Does your dog have behavioural problems?

This month Cerberus Organic Dog Food is focussing on the impact of nutrition on canine behavioural problems

Dogs are susceptible to many different health issues such as physical issues like sensitive skin, arthritis, digestive problems but also psychological issues such as anxiety, depression and hyperactivity.

During their research James & Debbie, the founders of Cerberus, soon realised that there were dogs that required a diet specifically tailored to an existing health issue as opposed to a generic diet. “We identified that the diets we suggested for one dog were not suitable for all dogs. This then led us to analyse each individual dog, looking at the breed, current health, associated and genetic weaknesses.”

“One of the first health queries we encountered was with Angus the chocolate Labrador. He had a habit of stealing clothes off the washing line and running around the garden and had so much energy! We broke down his behaviour into different categories”:

SYMPTOMS

  • Disobedience/mischief Angus showed a rebellious streak, ignoring his owners’ instructions in favour of his own playful agenda.
  • Hyperactivity – He exhibited a short attention span, was easily distracted and had a high degree of impulsiveness.

UNDERLYING CAUSE

  • Unbalanced existing diet – Angus was on a diet that was loaded with ingredients such as fillers, colouring, sugar and by-products, which can have an impact on his behaviour because all the above are known to disrupt hormones and normal bodily functions
  • Arrival of new baby – this impacted the attention he was receiving.

RESOLUTION
Angus was put on a Cerberus organic diet, which provided super-balanced nutrition and was built around ingredients that research has shown to have a calming influence. In this case, just a few of the ingredients included were:

Chamomile – It is known to dilate smooth muscle to relieve cramping abdominal pain and is a mild sedative and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety). Often anxiety and stress can lead to gastrointestinal pain such as gas, pain and bloating. Soothing Angus’s inflamed intestinal areas will make Angus less likely to act out.

Sweet potato – This contains many important nutrients, including vitamin A, B6 and C, potassium and zinc. These maintain a healthy heart and reduce anxiety. Sweet potato is also a good source of fibre helping to increase the absorption of tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, into the bloodstream. Serotonin is also known as the ‘happy hormone’, perfect for Angus during a time when he felt stressed at home.

Salmon oil – This oil is a rich source of omega-3 fats, which are known to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while also impacting neurotransmitters and neuroplasticity in the brain. In Angus’s case, it helped to change bad habits into good habits.

OUTCOME
Angus loves the food and has shown a much calmer, gentler demeanour and doesn’t see his new human sister as a threat of attention.

Next month’s issue will be focussing on one of the main conditions affecting canine health, ARTHRITIS, and how Cerberus Organic Dog Food can help.

Tel. 07393 432723
Email. info@cerberusdogfood.com
Visit, www.cerberusdogfood.com
Address. 3 Vista Place, Ingworth Road, Poole, BH12 1JY

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