Happy New Year! To start the year out, I wanted to put together list of websites that include articles and information on the most common health concerns and frequently asked questions that I receive from people. The two areas that I cover in this newsletter are nutrition and health issues. This is a good resource list to have handy, so I suggest saving this newsletter for future reference!
It is very important to remember good nutrition is the basic cornerstone of good health, but knowing the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of health problems and being able to catch them in advance, can help keep your dog healthier and happier longer!
Nutrition
What is the best diet to feed my dog?
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/the-best-food-to-feed-your-dog-part-i/

Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs, Revised: The Definitive Guide to Homemade Meals!
Lew Olson's newly revised book is filled with an abundance of new topics and information. Whether you are new to home feeding or a seasoned raw feeder, have a senior dog or a new puppy, a pregnant mom or a toy breed, this book presents all the information you need to make the best nutritional decisions for your dog.https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/the-best-food-to-feed-your-dog-part-ii/
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/the-best-food-to-feed-your-dog-part-iii/
What is a raw food diet and how do I feed it?
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/raw-diet/
Are Raw Food Diets Safe?
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/is-a-raw-diet-dangerous/
How much food should I feed my dog with a home-prepared diet?
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/how-much-should-i-feed-my-dog/
Is too much protein a danger for dogs? (Not really, read below)
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/is-it-necessary-to-reduce-protein-in-the-diet/
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/dogs-and-protein/
What about Puppies? Do they have special diet needs? Yes, in calcium and amounts, read more here:
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/puppy-raw-diet/
What about Seniors? Do they have different needs? The answer is yes! They need more protein! Read about it here:
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/feeding-puppies-seniors/
What about my Working Dog? What do you suggest for dogs who are involved in agility, schutzhund, obedience, herding and sledding?
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/feeding-the-performance-dog/
What about Pregnant Dogs? What are their nutritional needs?
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/nutrition-and-the-brood-bitch-december-2010/
What about cooked diets? How do I make these?
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/cooked-diet/
Diets low in sugar is helpful for dogs with skin problems, allergies, thyroid problems, cancer and much more. Read about my low-glycemic diets here:
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/low-glycemic/
Can feeding a fresh food diet get expensive? How can I save money and shop smartly?
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/economy-and-feeding-your-dog/
What about carbohydrates? Are they good or bad and why?
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/carbohydrates-good-or-bad/
How do I make sure my home-prepared diets are balanced and nutritionally correct?
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/how-do-i-know-if-i-am-feeding-a-nutritionally-balanced-diet/
OK, I see how raw and home cooked diets are balanced. Should I add supplements?
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/basic-supplements-for-daily-use-in-the-dogs-diet/
My dog has a special health condition. Do I need to alter the diet or add specific foods for specific conditions? The following article is a link for recipes for a variety of different health conditions:
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/diets-for-special-health-needs/
My Dog is TOO FAT! What should I do?
Health
Out of all the common health issues, I receive more questions concerning urinary tract infections and skin and coat problems than any others, so I will start with these two issues.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI):
Most often, UTIs are accompanied by struvite crystals, or less commonly, calcium oxalate crystals. The biggest mistake in treating this type of infection seems is trying various antibiotics and not using them long enough. It is important to do a sterile urine culture (done in house at your veterinarian) to find out what bacteria is present and causing the infection. This test tells the veterinarian which antibiotic is best to use for the bacteria present. Struvite crystals will accompany UTI's as bacteria make the urine pH high and this creates an environment struvites prefer. Getting rid the infection gets rid of the struvites! Read more here:
http://vettechs.blogspot.com/2005/05/so-your-dog-has-struvites.html
Skin and Coat Problems
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/skin-problems/
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/skin-care-remedies-and-tips-2/
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/allergies-itching-eye-staining-yeast-and-antibiotic-resistance/
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/hot-spots-and-skin-irritations-november-2010/
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/skin-care-remedies-and-tips-2/
Gastric Problems
The following articles cover IBD, IBS, Colitis, diarrhea and vomiting.
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/irritable-bowel-disease-in-dogs-its-about-the-diet/
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/frequently-asked-questions-digestion-and-gastric-problems/
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/the-diarrhea-dilemma/
Arthritis and Inflammation
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/low-glycemic/
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/joint-problems/
Pancreatitis
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1580&articleid=335
http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/depancrea.html
http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/dogdiseasesp/a/pancreatitis.htm
The following article includes easy-to-follow home-prepared recipes for Pancreatitis:
Hypothyroidism
This article is on diet for dogs with Hypothyroidism: Dogs and Thyroid Problems
http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dthyroid.html
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/htm/bc/40602.htm
http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/dog-hypo.htm
http://www.petshealth.com/dr_library/hypothyroiddogs.html
Kidney and Renal Issues and Diet
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/pancreatitis/
Liver Issues and Diet
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/liver/
Heart Problems and Diet
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/heart-healthy-diet/
Cancer Diets
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/cancer-diet/
Supplement suggestions for dogs with cancer
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/cancer-dogs-and-supplements/
Important information on Tick Borne Diseases and Symptoms
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/tick-borne-disease-in-dogs/
Leptospirosis: Treatment and Symptoms
This disease is more common than we think and it is important to understand the symptoms, proper diagnosis and treatment.
https://k9nutritionwithlew.com/leptospirosis/
I hope you find these links helpful. I will try to update them yearly.