Your Dogs Dental Health

Keeping your dogs’ teeth clean and in good health is so important for their overall health and long-term wellbeing.

What is the difference between Plaque & Tartar? Plaque is a build-up of saliva, food, and bacteria that forms on the teeth, eventually turning into a brown hard substance, known as tartar. Tartar causes damage to the teeth and gums and can lead to gingivitis. The resulting bacteria can enter the bloodstream and damage the kidneys, liver, and heart.

Health dangers of a build-up of plaque, tartare, and gum disease. The bacteria that`s formed in an unhealthy mouth can travel via the bloodstream to the heart and circulatory system. This bacteria can cause heart and bowel disease and affect the immune system. There is also the added risk and expense of dogs having to receive a general anaesthetic for teeth cleaning, which is something we want to avoid if possible, particularly when caring for elderly dogs or those with other underlying health complications.

The Dental Hygiene blend has been made to improve oral health, loosen hardened tartar, prevent or greatly slow down the build-up of tartar and plaque, and assist in the maintenance of teeth and gums which is particularly useful in elderly dogs, that perhaps can no longer have a general anaesthetic.

The link to buy Hedgerow Hounds Dental Hygiene Blend is https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/dental-hygiene

There is also a blog all about dental hygiene blend here https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/news/dental-hygiene-formula

Other ways to speed up tartar removal and prevent further build-up.

• Feeding abrasive size-appropriate recreational raw bones and natural chews.

• Toothbrushing or cleaning with a lint cloth

Signs of tooth pain, gum disease, or mouth infection:

• Eating less, hesitancy to eat, favouring soft food over hard, dropping food and much slower eating than normal.

• Bad breath, red swollen gums, discoloured teeth.

• Inability or reluctance to open their mouth.

• Blood on gums, bedding, or toys.

• Scratching at their face or swelling and heat along the tooth line.

70% of dogs over 3 years of age have some form of dental disease. Small breeds such as toy Poodles, Cavalier King Charles, Schnauzers, and the Brachycephalic breeds are particularly prone and in larger breeds, the Greyhound is predisposed to tooth and gum disease.

Hedgerow Hounds makes veterinary-formulated supplements for dogs. The company was founded and is owned by a qualified holistic canine therapist with 30 years of experience in holistic dog care and nutrition.

Dental Hygiene Formula

The dental hygiene formula for dogs has been created to clean tartar and plaque from the teeth and to improve the overall health and hygiene of the mouth and gums. Although this blend’s main aim is to improve oral health there are so many benefits to feeding this supplement for improving all aspects of health and optimal wellbeing.

The blend is made up of ingredients of the highest human-grade food quality.

The Seaweed used is a certified Organic Fucus vesiculosus Seaweed. It is traceable to the precise location of harvest, from remote areas of the British Isles and Nordic region, so you can thoroughly trust the purity and source.

High quality, pollution-free seaweed is highly nutritious and offers your dog the following benefits:

• An effective prebiotic, high in antioxidants.

• High levels of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, antioxidants & omega fatty acids.

• Iodine for optimum thyroid function.

• Improves skin, coat, and nail health and loss of pigmentation.

• Improved oral health by preventing or aiding in the removal of tartar and plaque formation. Seaweed has antibacterial properties to act against harmful bacteria in the mouth and alongside the other ingredients used greatly aid in disease prevention of teeth and gums.

Fennel is added for its ability to inhibit the build-up of plaque due to its high levels of polyphenols. Fennel can also reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast. It has good levels of manganese, magnesium, Iron, calcium, and fibre. It also helps ease any intestinal gas and aids in digestion.

Oregano has powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial actions. All these properties assist in creating good oral health and helping to ease issues such as gingivitis. Due to Oregano’s high levels of antioxidants, it is also effective at balancing the gut bacteria.

What is it good for? This dental hygiene for dogs has been specifically created with oral health in mind. It can help remove the build-up of plaque and tartar, and create a healthier environment in the mouth so issues are less likely to occur. If your dog has a serious dental issue that requires veterinary intervention the blend can be used afterwards to aid in the prevention of further disease and hopefully eliminate the need for another tooth clean under anaesthetic, which is particularly important when caring for senior dogs or those with other health problems.

How to use: There are several options for using this dental blend depending on the current health of your dogs mouth and the amount of tartar you are aiming to reduce.

As with any new supplement, it is recommended that you gradually introduce the blend over 5 days. If your dog has a visible build-up of tartare, stained teeth, bad breath, and inflamed gums then it is suggested that the suggested amount is fed over the space of approximately 15 weeks, although you may see a marked improvement well before then. All the amounts to feed are dependent on your dog’s body weight and are stated on the labelling of the product.

If your dog already has clean teeth and good oral health and you would like to keep it that way as they age, then the initial “loading” amount over several weeks isn`t necessary. It is suggested that you feed the full amount for 6 weeks and then drop down to half that amount for maintenance. As an example, a 35kg Labrador would have half a teaspoon (approx. 2g of the powder) daily for 6 weeks, after this time the amount given can be halved if required to a quarter teaspoon (1g) for 5-7 days a week.

If at any time you see discolouring of the teeth, the amount can then of course be increased again to the maximum amount of half a teaspoon for that particular body weight. Each dog is an individual and the rate of plaque formation will vary depending on breed, age, diet and lifestyle so initially it may take a little while to find the exact amount that is suited to your dog.

Can I speed up the removal of hard tartar? Yes, you can speed up the process if there is hard tartare or a build-up in certain areas. Abrasive natural chews or size-appropriate recreational raw bones will help lift the tartar. Teeth cleaning with a toothbrush or lint cloth to ease any loosening tartar away. You may find there is often a stained area at the very top of the canine tooth nearest to the gum line which bones and chews can`t reach. This can be removed with a lint cloth or toothbrush once the supplement has been used for a couple of months.

Important message for certain health concerns:

Due to seaweed’s naturally occurring iodine content, it is not suitable for dogs that are undergoing veterinary treatment for hyperthyroidism or on thyroid medication. Also, avoid feeding this blend to pregnant and lactating females until the litter is weaned.

Hedgerow Hounds makes veterinary-formulated supplements for dogs. The company was founded and is owned by a qualified holistic canine therapist with 30 years of experience in holistic dog care and nutrition.

Holistic Dog Care Consultation

Sometimes we encounter a problem with our dog that requires additional expert help. These can be age-related, caused by anxiety or hyperactivity, dietary or a combination of factors which your dog is struggling with.

Caroline is a qualified canine therapist, with 30 years of experience in holistic healthcare, complementary therapies and feeding a fresh food diet.

These are some of the areas that will be covered in the consultation:

Diet. Is your dog thriving on their current diet, or would they benefit from a few changes?

Exercise. Is the exercise that your dog gets suitable for their age, fitness or mobility?

Holistic Lifestyle. This would include your dog’s daily routine & the things they find challenging.

Medication. If your dog is on medication, this may need to be taken into account, so as not to interfere with its effectiveness.

If you would like to discuss the problems you are experiencing with your dog, then a consultation with Caroline can help put you and your dog back on the right track. The consultation also comes with the option of a bespoke herbal blend and a discount code for use on the shop.

Here is the link: https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/consultation

Caroline Hearn

MICHT. IIHHT. Dip.ICAT. ISCP.Dip.Canine Nutrition

Digest and Rest

What does Digest & Rest help with? Digest & Rest was created to help dogs that suffer from digestive upset, constipation, and nausea. It is also ideal for managing anal gland problems. If your dog has a very sensitive digestion, then this blend is ideal if you are intending to make any changes to the diet and will make any transitions much smoother.

It has a very neutral taste and smell, so it will not be off-putting to even the fussiest dog and can be “hidden” in tasty food for the really suspicious, picky eater.

Here are a list of some of the ingredients in Digest & Rest and why they were specially chosen.

Marshmallow - Marshmallow root contains around 35% mucilage, which is a slippery substance to ease irritation of the mucous membranes. This makes it ideal to soothe an irritated throat, gut discomfort or tummy troubles. It is also invaluable for managing reflux and hunger nausea, which can occur just after eating or in the early hours of the morning when the dog’s stomach is empty. Marshmallows’ strongest affinities are with the digestive system, respiratory and urinary tracts.

Chamomile - Chamomile is chosen for its antispasmodic properties as well stimulating digestion as it is quite bitter tasting. Chamomile is also relaxing, so helps if the upset tummy is caused by an anxious, excitable, stressed mind.

Fennel - Fennel is useful for expelling intestinal gas and helping to ease stomach cramps.

Psyllium husks - Psyllium are husks from the Plantago ovata species. They provide a form of soluble fibre which when in contact with water, forms a soothing gel which passes through the digestive tract. The husks add bulk to the stools and help with constipation, diarrhoea and aids in the correct emptying of anal glands. Psyllium is also a useful prebiotic to encourage good gut bacteria.

How to use: Digest & Rest is a very versatile blend to use and you can adapt it to suit your specific dog’s needs. The measured amount can be added to wet food and stirred in, and for dried food, it is recommended that you add a splash of water to the powder and stir it into a paste before incorporating it into the food.

For supporting nausea. If your main reason for choosing this blend is to support reflux or perhaps your dog is recovering from a cough, there are several ways to use this blend for maximum effect. If the powder is made into a thick paste with a little warm water, this starts to release the mucilage, which will coat the mouth and oesophagus as it is consumed. You can try adding this paste to the food, or alternatively, some dogs benefit from a tiny meal or snack with Digest & Rest shortly before the main meal is given, so experiment with this to see what most benefits your dog. Small snacks could include a raw egg, plain cottage cheese, natural live yoghurt or a splash of goats’ milk.

For support with hunger pukes. Some dogs can experience hunger nausea in the early hours of the morning and may bring up some frothy, slimy vomit or start to retch as they experience an uncomfortable nausea. As long as they are well in themselves and have no other symptoms to suggest something more serious is going on, then feeding a very small meal or snack in the evening, which contains the Digest & Rest, can often ease these symptoms overnight and into the early hours. Small snacks can be those listed above or a tiny portion of their main meal set aside for this purpose.

Happy Customer Review

“Our French bulldog now sleeps all night, without the constant air licking, coughing, retching and regurgitation. I never want to be without Digest & Rest” Happy dog and happy owner.

A beautiful blend of herbs, roots, and seeds specifically to soothe the gut, aid digestion, and help anal gland issues.

All our products are veterinary formulated, but should not be used instead of consulting your vet should your dog have a health problem.

Hedgerow Hounds is owned by a qualified holistic canine therapist with 30 years of experience in healthcare and nutrition, and the blends are formulated by a veterinarian.

Pumpkin Puree for Dogs

Making pumpkin puree for your dog is a cheap and easy way to ease an upset tummy and add valuable fibre to your pet’s meals.

Pumpkin is high in both soluble & insoluble fibre. This makes it ideal for absorbing excess water, as in diarrhoea, and adding bulk to the stool if dealing with constipation.

The fibre in pumpkin acts as a prebiotic to feed the good gut bacteria and to aid in balancing the microbiome.

It is low in calories, low carb and high in antioxidants, particularly beta-carotene.

You will need:

A Pumpkin or Butternut Squash

Boiling water - Enough to cover the chopped pumpkin in the pan

Colander or drainer

Small pots or large ice cube moulds.

How to:

Chop into large slices and then peel off the rind. Scoop out & discard any seeds.

Cut into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Simmer until the pumpkin is tender, and then drain well.

Mash with a fork or potato masher.

Freeze in small individual pots or larger ice cube trays, which can be thawed quickly when needed.

If you want to make your dog a tummy-soothing meal, there is a recipe here using pumpkin, chicken, or white fish. https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/news/pumpkin-chicken-mash

Gut Health, Immunity and Microbiome

At first glance the digestive system appears to have a very simple task of taking in food, digesting it, absorbing nutrients, and then excreting the waste, and while everything is in good working order, we never even give it a second thought. 

It is in fact an incredibly complex structure with a vast number of tasks to undertake. The more the gut is studied the more we realise the vital role it plays in achieving optimum health, disease prevention, and stabilising our emotional state.

Although the teeth are needed to some extent to bite, crush and tear off food the actual process of digestion doesn`t start until it reaches the stomach. With no digestive enzymes in the saliva to kick start it off, the food needs to quickly get where the real work begins, which is in the stomach.

 Oesophagus:

Is a long muscular tube that runs down the neck, passes through the diaphragm and uses strong contractions to push food directly into the stomach.  

 Stomach:

The stomach lies at the front of the abdominal cavity, tucked just behind the liver and acts like a big mixing bowl.  

Any incoming food is first subjected to an acid bath of around ph1, this immediately gets to work breaking down protein and also killing any harmful bacteria.

The walls of the stomach are lined with a thick mucous which provides protection from the strong acid as well as stopping the stomach from literally digesting itself.

As the stomach expands with food, a peptide hormone called gastrin is released, which in turn triggers more hydrochloric acid and digestive enzyme production.

To aid digestion even further the surface of the stomach is a mass of wrinkles and folds which expand and contract to grab food particles and perform a churning or chewing-like action.

At this point, the thick soup-like constancy of partly digested food and secretions is known as chyme.

The food has now been in the dogs stomach for anywhere between five and ten hours and its next destination is the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine.

 Pancreas

The pancreas is a small gland, which sits next to the stomach and is attached to the small intestine, here it transports digestive enzymes through two excretory ducts into the duodenum.

The enzymes it produces are amylase to help digest starch, lipase to digest fats and trypsin and chymotrypsin to deal with the protein.

Enzymes are needed to break down food into tiny molecules and allow the absorption of nutrients into the cells of the intestines which then go on to be released into the bloodstream. 

It also produces and secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon that regulate blood sugar levels. The higher the concentration of sugar in the diet the more insulin is secreted into the bloodstream and the harder the pancreas has to work.

Liver

The liver is the largest gland in the body and the only organ that has the potential to regenerate after disease or injury.

Its many crucial jobs include producing bile to assist the small intestine in breaking down and absorbing fats and to process the nutrients that are absorbed by the small intestine.

Its other roles include storing vitamins and minerals, acting as a filter for toxins in the bloodstream and as a glycogen store for when extra energy is needed. 

 Small intestine

The small intestine is made up of three sections, Duodenum, Jejunum (longest) and the ileum (shortest)

On receiving the nutrient-rich chyme from the stomach, it is joined by secretions from the liver, gallbladder and pancreas to further assist in the digestion process.

The small intestine is lined with millions of tiny finger like projections called the Villi, these act to increase the surface area in order to trap and absorb as many nutrients as possible.

Most of the absorption of nutrients takes place in the small intestine, which are then released into the bloodstream to travel throughout the body to be utilised by the cells.

The final and shortest part of the small intestine is called the Ileum, here the food gets broken down even further in preparation to enter the cecum, the first section of the large intestine.

 Large intestine :

The large intestine is made up of the cecum, colon and rectum.

Its purpose is to remove water from the faeces, keep electrolytes in balance and to prepare and temporarily store any indigestible matter for excretion.

But there is much more activity going on in the colon than just that and although not a very glamorous area of interest, it does deserve our full care and attention.

The large intestine has a high concentration of bacteria referred to as the

Microbiome.

This is a collection of microbes made up of bacteria, viruses and fungi that we all have in our gut for efficient digestion, absorption of vital nutrients and to build a strong immune system.

 Our dogs would have acquired their unique bugs from their mother at birth and developed others depending on the environment they lived in and the food they ate.

The delicate balance of the microbiome can easily be disrupted by medication such as antibiotics, periods of stress and anxiety and a poor, unsuitable diet.

When everything is in balance these good bugs work hard to extract as much nutrition as possible out of the food that is consumed and to ensure the smooth running of the whole gastrointestinal tract.  

The bacteria are also responsible for assisting in hormone production such as serotonin, which occurs in the highest concentration thorough out the lining of the gut. 

A thriving, balanced microbiome is absolutely essential for the dogs ability to resist or fight disease, control inflammation in the body and for a positive influence on their mental wellbeing.

 Rectum and anal glands.

The faeces are then ready to be expelled along with the indigestible matter and dead red blood cells that it contains. 

Ideally, the dogs stool will be quite firm, which will press on the anal glands as it is passed, causing the glands to naturally empty.     

 All disease begins in the gut - Hippocrates

 Immunity and the gut

The gut forms between 70 - 80% of the immune system and has a vital role in regulating immunity, protecting our bodies from invaders such as allergens and pathogens and controlling inflammation.  

The food we chose for our dogs and the lifestyle choices we make for them will have either a negative or positive effect on their overall gut health, ability to utilise the nutrients in the food they eat, the essential fuel to grow and repair their body and to thrive well into their senior years.                                          

 Caroline Hearn - Canine Holistic Therapist

Performance Blend

A carefully selected blend of Organic herbs, wild ingredients, and superfoods created for dogs that participate in strenuous activities such as Gundog Trials, Agility, Working Trials, Canicross, Sled Racing etc.

All the ingredients are chosen specifically for their ability to support hard-working, athletic dogs to combat fatigue, improve stamina, assist in quicker recovery, maintain condition, adapt to the stresses of competition, and provide many essential nutrients that active dogs need.

All the herbs used are of the highest quality and our products have been created by a canine sports and holistic therapist.

The blend can be stirred into raw, moist, and homemade meals or rehydrated with a little warm water and mixed into dry food.

Organic Wheatgrass, Organic Alfalfa, Organic Chlorella, Organic Ashwagandha, Organic Seaweed, Organic Hawthorn berry, Fenugreek seed, Organic Beetroot

If your sport is seasonal then I would recommend that you take a break from the blend when you are not competing and resume a month before your competitions start again. Alternatively, cut the amount of the blend down and then increase it again as you restart your sport.