EDITOR'S MESSAGE
UPCOMING MEETING
PUPPY PICNIC
Mark your calendars for our Puppy Picnic being held on Sunday, March 22, 2020, at the Whitmire's Field of Dreams. We will have heart and eye health clinics, pot luck luncheon, contests, AKC CGC testing, junior showmanship, and a members match. If you know of someone who would like to judge our member's match, please contact club president Paula Ayers.
The club website will contain more information and prepayment options for the health clinics.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Several members have not yet renewed there 2020 membership dues. If you are a regular member and have not renewed, you will not be allowed to vote until your dues are paid. You can still renew online or contact Sharon Utych to let her know you are mailing in the renewals. The renewal package was sent out the first week in October 2019 and included a self-addressed stamped envelope along with the renewal form.
WINTER SPECIALTY SHOW
All information for the Specialty is located on our website: www.ckcscatlanta.org Please be sure to check it out as it contains important hotel booking information and trophy sponsorships. Your generous sponsorships help defray the cost of putting on our wonderful specialty shows.
IMPORTANT MITRAL VALVE DISEASE STUDY
A SOLUTION FOR MITRAL VALVE DISEASE
Novel gene therapies for dogs
Because your dog deserves to live its best life
MITRAL VALVE DISEASE
Over seven million dogs in the United States alone have Mitral Valve Disease (MVD). For certain breeds, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, more than 80% of dogs will be afflicted with MVD. We aim to change this.
SOLUTION
We have developed a cardio-protective gene therapy that holds the promise of stopping the progression of MVD. We are preparing to run a pilot study in dogs with MVD.
PLEASE LEARN MORE AND JOIN THE STUDY BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK.....https://www.rejuvenatebio.com/
NATURAL REMEDIES
Constipation in Dogs: Causes and Treatment
Constipation -- difficult, infrequent or absent bowel movements - is one of the most common health problems associated with a pet’s digestive system. Telltale signs include dry, hard stools and straining when trying to defecate. Some dogs may also pass mucus when attempting to defecate.
What Causes Constipation?
There are various reasons why a dog may be constipated:
- Too much or too little fiber in his diet
- Lack of exercise
- Blocked or abscessed anal sacs
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Excessive self-grooming can cause large amounts of hair to collect in the stool
- Matted hair around the anus from lack of grooming or from obesity
- Ingested gravel, stones, bones, dirt, plants or pieces of toys, etc. caught in the intestinal tract
- Masses or tumors on the anus or within the rectum, causing an obstruction
- Side effect of medication
- Trauma to the pelvis
- Orthopedic problem that causes pain when a dog positions himself to defecate
- Neurologic disorder
- Dehydration and other illness
How Can I Tell If My Dog Is Constipated?
If your dog has not had a bowel movement in over two days or if he strains, crouches or cries out when attempting to defecate, you should see your veterinarian right away.
Note: These signs may be similar to those seen with a urinary tract problem, so it’s important that you see your vet to determine the cause.
Which Dogs Are Susceptible to Constipation?
Elderly pets may suffer more often from infrequent or difficult bowel movements. However, the condition can occur in any dog that has one or more of the causes of constipation listed above.
How Can I Treat My Dog’s Constipation?
Depending on what’s causing your dog’s constipation, your vet may recommend one or several of the following treatments:
- A stool softener or other laxative agent
- Medication to increase the contractile strength of the large intestine
- Adding fiber to your dog’s diet with canned pumpkin, wheat bran or a product such as Metamucil
- A veterinarian-prescribed, high-fiber diet
- An increase in exercise
- An enema (administered by a professional, not at home, as there could be risks for toxicity or injury if done inappropriately)
What Can Happen If Constipation Goes Untreated?
If your dog’s constipation is not alleviated, obstipation-the inability to empty his colon on his own-can occur. In this state, the colon is packed with an uncomfortably large amount of feces, causing unproductive straining, lethargy, appetite loss and possibly even vomiting.
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-constipation-causes-treatment
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
HARVEST PUMPKIN BALLS - natural constipation remedy
You’ll want to stock up on canned pure pumpkin to make this dog treat that’s is not only tasty but chock full of incredibly healthy ingredients!
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition facts: Calories: 23/12
Calories from fat: 4/2
Ingredients
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 cup pure pumpkin
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons ground flaxseed
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Thoroughly mix together all ingredients in a medium-size bowl.
- Shape into balls and place on a lined baking sheet. This dough is very sticky so I let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for easier handling. Then I scoop out balls with my silicone melon scooper and let them chill for about 10 minutes. Then I cut those balls in half with a sharp knife and roll into small balls. If you don't want to spend the time forming the balls, use a spatula to smooth out the mixture on the lined baking sheet. When halfway baked, score with a pizza cutter. Watch your cooking time as the thinner they are the faster they will bake.
- Grab a small handful and place on a lined cookie sheet. Flatten slightly and make sure there are no loose pieces.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.
CREATE THE CLUB YOU DESIRE
