Have you tried the search engine? Example: /forums/search/calcium+oxalate+bladder+stones/
/forums/search/bladder+stones/
I would refer to your vet, but, ph fluctuates, I found it to be more accurate to have it checked at the vets office every few months. I add water to the presoaked kibble, but be prepared to offer the dog frequent bathroom breaks. Three small meals per day. Work with your vet, sounds like she may need prescription meds to get this under control. Once she’s stable I don’t think you will need to do the x-rays and all the testing so often. It appears you have a good vet that’s following him.
I have been doing it (adding water/presoaking kibble) for many years with my vet’s approval, excellent results. Especially if you want to avoid struvite and bladder stones.
I guess it depends on the dog, that’s why it is important to find a vet that you trust and go by his recommendations that are specific to your dog, the dog he has examined, checked annual labs, etc.
How old is the dog? I ask because I recently lost a small breed at the age of 16, for the last 2-3 years he was showing signs of dementia. He LOVED to eat, and I think he often forgot that he just had a meal. So, what worked to keep him comfortable was 3-4-5 small meals per day plus a bedtime snack.
I would consider consulting a specialist, a veterinary neurologist, maybe a little prescription medication would help? Maybe some more testing, after all, epilepsy is a neurological disorder.
I doubt changing foods would make much difference, although, I would avoid unnecessary additives, chemicals, supplements and such.
Maybe a grain free limited ingredient kibble as a base, you can presoak the kibble in water or plain chicken broth, it helps them consume enough water plus the kibble swells up and they think they are getting more 🙂
When you are feeding a quality kibble, no supplements are needed (imo).
About a tablespoon of topper, cooked chicken, fish (canned fish is usually cooked), scrambled egg, etc. added to the kibble usually works well.
Again, I don’t think anyone can respond to your question with a blanket statement, it depends on the dog, best to go by what a veterinarian that has examined the dog recommends.
BTW, Orijen is rather rich for an inactive senior dog that may have a medical condition (diagnosed or undiagnosed) my dog with a sensitive stomach abruptly vomited within 20 minutes of being served this quality product (twice). I would add water to any kibble or presoak if the dog has a sensitive stomach. Some supplements, even fish oil, can upset a dog’s stomach, check with your vet first.
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This reply was modified 7 years, 3 months ago by
anonymous.
In my opinion, you are overreacting, 8 weeks old is an infant, in an ideal world he would still be with his mom and siblings for another few weeks. He will void (pee) all day long, and have frequent bowel movements for the next several months, take him outside every 2 hours and hope for the best, lol
Around 5,6,7 months he should be housebroken.
RELAX. As long as he has an appetite, no diarrhea, energy, it’s all good.
Be careful with all that testing, hope this helps http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=over+diagnosis
PS: Tap water is fine. Do not withhold water, always have fresh water available. I add water to my dogs meals.
I like Wellness, Purina makes me nervous. You may want to presoak the kibble and add a spoonful of topper, a bit of scrambled egg or chopped up cooked chicken or something. I would feed small meals 3-4 times (at least) a day for now. At about 5-6 months taper to 2 meals per day.
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This reply was modified 7 years, 3 months ago by anonymous.
I would go along with the lab work recommended including thyroid, let the vet diagnosis her.
Or find another vet, however, it is not unusual to suggest bloodwork, some vets would like it done once a year.
And what’s wrong with medication that has been prescribed by a veterinarian that has examined the dog, that’s intended to make the dog more comfortable?
The symptoms you describe could be any one of a number of things including allergies.
Regarding the food, again, I would see what the vet recommends. Adding supplements and vitamins seem unnecessary for a pup that young, plus they might upset her stomach more.
I would allow the vet to take further diagnostic tests, get the dog diagnosed, then you can go over your treatment options.
In the meantime I might presoak her kibble and start giving her the reglan as prescribed.
Also, if she hasn’t been spayed, she will be going into heat soon.
What are you feeding her now? You could try something like Dogswell Happy Hips
https://www.chewy.com/dogswell-happy-hips-chicken-oats/dp/42571
I like Nutrisca for my poodle-mix which is made by Dogswell, my terrier likes the Dogswell Vitality kibble.
I was thinking of trying the Happy Hips…but, I am leery of supplements. http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/herbs-and-supplements/
Also, make sure she is getting enough water, add water to the kibble or even presoak overnight in the fridg to be on the safe side, a lot of dogs don’t drink enough water.
Per the search engine : /forums/search/presoak+kibble/
It depends on the dog and their individual needs, I have done this for elderly dogs. However, I don’t measure the water or add supplements and I tend to stick with one brand of kibble that I know agrees with the dog.
I also always add a protein topper and a splash of water.
This is what worked for my senior dog that had a sensitive stomach, presoak the kibble with water in the fridge overnight, store in a tightly closed container (about a 2 day supply). Give about 1/4 cup (or less if he is under 12 pounds or gains weight easily) mixed with a tablespoon of topper/soft food and a splash of water. Dogs love routine, so start whenever your breakfast time is, say 6am, then a snack maybe half of the morning amount of food (or at least a bite) at about 10 am (if possible), 2pm small amount again, always with a splash of water. Then suppertime a regular meal like the am one, then at bedtime 10-11pm give him a bite but no added water and a bathroom break, of course.
Put the food down, if he doesn’t eat, pick it up and store in the fridg, offer at the next mealtime. Always have fresh water available, bathroom breaks at least every 4 hours (if possible) and after meals.
Do not leave kibble down……unless your vet tells you something different. It’s okay if he skips a meal or two.
PS: Start brushing his teeth once a day, small breeds have lousy teeth, see YouTube for how to videos.
If you have to leave him unattended during the day, just leave a couple of small dog biscuits, not the bowl of kibble.
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This reply was modified 7 years, 3 months ago by anonymous.
I wouldn’t risk it. In fact, I avoid all canned food. Instead, I buy a quality kibble, and add toppers such as cooked ground turkey, scrambled egg, etc. plus a splash of water. I avoid canned foods in general (even for myself) as much as possible.
PS: No bones (imo) I don’t enjoy going to the emergency vet.
If your dogs need soft food, just presoak the kibble overnight in the fridg.
Give the vet a call and ask him to call you back when he has a minute.
I would stop all supplements, keep his diet as simple as possible. He is a senior at 8 years old, break the piggybank and get some lab work done (if you haven’t done so already).
Lab values tell a lot and can identify ailments in the early stages, when they will respond to treatment. I would stop the raw. Instead, get a quality kibble and gradually mix the cooked beef/rice mixture into it, add a splash of water to meals. Maybe presoak the kibble in H2O if he doesn’t frequent his water bowl. Hope this helps.
Also, http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=raw
PS: I would continue the bland diet for your dog, boiled rice and hamburger, until stable.
I would add a splash of water to meals.
Have you read the other posts here? I find the the search engine at this site to be user friendly.
I would at least add a splash of water or homemade plain chicken broth.
See the recent thread “Gravy”. You have mentioned that your dog has a sensitive stomach? So, if it was my dog, I would be inclined to stick with one brand of food that agrees with the dog, I might even presoak the kibble in H2O.
If you used just one brand of kibble as a base, then you may find toppers to be more affordable and you could rotate them. Just sharing what I have found that works…
PS: Whether the dietary choices you are making for your dog are healthy, or not, or supplements are indicated. I would go by the recommendations of the veterinarian that has examined the dog.
It depends on the dog.
Ten to 12 weeks is good, the longer they can stay with the mother and sibs the better. They learn how to play and soft bite with each other, socialize.
I would guess 6 pounds at the most, based on the parents. Of course if he is the runt he might be lighter.
I usually don’t bother with puppy food, I would presoak the kibble over night in the fridg, feed measured amounts 3 or 4 times a day (small meals) with a topper such as a little chopped up boiled chicken, scrambled egg or something mixed in and add some water.
The Nutrisca is a small size kibble, so it works, but , there are other good brands out there too.
Take him outside every 2 hours, if possible, to housebreak 🙂
How long have you had him? He may be grieving his former owner and home, maybe there were other dogs there that he bonded with. It is very hard for some dogs, especially a senior.
The first month will be the worst. Just be extra nice to him but give him his space, hopefully he’ll come around.
You can presoak the kibble in water overnight in the fridg and then add a little plain homemade chicken broth (no onions) or mix with a soft topper. If you don’t see him drinking water, add a little to his food, senior small breeds are vulnerable to get bladder stones, struvite and urinary tract infections if they don’t drink enough water. Take him out frequently to urinate.
Keep his diet simple, maybe a limited ingredient food, I like Nutrisca. I wouldn’t add vegetables for now, they can cause loose stools in some dogs. I wouldn’t add any supplements unless advised to do so by a veterinarian that has examined him.
Daily brushing, once a day after the evening meal can help big time. However, often there is a genetic component so they end up needing extractions at a young age.
My peke had most of his teeth extracted at the age of 5 despite daily brushing, he is 16 now and still loves to eat.
I presoak his kibble in water overnight in the fridg and add some chopped up cooked lean meat/chicken, scrambled egg, something to it.
They adjust just fine, continue daily brushing.
I like Petrodex 6.2 oz tube from chewy.com and a medium adult brush. My younger dog lets me use a battery operated electric toothbrush on him, less work for me.
No matter what you do, most dogs will need at least one or two professional cleanings per lifetime.
Oh, and those additives and chews don’t do much, if anything, they are breath fresheners at best.
I have an 8 year old that has not required a cleaning yet.
PS: You have to brush the back and sides/inside area that’s where the tartar tends to build up. See YouTube for “how to” videos.
Nutrisca has small kibble, check chewy.com reviews. I presoak my senior’s kibble overnight in the fridg, using water or plain homemade chicken broth. Some of these seniors don’t drink enough H20.
Has she had a complete physical exam? Sometimes pain can manifest itself as anxiety. Dachshunds are notorious for back problems. If the dog has tweaked it’s back, they are reluctant to squat in order to defecate because it is painful to do so….so it may present as constipation.
I would rule out back/spinal issues, medical issues first. A good veterinarian will know what to look for.
Regarding soft food, all you have to do is presoak the kibble overnight in the fridg and it becomes soft food.
PS: I would stop adding supplements and yogurt, etc. Maybe your vet can recommend a prescription diet.
Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea kibble, check the reviews on chewy.com. It is small kibble, ideal for small dogs. No potato, no grains, no chicken….
PS: Don’t free feed. Offer measured amounts twice a day or whatever your vet recommends. Some senior small breeds do better on 3 small meals a day, add a splash of water to meals or presoak the kibble. Maybe add a topper.
Has the dog had a senior workup, labs and an exam to rule out medical issues for the weight gain. I would start there.
Is she getting enough exercise, brisk walks….
I would never give a dog apple cider, it’s acid….It gives me heartburn, lol.
I presoak my senior’s kibble in tap water and this seems to work for him as he doesn’t have much left for teeth.
My dog with the sensitive stomach does well on the Nutrisca because it is a limited ingredient food and has small kibble.
I recently tried her on Orijen and she vomited a little up, I suspect because it is larger kibble, higher in calories and has more ingredients. So, back to the Nutrisca for her. My youngest dog likes the Orijen, I may keep him on it (as a base).
I add a splash of water to their meals and a topper.
PS: Ask your vet if Pepcid would be helpful 1/2 hour before a meal once a day.
I agree, mention this to your vet (I am assuming medical issues have been ruled out)
But, I am thinking that trying a smaller kibble or pre-soaking and adding some wet food might solve the problem. And eating slower will help, obviously.
Remember, no one is here in a professional capacity, opinions are being offered, not to be confused with medical advice by a veterinary healthcare specialist.
I used to think the supermarket dog foods were okay. I pre-soaked a middle of the road kibble and it turned into mush/sawdust. I presoaked a couple of the more expensive brands that I mentioned in a previous post and they stayed firm, just softened a bit……..solid food.
My veterinarian agrees with me. I don’t think all cheap dog foods are harmful, just, of lesser quality.
That’s why I like to use the kibble as a base and add something.
Orijen and Nutrisca for dry food are my favorites, check Chewy.com. For a reasonably priced wet food/topper, check out Newman Organics.
Your dog is a senior and therefore prone to developing bladder stones (breed) so I would soak her kibble in water prior to serving and maybe add a splash of water especially if she is not a water drinker. Make sure she gets out for frequent bathroom breaks/opportunities to urinate.
Also, check her teeth and get a cleaning and extractions if needed. Brush her teeth daily (see YouTube for how to videos)
PS: I just reread your post, if you want to feed only dry, presoak the kibble in water overnight, it will be soft, easy to chew and digest. If the food you are using agrees with her, then stick with it. You can always add a bit of scrambled egg or cooked chopped up lean meat/chicken (no bones)
Has she had a senior workup? Ask the vet that examines her what he recommends.
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This reply was modified 7 years, 10 months ago by
anonymously.
I personally avoid canned food except as an emergency backup. I prefer to presoak a quality kibble if a dog prefers wet food and add a topper of scrambled egg or cooked lean meat or chicken (for example).
I limit my own intake of canned foods, it’s just common sense.
I tried Evanger’s canned food a few years ago, no adverse effects noted. However, I read a bunch of negative comments about it so I stopped. I only use canned food as an emergency backup anyway.
I find it is cheaper to buy meat, chicken, eggs and cook them up, chop into bite size bits, and add a little to a quality kibble, add water or presoak. Freeze chicken/meat servings in baggies.
PS: I often check the reduced section at the local market for meat, no adverse effects noted, been doing this for many years.
Unless your dog has a medical condition and a veterinarian has recommended a low-sodium diet….. Healthy dogs usually do not need a special dog food that is low in sodium. Most brands have a minimum amount of sodium, .3%, for maintenance of body functions that require it.
That being said, I read that Orijen has less sodium than other brands. However, the price might be a deterrent. With the better brands you will find you need to feed less kibble, it is dense and less like sawdust as with the cheap brands.
My dogs do well on Nutrisca dry as a base, with a topper such as a spoonful of scrambled egg (made with water) cooked chopped lean meat or chicken, tuna, a spoonful of homemade chicken broth (nothing added) just boil a chicken for 3+ hours, debone, defat, freeze 2-3 day servings, it makes about a quart.
Check chewy.com for prices. If you get a large bag you can freeze 1/2 of it and store the rest in an airtight container, in the fridg if you have room, or at least in a cool dry room.
I add a splash of water to the food, my senior gets his kibble presoaked with water.
Dogs that are prone to weight gain do well with a one hour walk per day, even at a leisurely pace.
Offer meals twice a day, if he doesn’t eat pick it up store in the fridg and offer at the next meal time. He will eat when he is hungry, if he doesn’t eat times 3 days consult a veterinarian. Make sure he is drinking adequate water. Oh, and he is old enough for adult food.
Also, if his bowel habits don’t stabilize soon, I would take him to the vet.
I tried homemade, I have the time…but it’s just too much work.
I think if you find a kibble that agrees with your dog and add water or presoak (if needed) it’s fine as a base. You can always add to it.
Some info here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/
PS: Now that my dog’s allergies (treated by a specialist/dermatologist) are under control, she can eat a variety of foods without any problems.
If you want to tackle homemade: http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf
