from Dogs Naturally, published 051819
Written by Vanessa Jones, Ruff Diamond Dog Services
Ever been in the supermarket and heard the raucous cries of a fraught and furious child screaming his lungs out?
Round the aisle and there they are … the frantic parent and the red-faced tantrum-thrower stomping his feet.
Have you ever peaked in the shopping cart to see what’s in there? I confess, I have. And it’s usually full of the three Cs – Coke, chips and chocolate.
Once you see this, have you then thought to yourself, “well that explains it. Look what the child is eating?”
Now I want you to think about what you’re feeding your dog … could food be causing dog behavior problems?
The Connection Between Gut Health And Dog Behavior Problems
There have been plenty of studies done on how the food we feed our kids affects their behavior. Sugars and refined carbs create over-aroused, cranky children.
The solution? Remove processed foods and replace with natural alternatives.
When it comes to dogs, the food we feed, and its role in the gut, may be one of the most overlooked when we talk about behavior.
A recent study by the University of California Los Angeles found gut microbes link to areas of the brain which affect mood and behavior, including (potentially) our response to fear.
In fact, inflammation as an immune response to obesity, high-sugar diets, high quantities of trans fats and other unhealthy foods may also lead to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Why?
Well, these high-sugar, processed foods lead to the release of bacterial toxins called ‘lipopolysaccharides.’
Lipopolysaccharides normally hang out safely in your dog’s gut, but when they enter the blood (thanks to those high-fat, processed meals), they become toxic.
Lipopolysaccharides normally hang out safely in your dog’s gut, but when they enter the blood (thanks to those high-fat, processed meals), they become toxic.
But what does this have to do with behavior?
These lipopolysaccharides destroy the brain cells that make the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. You know, the so-called happiness hormones?
And research shows that a lack of these can have a significant impact on your dog’s behavior.
[Related] Where can you find these hormones in food? Many fruits and veggies have them. Find out which ones here
Behavioral Brain Waves
Improving your dog’s gut health can ensure the production of neurotransmitters.
So, it’s all about food …
It turns out that our Enteric Nervous System (ENS) links to the emotional aspects of the central nervous system. Put simply, every time we eat, the ENS sends messages to our brain which affects our emotional state.
It turns out that our Enteric Nervous System (ENS) links to the emotional aspects of the central nervous system. Put simply, every time we eat, the ENS sends messages to our brain which affects our emotional state.
We know certain types of foods help us remain calm, and the same applies to our dogs. Ever heard that saying ‘you are what you eat’? Well, your dog is what he eats too, although it’s likely you’ve never thought about it before, and certainly not in the context of behavior.
We know processed and grain-based foods alongside food additives cause leaky gut in our dogs.
We also know a child who receives too many food additives can become hyperactive and out of control.
And yes, we know dog behavior problems stem from not receiving a natural diet free from chemicals and preservatives. These problems can include:
- separation anxiety
- aggression
- hyperactivity
- obsessive-compulsive disorders
- self-mutilation
Helping to support them by taking a holistic approach to their health and wellbeing will aid them in their recovery.
*Related: What the heck is leaky gut, anyways? Find out here*
11 Ways To Support Your Dog’s Gut
There are many things we can do to help the gut work efficiently and lessen any negative impact it might have on dog behavior problems.
For starters, consider the amount of chemicals you’re putting into your dog’s body. Are these necessary? Where are they coming from? His food? His environment? Or are they part of the regular vaccines or deworming protocols your vet recommends?
Wherever they come from, are they overloading his system?
Below are a few suggestions that will help support your dog’s gut:
#1 Consider titer testing instead of over-vaccinating
When a dog is vaccinated it compromises the immune system and upsets the delicate balance of bacteria in the gut, not forgetting that if the gut immunity is good, this supports the overall immunity of the body. Please note: we are not saying do not vaccinate. We are saying titer test for immunity before adding toxic chemicals to your dog’s system. Find more on titer testing here.
#2 Use natural remedies for deworming
Human-grade diatomaceous earth or ground-up pumpkin seeds are two effective ones to try. Dewormers are toxic chemicals. Yes they kill worms but they also kill the good bacteria in the gut, hence it follows that your dog’s gut immunity will be compromised.
#3 Use a holistic vet
A holistic vet will take a ‘whole of body’ approach to health issues. They will be unlikely to pump your dog full of harmful drugs and chemicals unless absolutely necessary. Holistic vets generally adhere to a more natural approach to medicine which might include alternative treatments such as herbal remedies, acupuncture and massage. They generally advocate raw feeding as well.
#4 Provide fresh water instead of chlorinated
If we wish to avoid toxicity in the gut then supplying fresh, filtered water will be beneficial and will not have the added dangers of chlorine content in tap water.
#5 Use natural remedies for fleas and ticks
Again, flea and tick products contain harmful chemicals which destroy the gut bacteria. Using natural remedies means you can avoid these.
#6 Provide probiotics and prebiotics on a regular basis
You can do this easily by adding fermented veggies or kefir to your dog’s diet. Green tripe contains these as well as digestive enzymes. Anything we can do to support the gut and its good bacteria will support the immune system.
#7 Provide a species-appropriate high-protein, low-carb balanced raw food diet
Keep it free from grains, preservatives, sugars and processed foods. Many dogs become less hyperactive and anxious from this one simple step.
#8 Supplement with bone broth
Apart from supporting the immune system, the collagen bone broth contains helps heal gut lining and reduces intestinal inflammation.
[Related] It’s easy and cheap to make. Here’s a recipe.
#9 Feed the gut with supplements
Try turmeric (an anti-inflammatory) and slippery elm or marshmallow root (to line the gut). Coconut oil will also help with a leaky gut as it destroys bad bacteria and candida.
#10 Ease stress where possible as chronic stress can affect gut health
This might include calming music, pheromones such as Adaptil, calming herbs such as skullcap or valerian, a Thundershirt or wrap, desensitization techniques, counter-conditioning, massage and T-Touch.
#11 Exercise can also help reduce a leaky gut
Make sure your dog is getting enough – about 20 – 30 minutes a day as a minimum. 