Category: Pets

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Agave nectar (or agave syrup) is a sweeter-than-sugar sweetener derived from the agave plant. Since honey is sometimes recommended for dogs, you might wonder if you can offer Fido a teaspoon or tablespoon of your agave syrup.

While agave syrup isn’t known to be toxic for dogs, it’s not a healthy or necessary addition to their diet. In addition, its plant counterpart is mildly toxic. Read on to learn more about agave and whether you should give it to your pup.

What Is Agave?

Agave is a type of monocot (grass-like flowering plant) native to the hot areas of the Americas and the Caribbean. It is a popular ornamental plant because it is easy to keep alive.

Agave nectar or syrup is a sweetener derived from the sap of agave plants, mainly Agave americana, Agave salmiana, and Agave tequilana. It’s often used as a sugar alternative in cooking and sometimes as a binding agent in foods like breakfast cereal.

Can Dogs Eat Agave Syrup?

The short answer is yes. Dogs can eat agave syrup. There are no toxic components in agave that could harm them. So, if you want to give your dog a lick of agave or use it as a sweetener in homemade dog treats, go for it!

Risks of Giving Agave to Your Dog

While agave syrup isn’t known to be toxic for dogs, it is not a healthy addition to their diet. Because it is primarily sugar, too much in one sitting can cause gastrointestinal upset complete with vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Too much too often can provide extra calories that can lead to weight gain and obesity, both of which have a slew of related health conditions like diabetes and joint disease. Agave syrup isn’t something your dog needs in their diet, and feeding it to them has no health benefits.

If you decide to give your pup a taste, moderation is key. Since it is sweeter than sugar, a little goes a long way.

Alternative Sweeteners for Dogs

Unlike cats, dogs can taste sweetness, so they might be drawn to sweet treats. Since agave is mostly sugar, are there any alternatives to give to your dog?

Yes, there are some alternative sweeteners you can give to your dog, but first, consider if sweeteners are necessary. Sure, your dog might enjoy lapping up the sweet syrup, but as we mentioned earlier, agave has no nutritional value for dogs.

A Note About Artificial Sweeteners: The sweeteners listed above are not toxic to dogs, but they may cause gastrointestinal issues. The long-term effects on pets have not been studied. If you choose to use them, it might be safer to stick with natural sweeteners.

Never give your dog xylitol or food products that contain xylitol. Be aware that xylitol sometimes goes by other names (wood sugar, birch sugar, and birch bark extract). It is toxic to dogs and can be fatal.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Dog Drank a Large Amount of Agave Syrup. What Should I Do?

Agave syrup is not toxic, but eating large amounts can still cause some gastrointestinal issues, like diarrhea and vomiting. However, to be on the safe side, contact your veterinarian. Tell them how much you think they consumed and when.

Can Dogs Eat Agave Plants?

Dogs should not be allowed to eat or interact with agave plants. Agave plants are mildly toxic if eaten by dogs. The sap can be irritating to the mucous membranes and gastrointestinal tract lining. If your pup has ingested the plant, they may experience gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea and vomiting. They may also drool, lick their lips, swallow often, or lose their appetite. You can try flushing your pup’s mouth with cold water to provide relief from the sap irritation.

Additionally, some species of agave plants have needle-sharp spikes on their leaves. If your plant is one of these species, we recommend investigating your pup’s mouth if you suspect they have been gnawing on your agave. If there are any abrasions, call your veterinarian for advice.

Agave is an oxalate plant with sharp, tiny crystals in its leaves and stems. These crystals, known as calcium oxalate crystals, can cause swelling and pain if they touch your dog’s skin or mouth.

Final Thoughts

Agave syrup isn’t toxic, but it’s not a great source of nutrition for your dog, either. We don’t recommend giving your pup any. However, if you feel it necessary, offer a very small portion, as it is extremely sweet. Too much can cause tummy upset and potentially contribute to obesity.

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Featured Image Credit: Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Pineberries, with their quirky appearance resembling strawberries but with a hint of pineapple flavor, have certainly captured attention in the fruit world. But, what if your fur baby gives you those pleading eyes when you’re enjoying them? Good news: in moderation, pineberries can be a delightful treat for dogs. As they are a hybrid between two varieties of strawberries, they are unlikely to cause any problems that strawberries do not.

Too many pineberries might upset a dog’s stomach. Thus, when introducing these unique fruits to your dog, start small, monitor their reaction, and always ensure they are chopped into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking hazards.

What Are Pineberries and How Do I Feed Them to My Dog?

Pineberries are hybrid fruits that look like white strawberries but have a flavor reminiscent of pineapples. While pineberries are safe for dogs, it’s best to give them in moderation. A few small pieces once or twice a week is a good guideline, but always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.

Always wash the berries thoroughly. To avoid potential choking hazards, dice the pineberries into bite-sized pieces before serving them to your dog. While pineberries are not toxic, eating them in large quantities might upset a dog’s stomach. Monitor your dog for any signs of digestive distress, and if you’re concerned, consult with your veterinarian.

Benefits of Pineberries for Dogs

Now that you know that these fruits are safe to offer to pets, we bet you’re wondering if there are any benefits to including them in your pet’s diet.

What Other Fruits Are Safe for Dogs?

While pineberries can be a safe and tasty treat for your dog in moderation, they aren’t always easy to come by. So, what are some more common fruits that could be included in your pet’s diet?

Some potential options include:

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Bananas
• Raspberries
• Watermelon
• Blackberries

Most of these fruits are rich in vitamin B, C, and K. However, remember that fruits are full of sugar, so your dog shouldn’t have too much. A good rule of thumb is that treats should make up less than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

Fruits to Stay Away From

Dog owners should stay vigilant, as there’s a slew of fruits that can harm their furry companions, including grapes, unripe tomatoes, and citrus fruits. One of the most dangerous fruits you can offer your pet is grapes (and also raisins). These are toxic to dogs and even tiny amounts could have serious consequences.

As already noted, several fruits are dog-friendly like banana, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, but moderation remains the rule of thumb. On a side note, while fresh fruits, including pineberries, are fine, remember to steer clear of canned fruits and those drenched in syrup for your pup. It’s a no-go, especially if it contains xylitol, an artificial sweetener toxic to dogs.

Another thing to keep in mind is that not all parts of fruits are safe for dogs. For example, you need to avoid the seeds, stems, and core of apples since they contain trace amounts of cyanide compounds, while also avoiding the pits of stone fruits, such as peaches and cherries. As a general rule, you should avoid the seeds and pits of all fruits, as all of them are choking hazards.

Conclusion

Pineberries not only excite our taste buds but also intrigue our pets. They are a tasty treat in small amounts but as with any other food, there are protocols to follow.

Firstly, always consult with your veterinarian about any new addition to your pet’s diet. Ensure the pineberries are fresh, firm, and stored properly. Before serving, wash these berries thoroughly and dice them up to prevent choking. And while it may be tempting to offer a generous helping, it’s advisable to limit pineberries to a few small pieces once or twice a week.

Monitor your dog for any unusual behavior or reactions after they eat them. With the right precautions, pineberries can be a refreshing, occasional treat for your canine friend.

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Featured Image Credit: Brent Hofacker, Shutterstock

The Seppala Siberian Sleddog is a very rare dog breed with origins in Siberia. Built to withstand the unforgiving northeastern Siberian climate, the Seppala Siberian Sleddog was developed to pull sleds across snowy and dangerously icy terrain, up rugged mountains, and through seemingly bottomless valleys in some of the harshest conditions on Earth.

Read on to learn all about a very special breed that, though uncommon, has survived extinction against all odds.

Breed Overview

The Seppala Siberian Sleddog’s appearance is a true representation of what they were originally developed to do: work. There are no frills and fancies about this dog, and they remain in their primitive form, untouched by show-standard breeding and development. Seppala Siberian Sleddogs come in a variety of colors ranging from white to very dark shades, and the International Seppala Siberian Sleddog Club does not view any colors as faults—all are permitted.

Seppala Siberian Sleddog Characteristics

Seppala Siberian Sleddog Puppies

Before we go any further, there is a somewhat confusing but very important distinction to make in regard to Seppalas, so bear with us! Pure Seppala bloodlines are exceedingly rare, though one Siberian Husky breeder registered with the American Kennel Club produces Huskies with what they call the “Seppala strain”.

However, as explained by Jeffrey Bragg at Seppala Kennels (a kennel that once bred Seppalas but stopped in 2008), dogs bred with the “Seppala strain” are actually “mixed lineage racing Siberian Huskies” rather than pure Seppalas. The American Kennel Club does not distinguish between the Seppala and the Siberian Husky.

Is the Seppala a Husky?

The Seppala does indeed share ancestry with Siberian Huskies but is considered by many, including the Continental Kennel Club, to be a distinct breed in its own right with its own breed standard separate from that of the Siberian Husky. According to information from Cold Mountain Siberians, the only pure Seppala Siberian Sleddogs are in Canadian provinces, but their numbers are low.

In short, your chances of buying or adopting a pure, original Seppala Siberian Sleddog are incredibly slim. However, you may consider a Husky with the Seppala strain like those mentioned above or a similar-looking dog like a Husky or Husky mix. If adoption is something you’re open to, check around with shelters as there are all kinds of dogs waiting for a home.

Seppala Siberian Sleddog Origin & History

Seppala Siberian Sleddogs were originally developed in Siberia as sled dogs that could pull light loads over long distances, though it’s not clear when the breed first came about.

They were developed for traits like strength, speed, and sheer endurance, but their close relationship with humans also worked in characteristics like an eagerness to please and companionability. People in northeastern Siberia once relied heavily upon Seppala deliveries for survival in the treacherous conditions. The Seppala was also—and is still to this day—used in sled racing.

Among the Seppala’s many accomplishments include the All-Alaska Sweepstakes, the 1932 winter Olympics, and the 1925 Nome serum run. Check out the facts section further down to learn more about this.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Seppala Siberian Sleddog

Seppala Siberian Sleddogs are hardworking dogs with bags of determination, perseverance, and high energy. As dogs that were bred to work and move quickly, they need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and out of trouble, so think carefully about whether or not you can consistently provide this before taking in a “Seppala strain”, standard Husky, or a Husky mix.

In fact, one breeder of “Seppala strains”, Thomas Hahn from Cold Mountain Siberians, has said that he refuses to sell dogs to an apartment life “environment” because of these dogs’ intense exercise needs. Seppalas are also known for their trainability due to their people-orientedness and quick brains.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Original Seppalas made excellent companion dogs and, according to the Continental Kennel Club, their descendants continue to do so today when raised in the right environment. They are described by the club as cheerful, exuberant dogs that, when socialized, make “joyful” companions that are “never aggressive towards people”.

However, any dog of any breed or size can become aggressive if provoked or treated unkindly in any way. No matter the breed, the dog’s family must create an environment in which socialization, training, bonding, and respect are front and center to avoid issues like aggression or unmanageability. Bear in mind that Seppalas can be a little reserved around new people.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Yes, but to reiterate, socialization with other dogs (and cats if you have them), training, and careful supervision when you bring a new dog home are all-important to ensuring that this is the case. Also, bear in mind that the Seppala and dogs with the Seppala strain have a high prey drive and will likely give in to the urge to chase smaller animals, so keep your dog apart from them if you have these kinds of pets.

Things to Know When Owning a Seppala Siberian Sleddog:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Proper nutrition is of paramount importance for this high-energy, always-on-the-go dog. They’ll need a high-quality formula that fits their age range, weight, and activity levels.

Working dogs need to have their protein levels adjusted depending on how active they are. On its Siberian Husky information page (just a reminder that the AKC refers to Seppala strains as “Huskies” rather than “Seppalas”), the AKC mentions that harness dogs working during winter “may need 32% protein”. Please ask your vet what the appropriate protein level would be.

Exercise 🐕

It will no doubt be very clear to readers by this point that the Seppala Siberian Sleddog is not for the faint-hearted! Any potential Seppala parent must be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to exercising this exuberant dog—possibly up to several hours per day, though individual exercise needs vary from dog to dog.

Long walks and access to a secure area to roam are best for Seppalas and Seppala strains so they can burn off some of that endless supply of energy. They also make fantastic jogging and hiking buddies and enjoy taking part in agility, obedience, and rally events.

Training 🎾

Renowned for their trainability and devotion, the Seppala/Seppala strain responds well to kind but firm and consistent leadership, and they need frequent, short, snappy, and exciting training sessions to prevent boredom from setting in. They’re really smart and could quickly become destructive if they don’t feel challenged enough by training sessions.

Several sources advise not letting Seppalas off the leash in unsecured areas due to their natural urge to run. Your dog may bolt unexpectedly in these areas which can be an unpleasant surprise, especially if they have poor recall.

Grooming ✂️

The Seppala/Seppala strain has a thick double coat. You can expect this coat to “blow” twice yearly. You can help this process along by deshedding the coat with a tool dedicated to the purpose, like an undercoat rake or a similar deshedding tool. Throughout the rest of the year, a standard pin brush and mental comb can help keep regular shedding under control.

Trimming your dog’s nails when needed is also important as mobility issues can arise from overgrown nails, and it’s ideal to clean your dog’s teeth every day with a dog-safe toothpaste to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Breeder Tom Hahn from Cold Mountain Siberians describes Seppalas as “generally robust and healthy” but does mention that they may be prone to health conditions that have been linked to other northern breeds. When you bring your dog home, get them registered with a local vet so they can monitor the dog’s health throughout their lifetime and offer advice. Potential health issues include:

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Male vs Female

The only apparent physical difference between male and female Seppalas is that males may be slightly taller and heavier. Personality-wise, there are no known distinctions, but this is the case for every breed. Just like people, personality types are numerous and very diverse, and Seppala breeders are likely to pair dogs with owners based on who they see being a good fit rather than allowing the owner to choose the dog.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Seppala Siberian Sleddog

1. Seppalas Took Part in the 1925 Nome Serum Run

When a child contracted diphtheria and passed away in Nome in 1925, Leonhard “Sepp” Seppala, a sled dog breeder and musher, and John “Iron Man” Johnson, led a team of Seppalas on the 658-mile journey to Nome with diphtheria serum. It took 5 and a half days to complete the mission. The infamous Seppala named Togo was the lead dog on this expedition, cementing his place in the history books as a hero.

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2. Seppalas Are Sometimes Mistaken for Wolves

The Seppala is a beautiful dog that’s a little less refined and more wolfish in appearance than the Siberian Husky, leading some to wonder if they are wolf hybrids—they are not. They are also described as being more athletic than standard Huskies.

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3. The Leonhard Seppala Strain Nearly Went Extinct

Leonhard Seppala’s strain of sled dog was the foundation for what we know today as the Siberian Husky. By 1969, this original strain was on the verge of extinction, but Markovo Kennels (Canada) and Seppineau Kennels (USA) took action and managed to prevent this from happening. Today, the pure strains are incredibly rare and mostly found in Manitoba, Canada.

Final Thoughts

The history of the Seppala Siberian Sleddog is as complex as it is gripping, so thanks for bearing with us! We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about this unique and natural dog with a rich history and long-lasting legacy that many breed experts are clearly determined to preserve as much as we enjoyed researching them.

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Featured Image Credit: Reimar, Shutterstock