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Can Dogs Eat Stevia?

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Stevia for Dogs

Dog Ate Stevia
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As more pet owners become health conscious and seek sugar substitutes, you’ll find more and more sugar alternatives popping up. These sugar substitutes have even made their way into dog products, such as dog toothpastes to entice daily tooth brushings.

We all know xylitol is extremely dangerous to dogs, but can dogs eat stevia?

What is Stevia?

Stevia is made from a plant and not in a laboratory unlike sugar. Dried stevia rebaudiana plant leaves are crushed into a powder and used as a natural sweetener for foods and drinks.

Stevia is also known as sugar leaf or SweetLeaf, and tastes much sweeter than regular white table sugar. Interestingly, stevia causes fewer health side effects than sugar and takes much less farmland to grow. Stevia tastes sweet, but it contains a certain bitterness or distinct aftertaste, which many people dislike.

RELATED: Is Honey Good for Dogs?

Is Stevia Safe for Dogs?

From my research, it seems stevia is not toxic to dogs. However, if dogs ingest too much stevia, they can develop really bad diarrhea. With that said, it’s difficult to determine how much stevia is actually too much, depending on a dog’s size and weight.

It’s best not to feed your dog too much or any stevia at all. While the taste may be delicious, it’s not necessarily the best for our or your dog’s diet. Most high quality dog treats don’t even contain sugar, or any other types of sweeteners, and dogs happily gobble them up.

While we’re discussing sugar substitutes, it’s important to remember that xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Unfortunately, due to the popularity of sugar-free products, xylitol is creeping into many human foods, including peanut butter (a favorite among dogs). Xylitol is so toxic, I know many pet owners refusing to bring any products containing xylitol into their home.

Read all labels before giving your dog any type of product.

Keep Allergies At Bay With This Pet Air Purifier

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Best Air Purifier for Pet Dander and Allergies

Best Air Purifier
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Living with dogs means our homes are probably covered in dog hair and dander; it’s part of sharing your home with a dog. While it’s frustrating because of the required frequent dusting, mopping and vacuuming as well as the persistent allergies, there is one device that can keep pet dander and fur to a minimum.

Pet air purifiers remove pollution from the air circulating throughout your home, including dog dander. If you or your family member suffer from allergies, you’ll want to check out our recommendation for the best pet air purifier on the market. Not only is this brand listed as a top recommended air purifier, but I’ve also personally used two units for 10 years with great success.

Causes of Pet Allergies

If you share your home with a dog, there’s inevitably going to be dog dander floating around your home. Most pet owners seek “hypoallergenic” dogs, but there’s no such dog breed. Don’t believe the dog breeders who market puppies for allergy prone people and children. All dogs shed and produce dander. Some breeds may not shed hair onto the floor, but they may lose hair that eventually collect inside a non-shedding dog’s coat.

Allergy prone individuals are not allergic to dog hair; instead, they’re allergic to dog dander. Dogs shed skin cells that float in the air, and then collect onto furniture and flooring. It’s impossible to prevent dog dander, so it’s best to bathe dogs weekly and invest in a good air purifier.

How Air Purifiers Remove Pet Allergies

As air purifiers filter indoor air, the high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air filter removes small pollution particles and emits clear air back into the room. When choosing a pet air purifier, it’s important to choose one large enough to filter an entire room. Many purifiers can easily filter air in a small or medium bedroom. For a large room, such as your living room or common area, choose a larger purifier. An air purifier that has a HEPA filter will remove pet dander and provide the best air quality.

Best Pet Air Purifier Brand

With many brands to choose from, the best pet air purifier brand is Austin Air Purifiers. Austin Air offers an air purifier that specifically targets pet dander called the Austin Air Pet Machine. Not only will this air filter remove pet dander from inside your home, but it will also remove other allergens, viruses and bacteria within 1,500 square feet. While this brand is a bit pricey, it does an amazing job and will keep allergies at bay.

How To Treat Dog Yeast Infections

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Dog Yeast Infection Treatment

Dog Yeast Infections
Willee Cole/Adobe Stock

Sharing my home with a Bull Terrier means chronic skin issues are always a concern. Over the last 10 years, I’ve tried different tips and learned new tricks to keep dog yeast infections at bay. Finally, a couple of years ago, I found several products that tackle persistent yeast infections in dogs quickly and effectively.

With that said, it takes a combination approach to tame persistent skin infections in dogs because there’s no magic product that works on its own. Check out these veterinarian-recommended canine skin products that really work.

Reminder: Sometimes, certain dog skin infections won’t respond to the use of only topical products and immune suppression medications may be needed. While I employ a holistic approach, I personally feel quality of time is much more important than quantity. I don’t believe a dog should suffer.

Is It a Yeast Infection?

Before diagnosing your dog’s skin condition yourself, it’s important to know exactly what you’re dealing with first. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a thorough examination.

Most vets will scrape your dog’s skin and examine the cells under a microscope to confirm a diagnosis. So many times, yeast infections mimic bacterial infections, mange and other skin disorders, so a proper diagnosis is critical. Partner with your veterinarian for the best outcome.

Dog Yeast Infection Myths

Persistent skin infections are frustrating, especially when dogs lick and chew constantly, which causes open sores. Pet owners then seek advice from other pet owners either online or in person. While some DIY home remedies have worked for some dogs with yeast infection, they won’t work on all dogs. What works for one dog may not work for another dog.

For example, some pet owners recommend foot soaks or salves. However, these shouldn’t be recommended for dogs with open sores. It’s best to get your veterinarian’s consent first. Use common sense before you run to your nearest health food store and smear apple cider vinegar on your dog’s raw feet.

Diet is a hot topic when it comes to yeast infections in dogs. Some passionate pet owners recommend a raw or home-cooked diet, but neither is necessarily a magic pill. When skin infections pop up, it’s important to use a combination approach. 

Combination Approach

A combination approach means using topical solutions, feeding probiotics, providing a wholesome diet, feeding healthy treats and grooming your dog regularly. If one step is missed, yeast infections can pop up and persist.

Of course, a healthy diet is vital. Raw or homemade diets work really well, but it’s best to feed your dog a diet that works best for him. Adding supplements, such as fish oil, probiotics, herbs and hemp oil, can certainly boost your dog’s immune system while helping him battle a skin infection. Combating yeast infections from the inside is important, but it’s equally as important to tackle skin issues topically too.

My favorite topical yeast infection products for dogs are:

  • Douxo Seborrhea Shampoo
  • Douxo Seborrhea Spot-On
  • Douxo AntiSeptic Chlorhexidine + Climbazole Mousse

Bathing a dog with a prescribed shampoo works wonders, especially if a dog is allergic to outdoor allergens. Each product can be used together, so follow your vet’s directions exactly.

We’re tried multiple store-bought or veterinary-prescribed products and essential oils, and by far the Douxo line has worked really well. On average, it takes at least 1 to 2 weeks for a yeast infection to clear up completely. My dog will stop licking at her feet, so redness subsides. Some skin infections may take longer and may require oral medications, so choose what’s best for your dog.

Being persistent and partnering with your veterinarian is key.

Does Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety Or Is He Just Bored?

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Separation Anxiety vs. Boredom in Dogs

Separation Anxiety in Dogs
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This is the magic question: Does your dog truly have separation anxiety or is your dog bored? It’s not easy to answer, but there are a few telltale signs that differentiate separation anxiety from boredom.

As a professional dog trainer, who works with separation anxiety in dogs as well as bored dogs daily, I’ll discuss: the major differences, a few solutions for boredom and when to seek professional help.

Boredom in Dogs

Most dogs and puppies are bored. They’re left home alone while their pet owners work all day. When dogs are bored, they will find something to do if mental enrichment is not provided. Bored dogs will bark incessantly, chew on or through everything, climb on counters to forage for food, and so forth. If potty trained dogs are not provided plenty of opportunities to use the restroom, they will potty indoors too.

Oh, bored dogs can destroy a house quickly. Restless dogs will pull down curtains, chew baseboards, scratch doors (if left alone in rooms), whine when pet owners leave, and destroy window blinds when barking at people and dogs. With bored dogs, anything can happen because they’re just trying to find something to do.

How do you prevent your dog from tearing up your house? Provide daily food stuffed food puzzles, such as Kongs, take him out for regular potty breaks via pet sitter and go on long walks before you leave for work.

RELATED: How to Find a Pet Sitter

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation anxiety is completely different than boredom, and it’s much more difficult to address. Dogs with separation anxiety have a panic attack when left alone. Panic attacks are uncontrollable, severe and often self-destructive responses to being left alone.

Many dogs diagnosed with separation anxiety will paw their crate, doorway, windows or flooring until their paws are bloody. In certain dog separation anxiety cases, some dogs have pulled out their teeth or degloved their ears when trying to escape a crate or home.

Dogs with separation anxiety are inconsolable when they’re left alone, and they won’t lick Kongs or puzzles because they’re freaking out. It’s similar to having a panic disorder in people; these dogs are unable to control their response, and it only gets worse if not addressed quickly by a professional.

When to Seek Professional Help

Both situations require professional help, but separation anxiety needs to be addressed immediately. Never assume a dog has separation anxiety until a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist diagnoses it. Usually self-mutilation is a telltale sign though.

So many pet owners assume their dogs have separation anxiety when they’re actually just bored. Enriching a bored dog’s life is easy. It takes a bit of preparation, but it’s worth it because no one enjoys coming home to a destroyed house.

Boredom in dogs is much more common than separation anxiety, but both should be addressed quickly.

Best Fish Oil Supplement For Dogs Of 2017

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This Fish Oil for Dogs Works Wonders

Nordic Naturals Fish Oil
bookzaa/Adobe Stock

Fish oil is good for you, and it’s excellent for dogs too! An excellent quality fish oil brand contains DHA and EPA, which are omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation. Most veterinarians recommend fish oil supplements for canine skin issues, such as allergies, flea-bite dermatitis, persistent yeast infections of the skin and shedding coats.

With that said, anti-inflammatory benefits of fish oil will benefit much more than your dog’s skin. Many dogs have found pain relief from osteoarthritis, improved cognitive issues and boosted immune systems, which ultimately lowers incidents of disease and cancer. Given the number of benefits, pet owners should certainly supplement their dog’s daily meals with fish oil.

Which fish oil for dogs is best for your pet? Check out my favorite fish oil supplement that works wonders!

Favorite Fish Oil Brand for Dogs

My holistic veterinarian and veterinary behaviorist highly recommended a specific brand of fish oil and so did my personal naturopathic medical doctor. Yes, even my doctor recommended this brand for my personal supplementation as well.

Most professionals recommend Nordic Naturals fish oil for dogs and humans. There are many fish oil supplements to choose from, but there’s a reason why Nordic Naturals fish oil is the best brand.

Nordic Naturals fish oil products are tested for purity and heavy metals, and are sourced from the Norwegian Sea. There are so many additional reasons why this product is far superior other than fish oils, so check out their website for more details.

Feeding Fish Oil to Your Dog

When adding fish oil to your dog’s diet, it’s important to start slowly. Adding too much fish oil too fast will cause upset stomachs and diarrhea. Add fish oil to your dog’s meals daily, and slowly increase fish oil amounts over a 7 to 10-day period. Nordic Naturals oils don’t have a strong fishy smell, but dogs readily lap it up when poured over their kibble, home-cooked meal or raw food meal.

It’s very important to understand the recommended fish oil dosage for your dog’s size as well as her needs. Your holistic veterinarian is the safest way to find your dog’s dosage.

Many times, holistic vets recommend higher fish oil doses for dogs with arthritis and skin issues. However, never assume your dog’s fish oil dosage because it can cause tummy issues. Nordic Naturals has canine dosage recommendations listed on their label too, but always consult with your holistic vet for best results.

WATCH: Nordic Naturals Fish Oil for Dogs Review

Dog Training Nation is a dog training blog for pet owners and dog lovers. We cover a range of topics from puppy socialization tips to dog aggression to dog health. It is our hope you share our content to make the world a better place for dogs.

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