’s up to you what kind of bones you want to use. If your dog is a big fan of beef, opt for beef bones. You can also throw in a mixture of bones, such as chicken feet, pig’s feet, and beef marrow bones. It’s a good idea to include bones with joints.
Water and (apple*) cider vinegar: To create the broth, you’ll need to cover the bones in water and add a small amount of vinegar with apple cider vinegar being the best option. The vinegar helps extract healthy minerals from the bones and collagen from the connective tissues. (* You could use wine or pear)
Vegetables: Like with the bones, you can add any dog-safe vegetables that you want. Carrots and celery are great options.
Herbs: You can add culinary herbs such as sage, rosemary but use late in the cooking process.

Equipment
You’ll need to have the right cooking equipment before you start. One of the best ways to make bone broth is in a slow cooker because it has a long cooking time. But you can also use a stock pot or instant pot.
That said, this recipe is geared for a slow cooker, which you might want to consider purchasing if you don’t have one, especially if this won’t be the only bone broth that you make. Making a good bone broth might take 24 hours, so leaving a slow cooker turned on overnight is the safer option.

• 2–5 lb (1-2kg). bones (depending on the size of your pot or slow cooker)
• Enough water to fill your pot or slow cooker
• 1–2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar
• 2-3 carrots, chopped (optional)
• 2- 3 celery sticks, chopped (optional)
• 

1. Place the bones in the slow cooker — How many bones you put in the slow cooker depends on its size. Generally speaking, you’ll want about 1 to 2 pounds of bones for every 1 gallon (or 16 cups) of water.
2. Add water to the slow cooker — The water should cover the bones by about 1 inch.
3. Add the apple cider vinegar — Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the water, depending on the size of your slow cooker.
4. Cover with the lid — Set your slow cooker to low or your pot to simmer.
5. Cook for up to 24 hours — You’ll know it’s done when the bones are soft and somewhat crumbly.
6. Add the chopped vegetables/herbs — Let them gently cook with the heat of the broth and pot.
7. Remove the bones, and throw them into your compost or garbage — The cooked bones must not be given to your dog, as they are likely to splinter and damage your dog’s GI tract.
8. Strain — Only do this if you haven’t used vegetables and want to keep them intact with the broth. But double-check for any small pieces of bones if you’re not straining.
   
9. Allow the broth to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate.

Once the broth has chilled, take it out, skim off the fat layer, and discard. You’ll know that you’ve done a great job if you’re left with a jelly-like substance like that shown below.

Storing

You can store the broth in the pot that you cooked it in or in a container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
You can also put it in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer for 3 months, Freeze in single meal portions.

Using Bone Broth where when and how

If your dog hasn’t had bone broth before, start them out with a small amount. It is rich in collagen, which can lead to loose stools until they get used to it.

Start with just 1 or 2 tablespoons on their food, and then work up to 2 tablespoons for every 5 kilograms body weight.

When to use

When appetite is lost or after diarrhoea it is an ideal first food for dogs and cats as well
If he suffering from Leaky gut - search the site - chronic recurring diarrhoea perhaps an itchy skin; try some broth (I would also use Cessorex and Adoptrex herbs)

How can you use it other than sickness
You can freeze it in ice cube trays for hot summer days. Give your dog refrigerated jelly broth by the spoonful.
Warm up the broth, and serve it over your dog’s regular food.
Give your dog a small bowl of bone broth.
If your dog isn’t a big water drinker, add a small dash to their water bowl.

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