Pet Digest

THC vs. CBD in Dogs: What Pet Owners Need to Know As cannabis-derived products become more mainstream, pet owners are increasingly curious about their potential benefits and risks. But when it comes to dogs, the distinction between THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) is crucial. What's the Difference Between THC and CBD? THC is the main psychoactive compound found in marijuana. It's responsible for the "high" and is toxic to dogs . Even small amounts can cause serious side effects like disorientation, tremors, seizures, or coma. CBD , on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and has shown promise in treating conditions like anxiety, arthritis, and seizures in pets. Many veterinarians are now recommending CBD products specifically formulated for animals. Is THC Safe for Dogs? No. THC is considered toxic to dogs . According to the ASPCA, ingestion can lead to vomiting, seizures, tremors, and even death in extreme cases. Can Dogs Have CBD? In m...

Why Dogs Should Never Consume Alcohol Updated for 2025 It may seem like harmless fun to let your dog have a sip of beer or wine during a celebration, but even small amounts of alcohol can have serious — even fatal — effects on your dog. Unlike humans, dogs process alcohol inefficiently, making them extremely sensitive to its toxic effects. Understanding the science and dangers behind alcohol consumption in dogs is critical to ensuring your pet's health and safety. Why Alcohol is Toxic to Dogs Alcohol (ethanol) affects the nervous system, liver, kidneys, and brain. Dogs lack the metabolic enzymes to safely break down ethanol, even in small amounts. This can lead to ethanol poisoning within just 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion. Their smaller size means it takes far less alcohol to cause damage compared to a human. Common Sources of Alcohol Exposure Many dog owners don’t realize how many household items contain alcohol. These include: Beer, wine, ...

Why Is My Dog a Picky Eater? Causes & Solutions That Work Does your dog ignore their bowl but beg for table scraps? You’re not alone. Picky eating is one of the most common frustrations among dog owners. While it might seem like your dog is just being stubborn, picky eating often stems from specific habits, feeding mistakes, or even deeper behavioral or health issues. Fortunately, there are holistic and practical ways to help your dog rediscover the joy of regular meals. Understanding the Causes Behind Picky Eating One of the most frequent contributors to picky eating is offering table scraps. While it may feel loving or harmless, feeding from your plate can condition your dog to expect tastier alternatives. Human meals are often more flavorful, oily, or rich—especially compared to plain kibble. Over time, this habit creates a cycle where your dog holds out for something \"better.\" Excessive treats are another culprit. Many dog treats are inc...

Heart Disease and Nutrition: What Your Dog’s Heart Needs Heart disease is a common and serious condition in dogs that can affect their quality of life and longevity. While genetics and age are key factors, nutrition plays a vital role in both prevention and management of cardiac issues. Common Types of Heart Disease in Dogs Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): Degeneration of the mitral valve causing heart murmur and heart failure. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle, impairing function. Congenital Heart Defects: Present from birth and may include valve or septal defects. We previously discussed Diet and DCM Risks , highlighting the importance of taurine and balanced nutrients. Nutrition’s Role in Heart Health Key Nutrients to Support Cardiac Function Taurine and L-carnitine: Amino acids vital for heart muscle energy metabolism. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. Antioxidants (Vitamins ...

Bladder Stones in Dogs: How Diet Plays a Key Role Bladder Stones in Dogs: How Diet Plays a Key Role Bladder stones, also called uroliths, are hardened mineral deposits that form in a dog’s urinary tract. They can lead to discomfort, urinary obstruction, and infections. While there are multiple causes, nutrition plays a central role in both prevention and management. Understanding how diet affects bladder health can help pet owners reduce risk and improve quality of life for their dogs. What Are Bladder Stones? Bladder stones form when minerals in the urine crystallize and clump together. The process often begins with a small crystal that can grow over time. Dogs may develop one type of stone or multiple types simultaneously. The most common include: Struvite stones: These usually form in alkaline urine and are commonly associated with urinary tract infections. Calcium oxalate stones: These develop in acidic to neutral urine and may result from genetics, excess die...

10 Common Houseplants That Are Toxic to Dogs (with Photos) Indoor plants can brighten up your home, but not all greenery is safe for pets. Many popular houseplants are actually toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested. Below is a list of common plants to watch out for — including photos to help you identify them. 1. Sago Palm The sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is extremely toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the seeds. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to vomiting, seizures, liver failure, and even death. 2. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) This popular decorative plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe mouth pain, drooling, swelling, and difficulty swallowing. Dogs that chew on this plant often paw at their mouth and may vomit. 3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria) Snake plants are known for their resilience, but they contain saponins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in dogs. It’s best kept out of reach or...

🧄 Dogs and Garlic: Superfood or Safety Risk? Garlic has long been praised in the human world for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and even anti-parasitic properties. But when it comes to dogs, garlic has sparked debate and confusion—some calling it toxic, others calling it a natural remedy. So, what’s the truth? Let’s break it down. --- 🧠 Why Garlic Gets a Bad Rap Garlic belongs to the Allium family, which also includes onions, leeks, and chives. These foods contain compounds called thiosulfates, which can damage red blood cells and lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia if consumed in high enough quantities. Most toxicity warnings come from studies using garlic extracts or powders in high, isolated doses—not small, fresh amounts integrated into a whole-food diet. --- ⚖️ Toxic or Therapeutic? It’s About the Dose According to holistic veterinarians like Dr. Richard Pitcairn, garlic can be safely used in moderation. The key is correct dosing and sourcing. 💡 Safe Garlic Dos...

Urinary Support for Dogs: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Pup Peeing Easy --- Urinary issues in dogs are more common than you might think. From frequent UTIs to bladder stones or even age-related incontinence—a healthy urinary tract is essential for your dog’s comfort and quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition or just want to be proactive, there are plenty of natural and science-backed ways to support your dog’s urinary system. Let’s walk through the most common issues, and what you can do to help. --- 🚨 Common Urinary Issues in Dogs Urinary problems can vary, but some of the most common conditions include: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Struvite crystals or bladder stones Incontinence (especially in spayed females or senior dogs) Excessive urination or accidents Strong-smelling or discolored urine If your dog is peeing frequently, straining, licking their genitals, or having accidents in the house—it’s time to talk to your vet. These signs can point to i...

Can Dogs Eat Cat Food? (And Why Cats Should Never Eat Dog Food) --- Caught Your Dog Snacking from the Cat Bowl? You’re Not Alone. It’s a common scene: you turn around, and your dog’s muzzle is buried in the cat’s food bowl—tail wagging like they’ve discovered buried treasure. But is it safe? Can dogs eat cat food? And why is it such a big deal if your cat eats the dog’s food? Let’s break it down. --- 🐾 The Big Difference Between Cat Food and Dog Food Cats and dogs may both be carnivores, but they have very different nutritional needs. Cats are obligate carnivores – they must eat meat to survive. Dogs are opportunistic omnivores – they thrive on a balance of animal proteins, fats, and carbs. This means that cat food is much richer in animal protein and fat—designed to fuel your feline’s meat-powered metabolism. Dog food, on the other hand, is typically more balanced and lower in protein. --- 🍽️ Key Nutritional Differences Nutrient Cat Food Dog Food Protein Very high Moderate to high F...

Ashwagandha for Dogs: Calming Support from Nature What Is Ashwagandha? Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an ancient herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It's considered an adaptogen—meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. In recent years, ashwagandha has made its way into the pet supplement world, gaining popularity for its calming and anti-inflammatory benefits in dogs. --- Why Give Ashwagandha to Dogs? Just like people, dogs experience stress, anxiety, and inflammation. Whether it’s loud noises, separation anxiety, aging, or chronic conditions—ashwagandha might offer a natural way to help: ✅ Stress and Anxiety Support Ashwagandha can help calm nervous system responses, reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and promote a sense of calm. It’s often used in calming chews and anxiety-relief blends for dogs. ✅ Immune System Support Ashwagandha contains antioxidants that may help strengthen the immune system, which is especially helpful for senior dogs or ...

Understanding Dog Anxiety: Signs, Causes & Calming Solutions Understanding Dog Anxiety: Signs, Causes & Calming Solutions Part 3 of our Natural Wellness Series for Dogs Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always speak to a licensed veterinarian before introducing supplements or behavior therapies. Catch Up on the Series: Part 1: Shiny Coats & Happy Guts – Omega Fatty Acids & Coconut Oil Part 2: Mushrooms & Cordyceps – Immunity and Energy Boosters Part 4: How Local Pet Stores Can Help Avoid Prescription Diets Why Understanding Anxiety in Dogs Matters Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety, stress, and emotional overload. These feelings can manifest as behavioral problems or physical symptoms if not addressed. Understanding anxiety is key to helping your dog live a calm, happy life. Common Signs of Canine Anxiety Excessive barking or howling Pacing or trembling Destructive behavi...