Pet Digest

Aural Hematomas and Head Shaking in Dogs: Causes, Risks, and Nutritional Connections If you’ve noticed your dog frequently shaking its head or observed swelling in its ear flap, you might be dealing with an aural hematoma . While alarming, this common condition is usually a symptom rather than the primary problem , often signaling underlying medical or behavioral issues. Understanding the causes, risks, and the role of nutrition — including anti-inflammatory support like turmeric and ginger — can help you manage, prevent, and treat these conditions effectively. What Is an Aural Hematoma? An aural hematoma occurs when blood accumulates between the ear cartilage and the skin. This usually results from trauma, such as excessive head shaking or scratching, which ruptures small blood vessels in the ear flap. Hematomas can vary in size and severity: Acute hematomas appear suddenly and are often painful, with swelling and warmth. Chronic hematomas may develop over time and can resu...

  What Is Hypoallergenic Dog Food? Walk down any pet food aisle and you’ll see the word “hypoallergenic” on many labels. But what does it really mean? If your dog has itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive issues, your vet may recommend trying a hypoallergenic diet. However, the term can be a little misleading — especially when you notice that some so-called hypoallergenic foods are chicken-based, even though chicken is one of the most common food allergens in dogs. What Does “Hypoallergenic” Mean? Hypoallergenic doesn’t mean allergy-free. It simply means the food is formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions . In veterinary medicine, this usually falls into two categories: Novel protein diets – Using less common proteins such as venison, duck, rabbit, or kangaroo, which your dog’s immune system is less likely to react to. Hydrolyzed protein diets – Proteins (often chicken, soy, or fish) that are chemically broken down into tiny fragments (peptides) so the imm...