Dr. O. Lynne Nelson is a professor of Cardiology at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine as well as the Director of the hospital's Cardiology Services department. She has a Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology as well as a DVM, which she obtained both from Auburn University. In 2018, she received the WSVMA's Faculty of the Year Award for her excellence in serving clients and referring veterinarians of Washington State.

 

Dr. Nelson joins us today to discuss canine diet and its impact and connection with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). We discuss the most common causes and symptoms of DCM as well as the breeds that are most likely to develop the disease. We also discuss the importance of researching your dog food manufacturer, how to identify if your dog food manufacturer has conducted feeding trials, and how changing your dog's diet can help reduce or reverse the symptoms of DCM.

 

 

 

"People love the idea that our dogs are basically just a generation away from wolves, but we have to remember that dogs have been domesticated for 20,000 years." - Dr. O. Lynne Nelson

 

 

 

This week on Dogs in the News:

 

• What Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is, it's common causes, and the breeds that are prone to develop it.
• How your dog's diet impacts its risk of developing DCM.
• The potential long-term health effects of boutique diets for your dog.
• The importance of ensuring your dog is getting a well-balanced diet.
• How to identify if your dog food manufacturer has conducted feeding trials on their products.
• The signs and symptoms of DCM.
• How dietary changes for dogs with DCM can assist in reducing or reversing DCM symptoms.
• What is taurine-deficient DCM?
• What to ask your vet to check if your dog is on a grain-free or boutique diet.
• How to find healthier grain-free dog food options.
• Supplements to consider giving your dog on a grain-free diet.
• Ingredients your dog food should include for a well-balanced diet.

 

 

Resources:

 

• Washington State University: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
• Clinical Nutrition Service: It's Not Just Grain-Free: An Update on Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy
• Emancipet: Food Fads & Fears: What's In Your Pet's Bowl?

 

 

This Week's Product for Man's Best Friend:

 

• Grizzly Omega Health Omega-3 Dog & Cat Supplement

 

 

Connect with Dr. O. Lynne Nelson:

 

• Washington State University

 

 

 

 

 

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