THE NEW BARKER 73 www.TheNewBarker.com ESSENTIAL OILS HElp heAl youR DOg witH ESseNtiAl oilS. ory issues, upset st at espir and r , st om anxiety, fr al solutions for tr rful natur de rtified pur ur ce O n it comes t whe SENTIAL OIL ES al health, omach, or ory issues, upset st rgies, car sickness, colds ess, alle , str ring eating dogs suffe al solutions for tr - e won ade oils ar utic gr ape r e the rtified pur e of your dog’s health. o taking car n it comes t omising citing and pr e both ex ar S SENTIAL OIL ry with East surge aditional W e balance tr W We balance tr arthritis and seizur ory issues, upset st . oaches rn appr e ry with East e and rn medical car e est ditional W West . es arthritis and seizur ory issues, upset st . nts y clie odge with two happ py clie g li . H r r. H D EOdvm@icloud.com via email at Hodge . imothy D T . ase contact Dr ple e can do for your pets, nature ts of gif fts of e about what these wonderful mor arning ested in le e inter you are If 813.994.6929 | Cr eek Blvd., s Cr os 10323 Cr Animal Medical C eek s Cr os Cr 813.229.3322 | HarbourSideV 1112 Channelside Drive, Harbourside Animal et.com eekV sCr os 813.994.6929 | Cr ampa T Suite H, eek Blvd., e entr Animal Medical C et.com 813.229.3322 | HarbourSideV ampa T Suite #4, 1112 Channelside Drive, Hospital Harbourside Animal Exotic ingredients have been marketed as being more natural or healthier than typical ingredients.Exotic ingredients are not as well studied or understood as traditional ingredients and could lead to problems of bioavailability or other ingredient inter- action. Lastly, there could be an ingredient that is toxic to the heart. Grains do not contribute to health problems and are used as a nutritious source of protein, vitamins and minerals. Food aller- gies are not likely to be caused by grains. It’s possible that some food manufacturers may not be formulating ingredients in the right proportions or have inadequate nutritional expertise, to process or not process the foods, the combination of other ingredients, quality control and testing. Quality control may be missing that ensures nutrients are at minimum levels and thus lead to deficiencies that contribute to DCM. So, what’s the conscientious pet owner to do? Talking to your pet’s veterinarian should be the first step. Your veterinarian can help you select a food that meets your pet’s nutritional needs during different life stages, based on body con- dition and activity level, and if medical conditions should arise. Also, monitor your pet for early signs of heart disease, such as weakness, slowing down, shortness of breath, coughing, fainting, exercise intolerance. If you feel these may be affecting your dog, then a veterinary visit is needed.Your veterinarian will listen to your dog’s heart for a murmur or abnormal rhythm and may do additional tests (blood tests, chest x-rays, ECG, echocardiogram). If your dog is diagnosed with DCM,ask your veterinarian to test the taurine levels in your dog’s food. Make a case report to the FDA either online or phone. Reporting will help identify and solve the current problem. Consider changing your dog’s diet to one made by a well known,reputable company with traditional ingredients (i.e. - chicken, beef, rice, corn, wheat). If you choose to feed a home cooked diet, then make sure it has been formulated by a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist (acvn.org). If your dog has been diagnosed with taurine deficiency, consider taurine supplementation. Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate dose and brand. Improvements can take three to six months, and your dog will need to be monitored. Heart medications may be needed during this time and yet there is no guarantee of improvement. Dr. Timothy Hodge, DVM, is the owner/practitioner of Harbourside Animal Hospital in the Channelside District of Tampa, 813.229.3322, and Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre in North Tampa, 813.994.6929. Practicing in Tampa since 1995, Dr. Hodge has a special interest in internal medicine, dermatology and holistic care. He has completed his training at the Chi Institute and provides acupunc- ture and herbal therapies in addition to traditional medical care. U Y