Anxiety and Stress in Dogs – The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Treating, Preventing Dog Anxiety and Stress

 

Anxiety is a very serious and increasingly common issue in dogs – in-fact it has become an epidemic issue. 

Anxiety when left unaddressed or when addressed in the wrong way can quickly increase in intensity. Anxiety may take many forms, separation anxiety, fear of unfamiliar inanimate or animate objects, sounds, weather – i.e. thunderstorms, or insecurity leading to aggressive-reactive behaviour.

The most effective and beneficial approach to solving your dog’s anxiety issues is definitely NOT medicating your dog with anti-depressants such as Doggie-Prozac. Doggie-Prozac will not cure your dog – in addition it can also cause very serious health issues, you can read about that here. On the other hand, ensuring that your dog has a sufficient daily intake of quality Omega-3 fatty acids can have a beneficial effect on your dog’s ability to overcome anxiety.

In order to successfully remedy anxiety, each factor that contributes to the condition must be addressed. My approach is two-fold  - during the course of a session:

• My primary focus in curing anxiety in a dog is to observe, analyze and improve the dog’s peoples’ habits and communication skills;
• Then once habits and communication are addressed it is time to look at the dog’s overall diet.

Omega Fatty Acids are a good example of the gap between that actual ability of a kibble to meet a dog’s nutritional requirements vs. the dog owner’s expectations that he/she has purchased a nutritionally appropriate and complete product. Purchasing an expensive dog kibble (regardless if from a pet store or veterinary office) is not an assurance that your dog’s nutritional needs will be properly met.  

I have yet to find a dog kibble that comes close to providing the correct balance of Omega-3 fatty acids (Polyinsaturated Alpha-linolenic acid [ALA], Eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and Docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] vs. Omega 6-fatty acids. This means that you need to know how to make-up for the lack-of-balance of good fats in your dog’s diet.

EPA’s Importance In Proper Brain Function

A proper daily in-take of EPA can help your dog better handle stress…

EPA:

• Increases the fluidity of cell membranes;
• Improves communication between brain cells;
• As such daily ingestion of enough EPA:
• Works to support proper functioning of the brain, and;
• Enables calming.

Ingesting too much of the Omega-6 fatty acid Arachidonic Acid (AA) causes cellular inflammation.

• The brain is very sensitive to cellular inflammation. 
• Cellular inflammation creates a breakdown in the signalling between cells. 
• When breakdown occurs the brain cannot function at optimal levels.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines are ineffective in treating brain cell inflammation as they cannot cross the blood-brain barrier that isolates the brain from undesirable substances in the blood-stream. 

When brain cells become inflamed the only substance that can protect these compromised cells is sufficient levels of Omega 3 fatty acids. 

When the level of Omega 3 fatty acids available to the brain are insufficient, neuro-inflammation is exacerbated and disruption of signalling between nerves becomes significant. 

The brain uses two Omega 3 fatty acids – DHA and EPA. While DHA is an important and necessary structural component of the brain, EPA is the primary anti-inflammatory Omega fatty acid for the brain. When used by the brain EPA has a short life-span. This means that the supply of EPA (via the blood stream to the brain) must be constantly present. For this reason it is very important to make sure that your dog is taking in a sufficient amount of EPA on a daily basis. 

Commercially manufactured dog kibble has relatively high levels of Omega-6 fatty acids and respectively low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids.

• To make matters worse, when coupled with increased consumption of omega-6 fatty acids refined carbohydrates (such as wheat flour, rice and sugar):
• Increase insulin production;
• Which in-turn increases the amount of AA (the Omega-6 fatty acid which causes inflammation);
• At the same time decreased consumption of EPA:
• Results in an increased AA to EPA ratio;
• Which further exacerbates inflammation.

DHA’s Importance To Brain Function

When the brain is not receiving sufficient daily amounts of DHA, serotonin levels are decreased. Decreased levels of serotonin are associated with anxiety.

Other Impacts on Brain Function, of Insufficient Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Deficiency Can:

• Compromise the blood-brain barrier. 
• This barrier protects the brain from uninhibited flow of undesirable substances/matter into the brain;
• Decrease normal blood flow to the brain;
• Decrease phosphatidylserine (PS) levels; 
• PS is a naturally occurring anti-depressant, and also helps improve the ability to concentrate.

In Conclusion…

If you are feeding your dog commercially manufactured dog kibble:

• I encourage you to read the food manufactures' label,and;
• Check the Omega-3 vs. Omega-6 fatty acid percentage, and; 
• Then supplement your dog’s diet with Omega-3 fatty acids to suit. 

If you are feeding your dog a raw diet or homemade dog food you will still need to supplement your dog’s intake of Omega-3 fatty acids.

• You can read more about Omega Fatty Acids for your dog:
• All of the other ways Omega-3 fatty acids support your dog’s health;
• Options for providing Omega-3 fatty acids in your dog’s daily diet;
  by clicking here.

Fish, Fish Meal and Ethoxyquin – Danger, Do you Really Want This in Your Dog and Cat Food?

This article discusses two very important issues regarding your dog’s diet and health…

1. Fish in your Dog’s Diet – is it really as good for your dog as the pet food industry purports it to be? and;
2. The Very Dangerous Preservative used in Fish Meal – Ethoxyquin and why you should stop feeding your dog any product that contains fish meal.

First, Let’s Talk About Fish in Your Dog’s Diet and Pet Food Industry Deceit/Greed

Fish-based dog kibble has become a very in-demand consumer item on pet store shelves. But is it really good for your dog – the answer is NO, and here is why…

It is very important to understand that when provided in the right quantity - fatty fish (i.e. herring, mackerel, menhaden, salmon, sardines, sprat), are an excellent source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids. 

If fish represents a large portion of a dog’s daily diet (or if fed fish exclusively) fish becomes a very dangerous food stuff. Large amounts can result in a thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, leading to:

• Appetite loss;
• Weight loss;
• Seizures, and in severe cases;
• Death.

On a daily basis, my dogs each get a small piece of fatty fish; however this fish represents only a small percentage of their daily food intake.

So, in light of the fact that too much fish can be damaging to a dog’s health...

Why are pet food manufacturers producing lines of dog kibble that feature primarily fish?  To make money from waste that would otherwise be thrown away...

Because...

• They use the by-product of fish processed for human consumption - which they would otherwise have to throw away - and instead make money on this waste product;
• Fishery waste is i.e. fin, tail, head, scales, sludge) which cannot be used in human-grade products;
• They use whole fish that cannot be used to produce human-grade food – i.e. the fish was dead, diseased or dying when harvested.
• They can use fish meal, an inexpensive source of protein;
• Fish meal is made from fish harvested for that specific purpose – i.e. herring, menhaden, pollack, etc.

 And They Make It Sound Like You are Getting Great Value For your Money...

  

But What They Are Really Doing is...

• Conning you into thinking the product is great for your dog by leveraging the ‘hot’ words Omega Fatty Acids;
• Taking advantage of the growing number of dogs that are acquiring food sensitivities to more typical protein sources (like beef and chicken) which are full of toxins (growth hormones, antibiotics). Also unless the label on the food says otherwise is from dead, diseased, dying or disabled (4D) animals. 

In other words – the pet food industry is not introducing fish into your dog’s diet for your dog’s health but instead to make a tidy profit regardless of the health cost to your dog.

The irresponsibility does not stop there…

Having advised many client’s about truly nutritional and safe diets for their dog’s I have had a lot of opportunity to hear the expectations of those loving humans who try to provide the best for their dogs. I have heard so many say ‘but the pet store staff told us this was a good product’ or ‘the label says Omega Fatty Acids, and this is an expensive-to-purchase kibble so we thought it really did meet nutritional requirements for our dog’s daily intake of Omega Fatty Acids’. I then walk them through the ‘rip-off’. Most consumers have absolutely no idea what is the correct ratio of Omega 3:6. They also do not know the serious impact on their dog’s health of an non-balanced intake. The manufacturers know that the typical consumer is not well-informed regarding this issue – and take advantage they do – big time.

Despite the fact that manufacturers are leveraging the idea of great health via the provision of Omega Fatty Acids, I have not seen one dog food – including fish-based kibbles, that provide a proper balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6 Fatty Acids. The ratio should be in the range of 2:1 for Omega-3 to Omega-6. Meaning for every 1 part of Omega 6 there should be 2 parts Omega 3.

Commercially made dog food is - in every product I have looked at to date, in direct opposition to this essential balance. If you look at a dog food kibble label you will find copious amounts of Omega 6 and in comparison an infinitesimal amount of Omega 3. An out-of-balance ratio can disrupt the balance of pro and anti-inflammatory agents in the body resulting in chronic inflammation and elevation of the risk of health issues such as allergies, arthritis, diabetes and more – to understand more about the benefits and risks read more here.

And we have yet to talk about Ethoxyquin…

So what does this have to do with fish? 

Well almost all fish meal used in dog and cat food contains Ethoxyquin. Ethoxyquin is used as a preservative in pet foods to prevent the (further) rancidification of fats. It should be noted that much of the meat and fat used in pet food is rancid prior to being processed into the kibble as the ingredients used may be waste that cannot be used in human grade food processing).

But you will NOT see it (Ethoxyquin) listed on the ingredients. And here is why…

Ethoxyquin isan anti-oxidant used as a food preservative and a pesticide (called ‘Stop-Scald’). It is listed and identified as a hazardous chemical by OHSA. It has a rating of 3 on a scale of 1 to 6; with 6 indicating super-toxicity and requiring less than 7 drops to cause death. The containers that Ethoxyquin is stored and shipped in are marked with the word/symbol ‘POISON’. The US Department of Agriculture lists and controls Ethoxyquin as a pesticide.

The FDA has mandated that Ethoxyquin is no longer legal for use in human food – with the exception of some spices. The use of Ethoxyquin remains legal for use in animal grade food.

Ethoxyquin Is a Known Carcinogen...

It causes:

• Cancer of the kidneys;
• Significantly increases the chance of stomach tumours, and;
• Bladder cancer, it has also been shown to cause;
• Allergic reactions;
• Behaviour problems;
• Deformity in puppies;
• Infertility;
• Organ failure;
• Skin problems.

Sixteen plus years ago, on August 14, 1997 the FDA issued a statement (you can read it here) in which the FDA reveals that on July 31, 1997 the FDA advised manufacturers and trade associations for the pet food industry regarding serious issues over the assumed ‘safe’ dosage of Ethoxyquin as related back to the FDA’s ‘voluntary’ request to pet food manufacturers to lower the level of this very toxic chemical in the making of dog food.

A year and a half ago, on May 25, 2012 the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) issued another notice – this one to remind the industry about the labelling and use requirements for Ethoxyquin. You can read it here.

Suffice it to say that Ethoxyquin is a seriously dangerous substance – banned from human consumption due to its grave and lethal dangers. It should be banned from dog and cat (as well as other animal) food, but to date it has not been. 

Why? 

Well it is not because it does not pose a very serious threat to non-human animal health but instead due to lobbying. And believe me the company that makes Ethoxyquin is no stranger to the practice of lobbying…

Monsanto the company responsible for lies and conceits, for damaging the environment and the food chain -  with their (Monsanto’s) bevy of toxic pesticides and herbicides – with their round-up ready Genetically Modified seeds, knows how to keep their products from being banned…no matter what the cost to human and non human animals, and the environment. Monsanto are after all the masters of greed for profit, regardless of the cost to the health of living beings and ultimately the planet.

So, if you are feeding your dog or cat ANY product that contains fish meal – unless the manufacturer clearly states that the product is ethoxyquin free, throw it in the garbage!

And, in complete contrast to the pet food industry’s intent for your dog – let me just say… this article is for the true health of your dog!

And by the way if you have not had previous exposure to the evils of Monsanto – you can get a crash course by reading here. 

You will see the importance and impact to your health as well. And then you will understand why I sign every petition I can against GMO and the evils of Monsanto.

Omega Fatty Acids For Dogs - Omega 3, Omega 6, Health Benefits, Best Sources, Dosage

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are very important for the overall health of a dog. Conversely a lack of good-source omega fatty acids can create many health issues, from allergies to cancer, fur and skin problems, heart disease and many other problems as you will see further below.

Balancing The Intake of Omega Fatty Acids

The intake of Omega-3 and Omega-6 must be balanced correctly. Failure to do so can result in health problems.

To strike the right balance - the ratio should be in the range of 2:1 for Omega-3 to Omega-6. Meaning for every 1 part of Omega 6 there should be 2 parts Omega 3. Commercially made dog food provides copious amounts of Omega 6 to an infinitesimal amount of Omega 3. An out-of-balance ratio can disrupt the balance of pro and anti-inflammatory agents in the body resulting in chronic inflammation and elevation of the risk of health issues such allergies, arthritis and diabetes.

 

The Health Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

 

Omega 3 fatty acids help with:

• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Atopy
• Behavior problems
• Bone health
• Digestive disease
• Eosinophilic granuloma complex
• Excessive blood clotting 
  
• Flea allergies
• Hair/fur problems
• Helps prevent cancer growth
  
• Heart disease
• Learning difficulties
• Lowers the amount of lipids (i.e. cholesterol, triglycerides) circulating in the bloodstream
• Immune-mediated skin disease
• Inflammation throughout the body
• Inhibits thickening of the arteries 
  
• Kidney disease
• Reduces risk of obesity
• Seborrhea
• Metabolism regulation
• Military dermatitis
• Maintains fluidity of cell membranes 

To understand more about Omega-3 fatty acids and how they effect behaviour read  here.

 

The Health Benefits of Omega 6 Fatty Acids

Omega 6 fatty acids help avoid and treat: 

• Build cell membranes and support cell health
• Dry coat
• Mycoplasma
• Regulate Blood Clotting
• Seborrhea

Not All Sources of Omega Fatty Acids Are Equal

It is also important to understand that although Omega 3 and 6 can be found in many food stuffs - not all sources of these fats offer quality nutrition. Further below you will find a listing of good sources of omega fatty acids. 

 

Good Sources of Omega 3 fatty acids for your dog: 
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

• Atlantic Mackerel 
• Anchovy
• Bluefin Tuna 
• Beans/legumes
• Chia Seeds (whole or ground), Chia Seed Oil
• Dairy Products from pasture fed cows, goats and sheep
• Flax Seeds (ground), or flax oil
• Green Leafy Vegetables
• Krill oil
• *Pacific or Atlantic Herring
• *Salmon, salmon oil
• *Sardines
• *Sprat
• *Menhaden fish  
• Wild rice
  *cooked or canned in water

Although canola oil, soy products, soy oil, walnuts are also high in Omega 3 fatty acids 1) walnuts are toxic for your dog; 2) both canola and soy are from Round-up Ready Genetically Modified (GM) seed crops (i.e. in North America)...

 

Canola and soybeans in the USA and Canada are almost all grown from Genetically Modified (GM) seeds - the long term affect of ingesting GM food is not known. Further to this, large factory farms use a method to process soy that leaves it very high in photoestrogens. Photoestrogens have been proven to interfere with reproduction and thyroid function. Factory farming processing methods for soy also result in a product that is very high in phytates. Phytates prevent mineral absorption as well as substances that prevent the normal function of enzymes required to digest protein. And one last thumbs down for large factory farm produced soy - it has one of the highest concentrations of pesticides found in North American crops. Traditional methods of processing soy by fermentation (as employed in Japan and China) greatly reduces photoestrogens, and phytates, thus making consumption of the resulting soy, safe and nutritional.

Good Sources of Omega 6 fatty acids for your dog:

Linoleic acid (LA), Gamma-linoenic acid and Arachidonic acid (AA)

• Animal Meats
• Chia Seeds (ground or whole)
• Coconut Oil (see below)
  
  • While virgin coconut oil is 90% saturated fat, when added to a dog’s diet in small quantities, on a daily basis virgin coconut oil has many beneficial qualities. It is also very affective as a topically applied treatment on cuts, wounds and for ailments of the skin. To learn about the extensive benefits of adding coconut oil to your dog’s daily diet click here.

• Chia Seeds (ground or whole) or Chia Seed Oil 
• Olive Oil 
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Sesame Oil 

Interactions & Cautions

Drug Interactions - If your dog is on the following drugs consult your veterinarian before supplementing with Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

• Blood thinners;
• Beta blockers;
• Diuretics.

Caution - Surgery

• Stop giving your dog Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplements 10 days prior to surgery;
• Wait 10 days after surgery and/or after stitches/sutures are removed before resuming supplementation;
• Allergic reactions to shellfish for dogs is rare but possible. If you think your dog is allergic to shellfish do not give your dog krill oil.

Note - I was recently asked about the use of Hemp Oil for dogs...the following provides some information on the use of hemp oil - my advice is to avoid using help oil as an Omega 3, Omega 6 supplement for your dog...there are as noted above many other excellent sources of these essential fatty acids which are free of  the risks which come with the use of hemp oil.

Benefits of Hemp Oil  - hemp oil provides an omega-6, omega-3 ratio of 3:1 (or less, depending on the quality of the plant that the oil is derived from). While the typical ratio 3:1 exceeds the target range of 2:1 that can be a OK if the dog is taking in too much Omega 6 (which is likely if you have your dog on commercially manufactured kibble and treats.

Risks/Negative Side Effects of Hemp Oil - it is important to remember that most dogs are smaller in size/weight than an adult human being. So, substances that can be toxic or cause issues with humans can have an exacerbated result in our dogs. Of course those producers of hemp oil advertise of the health benefits for dogs but to understand a product one must look at and consider both sides. According to PeaceHealth.org, (website dedicated to providing information on many different supplements and medications) hemp oil can cause minor side effects in the digestive system. If your dog has a sensitive stomach and GI Tract don't use hemp oil. Hemp oil can soften stools, leading to diarrhea which can then lead to leaky gut syndrome and a depression of the immune system, poor nutrient absorption, dehydration and weight loss. Hemp oil is derived from a plant that contains high levels of the neurological chemical THC. This chemical can cause hallucinations, euphoria or high anxiety in supplement users when taken on a regular basis. If an individual (human or dog) is hyper-sensitive to THC the risk of these complications rises.PeaceHealth.com website states, 'hemp oil products can directly affect the anticoagulant properties of platelets within the blood, often inhibiting their very production' Hemp oil can put your dog's cardiovascular system and heart at risk - especially a dog whose immune system may already be under strain or a dog that has existing cardiac problems.

In general, my advice is to avoid the use of hemp oil for dogs. 


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