Can My Dog Eat That: A Guide by Taste of the Wild

Posted on March 28, 2022 - 10:46 pm by
Taste of the Wild

One of the most popular online searches regarding pets is the question “Can my dog eat BLANK?” The reason this query is so popular is because, for better or worse, many dogs will eat anything they can get their mouth around, especially human foods. Often, pet owners are asking the question after said item has been eaten, and they are looking for quick answers about whether they need to make a sudden trip to the veterinarian. (NOTE: If you ever have serious questions about something your pet has eaten, even the most benign human foods, call your vet immediately!)

To pre-emptively answer some of these questions, Taste of the Wild has created an ongoing and ever-growing guide that answers the question, “Can my dog eat that?” We will be limiting our questions and answers to food items, so if your dog has eaten an entire couch cushion…call your vet. Bookmark this page because it will keep growing. There’s no end to the list of human foods dogs have tried to eat, and no end to the trouble caused to the dog’s digestive system!

CAN MY DOG EAT GRAPES?

A brown dog looking at its owner harvesting grapes off the vine.

Your dog should never, ever, eat grapes. They can be toxic to dogs, potentially leading to acute kidney failure and even death. And they’re an obvious choking hazard. That goes for all grapes: red, green, seeded or seedless, organic or grown conventionally. It also includes raisins and foods that include raisins. Until recently, no one knew why, exactly, dogs and grapes shouldn’t mix. But veterinarians at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center discovered that tartaric acid might be the culprit.

READ MORE ABOUT DOGS AND GRAPES

CAN MY DOG EAT SWEET POTATOES?

A dog standing in a field where sweet potatoes are being grown.

Humans seem to either love or hate sweet potatoes. Dogs, however, might not be so ambivalent. The good news is that your dog can not only eat these non-potato potatoes, they gain benefits if they do so. Sweet potatoes can provide energy, support gut health, maintain healthy eyes and support the digestive system. They’re better than safe for dogs; they’re good for them!

READ MORE ABOUT WHY SWEET POTATOES ARE SAFE FOR DOGS

CAN MY DOG EAT APPLES?

Two dogs sitting in an apple orchard.

Yes, apples are a nice and healthy change of pace for your sweet-loving pooch — in moderation, of course. Apples are great sources of fiber, vitamin C and vitamin A, not to mention potassium. And an underrated aspect of feeding apple to your dog is that the rough texture works as sort of a natural tooth cleaner and breath freshener. As long as you still schedule regular dental checks, apples are a great little addition.

READ MORE ABOUT YOUR DOG AND APPLES

CAN MY DOG EAT CHEESE?

A dog sitting on a chair next to a table with a plate of cheese on it.

Should you pay the cheese tax without guilt? It’s a question as old as time. Or refrigerators.

Dogs love cheese. That’s a fact. The good thing is that cheese isn’t a terrible snack! Most dogs can, in moderation, eat cheese without any serious repercussions outside of possibly a stinky room a few hours later. Cheese, in general, can be a healthy, nutrient-rich treat. The high amounts of calcium are good for strong teeth and bones. Vitamins A, D and B are usually prominent. Cheese is an excellent source of protein.

READ MORE ABOUT YOUR DOG AND CHEESE

CAN MY DOG EAT BLUEBERRIES?

A human giving a handful of blueberries to a dog.

Blueberries are considered a superfood for people. But are they super for dogs?

Yes, in moderation. These nutrient-packed foods are key sources of antioxidants, omega fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein. To sweeten an already sweet deal, superfoods are functional ingredients in pet foods, meaning that they provide bonus benefits beyond basic nutrition when they are part of a complete and balanced diet.

READ MORE ABOUT DOGS AND BLUEBERRIES

CAN MY DOG EAT PEAS?

A bowl of fresh green peas lying on a cutting board surrounded by pea pods.

Peas are popular ingredients in pet food, for very good reason: They pack a nutritional wallop! Loaded with carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants and protein, peas are perfect additions to pet foods. A single serving of peas provides nearly the entire daily portion of amino acids a dog needs. In general, peas are great snacks for dogs as well, but not all are created pea-qual! Click to learn the ABCs of peas for pets.

READ MORE ABOUT DOGS AND PEAS

CAN MY DOG EAT AVOCADO?

A group of fresh avocados hanging from a tree.

This superfood is a yes-and-no proposition for your pup. While technically a superfood, the peel and pit are super no-nos for your dog, as they are literal poison and choking hazards. But the sweet green mush inside (AKA the flesh)? It’s a nutrient- and antioxidant-dense treat that supplies great amounts of potassium, fiber and vitamin E.

READ MORE ABOUT AVOCADO AND YOUR DOG

CAN MY DOG EAT BANANAS?

Banana bunches sitting in a wicker basket.

Is it b-a-n-a-n-a-s to offer your dog bananas, or are they an appeeling snack option? High in potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin C and fiber, bananas are a good, low-calorie food that you can offer your begging buddy — IF you peel them first!

READ MORE ABOUT BANANAS AND DOGS

CAN MY DOG EAT TOMATOES?

Red tomatoes hanging from a vine in a garden.

A good, ripe, dripping tomato. Who doesn’t love one on a hot day? The great news here is that if your dog is a fan of these bright red balls of nutrients, they can certainly have some. With some BUTS, of course. First, only offer the tomato itself. No other part of the tomato plant is good for your dog in any way. Second, make sure the tomato is ripe. Green parts of the tomato plant, and green tomatoes themselves, contain tomatine, a toxin that can cause upset stomachs. And no one wants to ruin their nice summer day with an upset stomach!

READ MORE ABOUT TOMATOES AND YOUR DOG

CAN MY DOG EAT EGGS?

A single egg lying on a wooden table cut in half, showing the yolk.

A nice cooked egg is EGGzactly what the dogtor ordered for snack time. Eggs are high in protein (which is why they are often included in pet food), and they’re also a good source of minerals, vitamins and fatty acids. The high protein content of eggs can be an issue in the weight department, so ask your veterinarian how often to feed eggs to your dog.

READ MORE ABOUT DOGS AND EGGS

CAN MY DOG EAT PUMPKIN?

A dog lying on a pile of pumpkins.

Is pumpkin a great idea for dogs? It sure is! Our most festive orange fruit offers high fiber content and plenty of antioxidants, and it’s loaded with vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A supports healthy vision, while the high levels of vitamin C are another boost to the immune system. Meanwhile, magnesium supports easy digestion and zinc helps the skin and coat look its best. Prepared properly, pumpkin will have you asking your dog, “Orange you glad we gave you some?”

READ MORE ABOUT DOGS AND PUMPKIN

CAN MY DOG EAT CINNAMON?

Cinnamon sticks lying on a table next to a bowl of ground cinnamon.

Is cinnamon a spice that makes everything nice for your dog? Well, it IS a spice, and dogs traditionally aren’t down with the spicy. That said, cinnamon isn’t toxic to dogs, so there’s no reason to panic if they swipe a snickerdoodle or two. Eaten in small amounts, cinnamon won’t hurt your dog and might even taste good to them. But if they get the powder form in their nose, sneezing might ensue!

READ MORE ABOUT YOUR DOG AND CINNAMON

CAN MY DOG EAT SNOW?

A dog hunched over eating snow while standing in deep, fresh snow.

It’s just frozen water. Snow can’t possibly be bad for my dog, right?

Wellllll…it’s a maybe. If all your dog is eating is snow and it’s not in crazy amounts, then yes, a few flakes on the tongue to celebrate the season is perfectly fine. A chilly mouthful of newly fallen white stuff won’t harm anyone and might even help, mood-wise. But if your canine companion likes to go deep in their love for snow, you might need to intervene. Dirt, rocks, sticks…who knows what is lurking beneath the surface. And if the snow is any color but white? SNOW WAY!

READ MORE ABOUT DOGS EATING SNOW

CAN MY DOG EAT POPCORN?

A dog lying on a couch under a blanket with a bowl of popcorn.

Can your dog eat popcorn? Sure they can, if we’re talking plain, unsalted and unbuttered popcorn. It might even be good for them, offering small amounts of fiber, vitamins and minerals. If boring ol’ plain popcorn is your dog’s snack of choice, a small bowl of air-popped corn with no toppings is perfectly acceptable.

READ MORE ABOUT DOGS AND POPCORN

CAN MY DOG EAT WATERMELON?

A dog with its tongue out staring at a bowl of watermelon.

It’s a hot summer day and everyone at the pic-a-nic is munching on cool, juicy watermelon. And your dog is just sitting there salivating. Can they have some of nature’s sweetest treat? They sure can, provided (as always) that it’s prepared properly. No rinds, cut the meat into small hunks and make sure there are no seeds, and your dog will be a sticky mess in no time!

READ MORE ABOUT DOGS AND WATERMELON

CAN MY DOG EAT A HOT DOG?

A black dog with its nose resting on a table staring at a plate of hot dogs.

Just imagine a greasy, salty hot dog and you can probably guess that they aren’t the best foods for your dog. In small amounts and cut into bite-sized chunks, a hot dog usually won’t to do any lasting damage to your normal-temperature dog, but an upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea isn’t out of the ordinary. Can they eat one? Sure. Should they? Probably not!

READ MORE ABOUT DOGS AND HOT DOGS

CAN MY DOG EAT PEOPLE DRINKS?

A small black dog with its paw in its owner’s hand while the owner holds a coffee cup.

With such a bountiful bevy of beverages available for human consumption, do you ever wonder if your dog looks up from their water bowl, jealous of your pumpkin-latte-cinnamon-sprinkled carbonated soda? Are you ever tempted to give them a sip? Here’s a primer on whether your dog can drink some of our more popular people drinks.

READ MORE ABOUT DOGS AND BEVERAGES

Some dogs are picky and aren’t too awfully interested in anything but dog food. Other dogs will literally eat anything. This ongoing feature will continually add sections and links that detail why or why not your dog should eat certain foods. We’ll cover why they should avoid seemingly innocent foods (like grapes!) because they’ll make a dog sick, but we’ll also explain why some not-so-obvious foods, like blueberries, end up as important ingredients in many dog foods. No matter what, always remember that your dog’s stomach can be just as sensitive, if not more, than a human’s, so if your dog eats something questionable, call your veterinarian immediately.  Your dog’s health matters, so we want to make sure that you offer quality food and a healthy snack.

Check back often!

Translating Your Dog’s Tail

Posted on March 24, 2022 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Did you know that a dog’s tail wagging to the right means something different from wagging to the left? While you can’t speak “dog,” you can use their body language to get an insight into what a dog is feeling, and to know whether you should approach or give them some space. A tail is a really useful communication device for dogs, and you can learn what your dog is trying to tell you by their tail position.

Keep in mind, though, that every dog is different, and these are general descriptions of what each tail position means. Your dog may have a different meaning for their tail tales.

An interior graphic depicting nine different tail positions and what they may indicate about a dog's mood.

Dogs use many forms of body language to communicate with us and other animals, not just their tails. Their eyes, face and ears can express different feelings, and so can their body position and even their hair. So it’s worth paying attention to your dog’s body language — you might just see what they’re trying to tell you.

RELATED POST: When the Wagger Doesn’t Work: Tail Injuries in Dogs

Common Household Items That Are Pet Poisons

Posted on March 17, 2022 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Just like a new parent baby-proofing their home, pet owners are tasked with placing poisonous items out of a furry companion’s reach. Now, you’ve heard about certain plants being poisonous or over-the-counter medicines being fatal to a pet, but what about those items that aren’t such obvious dangers? Don’t fret. That’s where we can help. For Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month, we’ve provided a checklist of surprisingly poisonous items so you make sure your dwelling is extra safe for Fido, Socks and Daisy.

COMMON HOUSEHOLD ITEMS THAT POSE UNCOMMON PROBLEMS FOR PETS

An interior graphic that details a number of common household items that can be dangerous to pets.

After going through this list, you may wonder, “How quickly can my four-legged friend become ill if they consume something toxic?” The answer is dependent on 1) which household item was ingested and 2) how much was consumed. If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, immediately contact your local vet or the 24-hour Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately.

Signs your pet could have ingested something toxic:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Hypersalivating
  • Trouble breathing
  • Twitching or irregular body movements
  • Changes in appetite, drinking or urinating
  • Weakness or collapse associated with low blood sugar
  • Lethargy
  • Blood in their stool

RELATED POST: Can My Dog Eat That?: Grapes

Hit the Road to These Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations

Posted on March 10, 2022 - 3:03 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Over the last couple of years, pets and their owners have bonded more than ever. We rely on each other during uncertain times for comfort and care. Now that we’re safely traveling again, both domestically and internationally, the idea of boarding Fido during vacation is unthinkable. They’re part of the family and need to soak up the sun, too! Keeping this in mind, we’ve located dog-friendly towns across the nation so you can begin mapping out your family road trip.

West Coast

Our first dog-friendly location is Bend, Oregon. Dog Fancy magazine even claimed this city as DogTown USA in 2012, due to its long list of dog-friendly businesses, events, trails and parks. A weekend itinerary could include:

  • McKay Cottage Restaurant – 62910 OB Riley Rd, Bend, OR 97701
    • Voted Best Breakfast in Bend since 2010, you’ll want to stop by McKay Cottage Restaurant to get your day started off right. From breakfast burritos to apple-cranberry oatmeal, they have a little something for everyone on the trip. Ask for a backyard table for a dog-friendly experience.
  • Riverbend Park – 799 SW Columbia St, Bend, OR 97702
    • A scenic hike at Riverbend Park provides miles of paved and unpaved terrain for you and your furry friend. The park also offers an off-leash area with river access for cooling down on a hot, summer day.
    • Bonus: The Old Mill District hosts various outdoor events that either begin, end or are stationed at Riverbend Park. Time your trip just right to see hot air balloons take off or a portion of the iconic Pole Pedal Paddle competition.
  • Deschutes River – Various entrance locations in Bend, OR
    • Looking to get out on the water while visiting? There’s no shortage of paddleboard rentals in Bend. Depending on the amount of time you’d like to spend boarding and level of difficulty you’d like to tackle, there’s an option for everyone along the Deschutes River to check out.
  • Campfire Hotel – 721 NE 3rd Street, Bend, OR 97701
    • You didn’t think we’d leave out lodging, did you? Grab s’mores for the family and Fido’s favorite treats for a stay at the Campfire Hotel. This outdoor-themed hotel provides much more than a place to lay your head. You can strum some music for your furry friend with free guitars AND enjoy a nice summer night by a giant firepit!

Midwest

Traveling nearly 2,000 miles east from Bend, we’ll come upon our Midwest vacation recommendation: Duluth, Minnesota. Bring along your passion of flying and your favorite hiking boots when completing Duluth’s itinerary:

  • Lake Country Air and Beaver Air Tours – 50000 Minnesota Ave, Duluth, MN 55802
    • Want to get a panoramic view of Duluth, Minnesota? You and Fido can experience a trip of a lifetime when you view famous landmarks such as North Shore, Spirit Mountain and more during a Lake Country Air tour.
    • Bonus: Dogs fly for free!
  • Elys Peak –
    • It’s time to stretch those legs and get paws on the ground! Continue to see breath-taking views when you hike 1.7 miles on Elys Peak. You and the doggo will enjoy small hills, valleys and plenty of river views to remind you both you’re on vacation!
  • Fitger’s Brewhouse Brewery and Grille – 600 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802
    • After an adventurous day, authentic Duluth food and drinks are awaiting you at Fitger’s Brewhouse Brewery and Grille. The pub has eight dog-friendly tables out on the patio. Previous guests have paw-sitively reviewed this location for its good food and friendly service — even noting how they provide water bowls for your furry friend.
  • Fitger’s Inn – 600 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802
    • Once you’re done with dinner, you won’t have far to travel with our lodging recommendation. The historic Fitger’s Inn is mere steps away from the brewhouse and provides a great place for you and Fido to catch some zzz’s. This inn provides lakefront views along with a salon and day spa for an owner’s relaxation.
    • Bonus: No additional pet fee!

Northern United States

Next, we’re jumping to the northern portion of the country. Have you ever heard of Block Island, Rhode Island? Get ready to dip your toes and paws in the sand when going through this itinerary:

  • Mansion Beach – Mansion Road, Block Island, RI 02807
    • If you’re on the hunt for some peace and quiet, Mansion Beach may be your first stop. Reviews suggest that it truly feels like a peaceful vacation destination. In addition to relaxing, this beach’s large waves are perfect for surfing or paddleboarding with Fido.
  • Kimberly’s – 238 Ocean Ave, Block Island, RI 02807
    • Being this close to the ocean, you’ll have access to some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat. So of course, we had to add Kimberly’s to the list. This dog-friendly restaurant sits on the waterfront and offers a tranquil place to grab dinner. Lobster mac and cheese, pan-seared salmon, miso-glazed cod and so much more.
  • Islandog – 104 Water St, New Shoreham, RI 02807
    • About 10 minutes down the road from Mansion Beach is a pet-themed gift shop called Islandog. This quirky, pet-friendly store embodies their motto: “Gifts for pets and their humans.” If Fido gets dirty and you need pet shampoo, you run out of poo bags or you simply want to treat yourselves to some unique souvenirs, Islandog has you covered!
  • The Blue Dory Inn – 61 Dodge St, New Shoreham, RI 02807
    • Wake up to views of Crescent Beach by staying at the Blue Dory Inn. The pet-friendly inn provides guests with a relaxing stay where wine, hors d’oeuvres and famous Block Island Barnacle cookies are enjoyed every afternoon. Plus, this quaint B&B is a short walking distance to the ferry, restaurants and island shops.
    • Bonus: Fido can meet the resident cat, Simon, along with other furry friends staying over at the Blue Dory Inn.

South

Way down the coast we find our final recommendation, Plant City, Florida. This city is even home to a dog-friendly amusement park! Visualize a vacation of adventure with:

  • Dinosaur World – 5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City, FL 33565
    • Dinosaur World is home to fossils, life-sized dinosaur models and interactive exhibits for the whole family — furry Fido included! Think about the adorable family photos you’ll be able to take alongside a life-sized woolly mammoth statue.
    • Bonus: Water stations are provided throughout the park to keep Fido hydrated!
  • Metals & Nature – 1501 State Rd 60 W, Plant City, FL 33567
    • Enjoy a scenic two-acre stroll with Fido when you take them to Metals & Nature. Along your walk you’ll be amazed at the wrought-iron work and animals you’ll be able to meet. From a koi fishpond to peacocks strutting their stuff, Fido will have a ton of new friends by the end of your visit.
    • Bonus: Metals & Nature is home to trails and picnic tables, so pack a lunch to enjoy after your garden adventure!
  • Strawberry Hut Sandwich Shop – 1505 N Wheeler St, Plant City, FL 33563
    • Craving a Cuban sandwich or a milkshake? Strawberry Hut offers Cubans, salads, soup and milkshakes galore. This restaurant consists of a walk-up counter and five pet-friendly outdoor picnic tables.
  • Comfort Inn – 2003 S Frontage Rd, Plant City, FL 33563
    • Get the comfort of home in the form of a hotel room when you stay at Comfort Inn Plant City. Free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast and a grassy area for Fido to play make the stay that much better.

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Posted on March 3, 2022 - 3:30 pm by
Verdict: Dogs May Eat Sweet Potatoes Graphic

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. Today: Can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Read on!

Sweet potatoes are a divisive food on the human table. It seems that people either love ’em or hate ’em, and there’s no in-between. In the dog world, however, it’s a “people food,” so chances are, your dog would scarf them down if given the opportunity.

But should you give your dog the opportunity? Can dogs eat sweet potatoes?

What is a sweet potato, anyway?

It might surprise you to hear this, but sweet potatoes are not potatoes at all. Or at least they’re not stem tubers, as most potatoes are classified. Sweet potatoes are actually root vegetables and only distantly related to your standard ’tater. But that’s not to say that they aren’t similar. Both sweet and regular (white) potatoes offer roughly the same calories, protein and carbs, but they differ in their additional benefits. White potatoes provide plenty of potassium, and the sweet potato’s bragging rights are attached to their copious amounts of vitamin A. Now, despite the name, a raw sweet potato isn’t actually sweet; it just tastes starchy, like the other kinds of potatoes. But when you start cooking sweet potatoes, the heat releases an enzyme that breaks down all that starch and turns it in to a form of sugar. This “sugar” isn’t half as sweet as the stuff you put in your coffee, but compared to a normal white potato, it seems like candy — which may explain why your dog would be so eager to eat a sweet potato.

Are Sweet Potatoes Good for Dogs?

Sweet potatoes can be very beneficial, providing energy while helping support gut health, thanks to the high levels of antioxidants. The vitamins like vitamin A in sweet potatoes help maintain healthy eyes and skin. The dietary fiber in sweet potatoes helps support the digestive system. Yes, sweet potatoes are good foods for dogs!

How Do I Cook Sweet Potatoes for Dogs?

Don’t feed your dog raw or whole sweet potatoes; the skin can be hard to bite through and isn’t great for the digestive tract, and if your dog bites large chunks of the ’tater, they could choke. Prepare them by baking, boiling or mashing them. DON’T candy sweet potatoes as you would for your family’s Thanksgiving dinner, though. When dogs eat sweet potatoes, they should be as plain as possible.

In fact, the best way to offer your dog sweet potatoes is as an ingredient in their dog food, to make sure that it’s part of a balanced diet. Many dog food recipes use sweet potatoes as a healthy source of carbohydrates, so check the ingredients panel on the bag or can. Your dog might already be enjoying sweet potato!

Can Dogs Eat Raw Sweet Potatoes?

No, your dog should never eat raw sweet potatoes. Unsweetened, cooked sweet potatoes are fine, but uncooked sweet potatoes are choking hazards and can cause intestinal blockages. Make sure those sweet potatoes are cooked!

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Skins?

When feeding your dog sweet potatoes, make sure you remove the sweet potato skin. It isn’t poisonous, but the skin of sweet potatoes is hard to chew and can be a choking hazard or even block the intestines. Skin those sweet potatoes!

There’s a Caveat with the Sweet Potato

As with anyone’s diet, your dog’s diet should be judged for your individual dog. Diabetic or overweight dogs shouldn’t indulge in sweet potatoes outside of a reputable dog food recipe. If you have any questions about your dog’s diet and whether they can or can’t eat a sweet potato or two, contact your veterinarian.

Can my dog eat sweet potatoes?

They can, if the sweet potato is prepared properly and served in moderation, considering your individual dog’s diet needs. Introducing sweet potatoes as an occasional snack could be a welcome variation!

The Verdict?

Your dog will love them if you feed sweet potatoes in small amounts. Plenty of nutritional benefits for a pet of any size.

An interior graphic with text that reads ‘Can my dog eat sweet potatoes? Yes!’.

More Doggy Diet Questions?

If you’ve ever asked Can My Dog Eat That? there’s a pretty good chance that we’ve written an article about the answer. Follow our blog here for all sorts of answers to the question as well as other nutritious treat info.

Dogs at Work: The High-Velocity Vizsla Hunting Drive

Posted on February 24, 2022 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Vizslas are fierce hunting companions with roots at least a millennium deep.

Marauding Magyar warriors from Russia rode on horseback across Western Europe in the 800s, with their powerful, copper-colored dogs leaping beside them. The conquerors eventually settled in Hungary, where they became herdsmen and hunters.

Stone carvings in the Carpathian Mountains, estimated to be about 1,000 years old, depict the fierce hunter with his falcon and dog, which eventually became today’s vizsla. These canine ancestors worked in tandem with falcons, flushing birds so the sharp-taloned hunters could snatch the prey and bring it to earth.

Known as the “yellow pointer” in the 1200s, the dogs eventually became the “Hungarian pointer” and finally the “vizsla” in the 16th century. A studbook from the 1700s lists a breeding history of the “golden vizsla.”

With a seemingly endless supply of energy, vizslas caught the eye of the aristocracy in the region. Eventually, they became known as the “gift of kings,” and pups from special breedings were reserved for royalty in the Greater Hungarian Kingdom, which spread across Hungary and Czechoslovakia before World War I. It is said that vizsla pups were gifted to Princess Iolanda di Savia from Italy, as well as to other queens of Italy and Spain.

Much like German shorthaired pointers, vizslas are renowned hunters, skilled at both pointing and retrieving. They have been used to hunt everything from pheasants, partridges, geese and ducks to rabbits, deer, boars and even bears and wolves. Their eyes and noses are also reddish-brown, blending in with their coat color and making it easy for them to be camouflaged in brush while hunting.

A U.S. State Department employee is said to have helped smuggle a vizsla out of communist Hungary and into the United States in 1950. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1960.

Today, vizslas still serve as high-energy hunters and family companions, but they also work as guide dogs as well as in search and rescue and drug detection.

An interior graphic detailing seven fun facts about vizslas.

Does Your Pet Have a Food Allergy? A Diet Trial May Tell

Posted on February 17, 2022 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Food reactions can cause year-round skin, ear and gastrointestinal problems in dogs and cats. The reaction may involve the immune system, as in a food allergy, where the body reacts to a protein in the diet. Or it can be a food intolerance, which doesn’t involve the immune system, and is generally a reaction to other dietary components such as carbohydrates, preservatives, dyes or flavorings.

Although pets are more likely to be allergic to environmental elements such as pollen or mold spores, those types of allergies are often more seasonal in nature. (To complicate matters, some pets can have food allergies and environmental allergies.) While there are ways to test for environmental allergies, there is not an accurate blood, saliva or skin test to determine if your pet has a food allergy.

If you think your pet has a food allergy, first work with your veterinarian to rule out other causes of their symptoms such as parasites, infections, metabolic diseases, and other potential health concerns. An elimination-challenge diet trial may be recommended. This can take 12 weeks or more, so it requires a lot of dedication and patience. If the signs disappear during the diet trial, then return when the pet is fed the original food, a diagnosis of food allergy is likely.

Signs of a food allergy

Dogs with a food allergy may scratch or chew at their face, ears, feet, groin and/or anal areas. They may develop red, irritated skin, secondary skin infections and ear infections. A smaller percentage of dogs may have gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, gas, loud intestinal rumbling and frequent defecation.

Cats with food allergies often scratch at their face, neck and ears or they may overgroom, resulting in bald patches on their bodies. Some may have gastrointestinal signs, as well.

Because signs of food allergy can be similar to other causes of itching and digestive upset, it’s always a good idea to check in with your veterinarian before starting a food trial.

The elimination diet

The idea behind an elimination diet is to eliminate the ingredient in your pet’s food that’s causing a problem and see if the signs resolve. The diet is strict, in that your pet can only eat this diet and drink water for eight to 12 weeks, and possibly longer. That means no human food for kitty or doggy either!

Of course, it’s not as simple as just changing brands of food; a special diet is required.

One option is to feed a novel protein diet, which contains a protein the pet hasn’t been exposed to before. Novel protein diets often contain proteins such as rabbit, venison, duck or bison. There are numerous commercial novel protein diets available.

A veterinary nutritionist can also help you create a home-cooked novel protein option that might contain tilapia, salmon, rabbit, duck, pork or pinto beans. The protein is often mixed with a single carbohydrate, such as quinoa, sweet potato, oats or barley. A veterinary nutritionist can help make sure the diet is nutritionally complete and balanced for your pet.

The other option is to feed your pet a hydrolyzed protein diet, in which the protein is broken down into pieces too small for the immune system to recognize.

Your veterinarian can help you choose the best diet option if a food trial is indicated for your dog.

Remember, whenever you change your pet’s diet, do it gradually over the course of at least five to seven days to help prevent gastrointestinal upset. Each day, mix in a little less of the current diet with more of the new diet until the pet is only eating the new food.

The no-no list

During the diet trial, it’s important not to feed your pet anything other than the special diet. Treats or medications may contain allergy-inducing ingredients, so the diet trial may fail if these are not avoided.

That means no rawhides, bones, pig ears or chew toys made with animal products. No cheese, peanut butter, lunch meat or treats for hiding medications. No toothpaste or supplements. No fruits or vegetables unless your veterinarian says they’re OK. And dogs should not be allowed to snack in the litter box or pick up goodies at the dog park.

If your pet must take medications, ask your veterinarian if there is a hypoallergenic form, or if parasite prevention can be transitioned from oral to topical.

Watch for signs to improve

Your pet should be on the elimination diet for at least eight to 12 weeks. Once on the diet, gastrointestinal signs usually resolve in two to three weeks. Pets often show a reduction in scratching, licking, and chewing in four weeks, but it may take 12 weeks or more.

If signs improve, your veterinarian will let you know when to begin the “challenge” portion of the diet trial. In this phase, you will gradually transition your pet to the original diet over the course of five to seven days. If signs return, typically within days or up to two weeks, a diagnosis of food allergy is likely.

Prognosis

If the signs only partially improve, or there’s no improvement, there may be other allergies at play and further diagnostics may be needed. If your pet’s signs completely resolve on the elimination diet, then you have your answer. While there’s no cure for food allergies, feeding your pet an appropriate diet will help keep them more comfortable. Unfortunately, some pets may eventually develop additional food allergies, so future diet trials may be necessary.

Why Don’t Cats See Their Vets as Often as Dogs Do?

Posted on February 10, 2022 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

When it comes to regular veterinary checkups, cats are left holding the short end of the wand toy. While 78.8 percent of dog owners said they made at least one veterinary trip per year for preventive care, only 47.2 percent of cat owners did the same, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s latest edition of Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook.

What’s keeping cats away?

Once considered solely indoor/outdoor mouse deterrents, cats have now become pampered members of the family. Yet some owners still see their cats as independent animals that need little or no veterinary care.

Also, for many owners it’s easy to miss signs of illness or pain in cats. That’s because cats are adept at hiding these signs, a lesson learned from their wild feline ancestors who hid illness to prevent themselves from becoming prey.

Some cats will question why they need a checkup and will do anything to avoid the cat carrier and car ride to the veterinarian. So owners may decide the stress and the struggle isn’t worth it.

Finally, now that many vaccines are only given every three years, owners may assume there’s no need to bring their cats in for regular exams, especially if they’re indoor-only cats. The trouble is, even indoor cats can suffer from dental disease, obesity, urinary tract issues, parasites and other problems.

Cats age faster than humans

At one year of age, a cat is the equivalent of a 15-year-old teenager and matures to about a 24-year-old-human at 2 years. After that, every year tacks on about four years of “human aging” for cats, so an 8-year-old cat is essentially the same as a middle-aged, 48-year-old human.

Since there can be significant health changes over the course of four human years, cats should have a veterinary checkup once a year or more, depending on the cat, according to feline preventive care guidelines established by the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Prevention is better than treatment

Most cats don’t show overt signs of pain or illness until the problem is advanced. But with regular preventive care and early intervention, common feline health problems such as kidney disease, osteoarthritis, hyperthyroidism and even cancer can be detected earlier, when they are often more treatable and less expensive.

To help make regular checkups easier, look for a cat-friendly practice.  These veterinary practices must meet certain criteria, all designed to make the visits less stressful on cats and their owners. They even provide you with tips on how to get your kitty to the clinic without a fuss, and once you arrive, they’ll use gentle handling techniques to help put your cat at ease.

With regular, preventive veterinary care, more cats can live longer, happier and more pain-free lives. Which means they’ll have more time to prove why they’re superior to their canine counterparts, or that, as the saying goes, “cats rule and dogs drool.”

RELATED POST: Acute vs. Chronic Pain: When Your Pet Needs Help

Can My Dog Eat Grapes?

Posted on February 3, 2022 - 3:30 pm by
Interior graphic with text that reads ‘Can my dog eat grapes? Never!’.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our new series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. Read on!

A grape or two might seem like a harmless snack for your dog. After all, it’s just fruit, and mostly water at that. But what happens if your dog eats grapes? Unlike other fruits like cranberries or blueberries, grapes can be toxic to dogs, potentially leading to acute kidney failure and even death. Grape and raisin poisoning are real dangers for dogs.

This applies to all types of grapes, whether they’re red, green, seeded or seedless, organic or grown conventionally. But fresh grapes aren’t the only problem. Grapes that have been dried — otherwise known as raisins, sultanas (light brown, seedless raisins) and Zante currents — can be problematic as well.

The same goes for foods in your pantry that contain raisins, including cookies, bars and breads, granola mix, trail mix and raisin bran cereal. It’s not clear if grape jelly, grape juice or wine could be hazardous, but why take the risk?

What makes even a few grapes toxic?

Until recently, no one knew why, exactly, dogs and grapes shouldn’t mix. But veterinarians at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center discovered that tartaric acid (the ingredient cream of tartar is made from) might be the culprit. The amount of tartaric acid in grapes can vary depending on the type of grape, the degree of ripeness and the growing conditions.

In addition to varying levels within the grapes, dogs can have individual responses to the fruit, making it frustratingly difficult to determine how many will be a problem. Dogs have had a toxic reaction after eating as little as 0.32 ounces of grapes and 0.05 ounces of raisins per pound of body weight. It’s not a food you want your dog eating!

If your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, call your veterinarian or the closest veterinary emergency clinic immediately.

Symptoms when dogs eat grapes

It doesn’t take long for signs of toxicity to appear. Within hours of eating grapes or raisins, dogs may vomit and refuse to eat. If your dog surfed your countertop without your knowledge, you may find the telltale signs of grapes in the vomit. The dog may also have diarrhea, show signs of abdominal pain, drooling, dehydration and lethargy. They may drink and urinate more than normal, or in more advanced cases, they may produce little or no urine.

Seek veterinary help immediately

Since kidney damage can happen quickly, it’s best to call your veterinarian as soon as possible. While there’s no specific test to determine if your dog is experiencing grape toxicity, it’s generally diagnosed based on the history of grape consumption or grapes found in the vomit.

When your dog eats grapes or raisins within the last hour or two and hasn’t vomited yet, the doctor will probably recommend that vomiting be induced to get the toxins out of the stomach. Once that’s accomplished, your dog may be given activated charcoal by mouth, which may help prevent further absorption of toxins into your dog’s system.

In cases of grape or raisin toxicity, some dogs may need aggressive therapy, including hospitalization and intravenous fluids. The veterinarian may recommend blood work and urinalyses to monitor kidney function. Dogs may also benefit from stomach protectants, medications to control vomiting and nutritional support.

While ingestion of grapes should always be avoided in dogs, other fruits can be healthy and safe snacks for your pooch. Consider offering apple slices (remove the seeds), cantaloupe, blueberries, strawberries or bananas instead.

Can One Grape Kill a Dog?

Can one grape kill a dog? Yes, one grape can be extremely harmful. Grape toxicity is a real threat no matter how many grapes a dog eats. When dogs eat grapes, grape poisoning is always a possibility. Grapes or raisins, quite simply, are toxic to dogs, whether it’s one grape, green grapes, seedless grapes, red grapes, etc. If you suspect that grape poisoning has occurred and you cannot seek immediate treatment, you can call  Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for immediate advice. Your dog’s health, and kidney failure specifically, is always a concern when your dog ate a grape.

To learn more about why grapes are bad for dogs, check out this article.

An interior graphic with text that reads ‘Can my dog eat grapes? Never!’.

Great Pyrenees: Fearless Guardians of Sheep on High

Posted on January 27, 2022 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Named for the mountains that form the border between France and Spain, Great Pyrenees were bred to work beside shepherds and their flocks. They didn’t actually drive the sheep (other herding dogs were responsible for that); instead, they served as guard dogs, protecting the flock from wolves, bears and sheep rustlers.

The massive white dogs typically strode ahead of the flock to inspect the area for predators, then created a safe perimeter around the flock. Given that these dogs can reach 100 pounds or more and 32 inches in height, they created an intimidating presence — unless, of course, their thick, white coats blended with the flock or the snowy surroundings, enabling them to take intruders by surprise.

Guardians of the flock eventually became protectors of castles, with Great Pyrenees serving as guard dogs at the Chateau of Lourdes during the 15th century. Once they were named the Royal Dog of France in the court of King Louis XIV, every noble family wanted one.

Although the first pair of Great Pyrenees was brought to America in 1824 by General Marquis de Lafayette, as a gift to his friend, J.S. Skinner, author of “The Dog and the Sportsman,” the breed wasn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1933.

Today, Great Pyrenees still guard livestock, but many are family companions. Given their background, they can be good rescue dogs in mountainous terrain, but similar to Newfoundlands, they can also serve as gentle therapy dogs. They’re excellent guard dogs, even if they live in the suburbs.

Fun facts about Great Pyrenees

  • During World War II, Great Pyrenees carried artillery over the mountains between France and Spain.
  • Barry Gibb of Bee Gees fame is said to have owned a Great Pyrenees named Barnaby.
  • In the United Kingdom and most of Europe, they’re known as the Pyrenean mountain dog. In France, they’re called le chien de montagne des Pyrénées, le chien des Pyrénées or simply “patou” which comes from the word “pastre,” meaning shepherd or shepherd’s dog.
  • While many mountain herding dogs are considered molossoid, meaning they retain the heavier bone structure and short muzzles of mastiffs, Great Pyrenees are lupomolossoid, meaning that they tend to have longer muzzles and thinner bodies, more like European grey wolves.
  • Fossils of Great Pyrenees dating from the Bronze Age (1800 to 1000 B.C.) have been unearthed in the area, but they are thought to have originated in Asia Minor some 11,000 years ago.
  • In 1662, Basque fishermen brought Great Pyrenees to Newfoundland, where the dogs were crossed with the black curly coated retriever, creating the black and white Landseer Newfoundland.
  • After centuries of guarding sheep well into the night, Great Pyrenees today can be somewhat nocturnal, barking to alert owners if a creature stirs in the wee hours of the morning.