[anonymous]

Tell your friend to check out this website, science based veterinary medicine.
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/herbs-and-supplements/
Imo, her money would be better spent by taking her pet/pets to the vet once a year for an exam and lab work (as recommended by the vet)
Supplements are not always benign, some have side effects. I would never use those things mentioned.

[anonymous]

Tell your friend to check out this website, science based veterinary medicine.
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/herbs-and-supplements/
Imo, her money would be better spent by taking her pet/pets to the vet once a year for an exam and lab work (as recommended by the vet)
Supplements are not always benign, some have side effects. I would never use those things mentioned.

[anonymous]

Tell your friend to check out this website, science based veterinary medicine.
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/herbs-and-supplements/

Imo, her money would be better spent by taking her pet/pets to the vet once a year for an exam and lab work (as recommended by the vet)

Supplements are not always benign, some have side effects. I would never use those things mentioned.

[anonymous]

Addendum to my last post:
You could try one of those dome in the middle dishes that are designed to slow down her eating…….wet her kibble with water prior to serving.

But, honestly, something is wrong, and I would ask your veterinarian what further diagnostic tests are needed to get an accurate diagnosis or to refer you to a specialist. So that you can begin treatment as soon as possible.

I would refrain from trying over the counter meds and such or making drastic changes to her diet, unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian that has examined your dog.
There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause the symptoms described, I hope you get some answers soon.

[anonymous]

@ Robert J, and others faced with these issues.

You could try one of those dome in the middle dishes that are designed to slow down her eating…….wet her kibble with water prior to serving.

But, honestly, something is wrong, and I would ask your veterinarian what further diagnostic tests are needed or to refer you to a specialist.
The sooner you get a correct diagnosis the better, and you can begin treatment. Read the previous posts in this thread, there may be more to it than gastrointestinal upset.
Her behavior is not normal and obviously the dog is in distress.

I would refrain from trying over the counter meds and such or making drastic changes to her diet, unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian that has examined your dog.

[anonymous]

@ Robert J, and others faced with these issues.

You could try one of those dome in the middle dishes that are designed to slow down her eating…….wet her kibble with water prior to serving.

But, honestly, something is wrong, and I would ask your veterinarian what further diagnostic tests are needed or to refer you to a specialist.
The sooner you get a correct diagnosis the better, and you can begin treatment. Read the previous posts in this thread, there may be more to it than gastrointestinal upset.
Her behavior is not normal and obviously the dog is in distress.

I would refrain from trying over the counter meds and such or making drastic changes to her diet, unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian that has examined your dog..

[anonymous]

@ Robert J, and others faced with these issues.

You could try one of those dome in the middle dishes that are designed to slow down her eating…….wet her kibble with water prior to serving.

But, honestly, something is wrong, and I would ask your veterinarian what further diagnostic tests are needed or to refer you to a specialist.
The sooner you get a correct diagnosis the better, and you can begin treatment. Read the previous posts in this thread, there may be more to it than gastrointestinal upset.
Her behavior is not normal and obviously the dog is in distress.
I would refrain from trying over the counter meds and such or making drastic changes to her diet, unless instructed to do so by a veterinarian that has examined your dog..

[anonymous]

I used to stick a pin in the fish oil capsule and it would squirt on the wall and end up in my hair, lol.
Have been giving the fish oil capsule whole for a few years now, the capsule is usually made of a gelatin substance that is easily digestable.
Check with you vet, I could be wrong.

I wouldn’t give egg shells or any other raw foods, due to the risk of salmonella and such, just my opinion.

[anonymous]

See if the vet will refer you to a veterinary endocrinologist. This sounds serious.
I have a cairn, cousin to the westie, they are very sweet dogs.

[anonymous]

As some of us have mentioned, it may be best to go to a specialist (veterinary neurologist) for testing ,an accurate diagnosis and treatment options

I am assuming the dog has not responded to treatment by your regular vet within a reasonable amount of time. Why not ask your vet for a referral? That’s what I would do.

[anonymous]

Just to let you know I responded to your post and it was removed?

Anyway, less is better, regarding supplements imo. The only supplement I use at this time is one fish oil capsule per day added to the morning meal.

I use a quality kibble as a base, maybe 1/2 of the diet, I add cooked protein sources as a topper. Seems to be working.
When you take him in for his annual exam, I would go along with the lab work as recommended…if anything is wrong, it will show up there.
Just my opinion, but I would prefer to spend my money on lab work rather than dietary supplements.

PS: Go to skeptvet dot com, if you are interested in scientific veterinary medicine.

[anonymous]

That is a significant weight loss in a short period of time. Don’t be surprised if the vet wants her on insulin. I would write down your questions for the vet. Good luck.

[anonymous]

I use a quality kibble as a base, about 1/2 of the diet, I add real food as you are doing, but, mostly lean cooked meat, boiled chicken, chicken broth (homemade, nothing added) or water added to meals.
Rice, potatoes and such tend to be high calorie carbs, and I wouldn’t feed eggshells to any living thing, ugh.
Two meals per day, measured amounts, a carrot or two for snacks.
The only supplements I use is a fish oil capsule once a day added to the morning meal.
I have been feeding this way for a while now with good results.
When you take him in for his annual veterinary appointment, go along with the lab work if recommended, it’s the best diagnostic tool the vets have, if something is off, it will show up in the lab values….most of the time.
PS: Hope this helps http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/herbs-and-supplements/

[anonymous]

“Is the White Rice and Liver (along with a small amount of wet Cesar’s) a good diet for low sugar high protein?”

That doesn’t sound like a good idea. What does the vet that diagnosed the dog recommend?
Prescription food may be your best bet, at least as a base. If the dog is overweight, start walking, decrease intake, increase activity. That’s what I would do.

[anonymous]

How was her lab work? Thyroid imbalance might explain dry skin/hair. Then again it could just be age related.
But I would rule out medical, if you haven’t done so already.

[anonymous]

I just toss the fish oil capsule in with the meal (one a day) I don’t pop them. The dogs just eat them like a snack. It’s just a supplement, I don’t expect it to do that much.
More isn’t always better, some supplements have side effects.

[anonymous]

I add a fish oil capsule to my dogs food once a day, nothing fancy.
I wouldn’t use coconut oil, too high in calories.

Hope this helps: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=coconut+oil

PS: Is she getting enough water? Add a splash to her meals, or some plain homemade defatted (nothing added) chicken broth.

[anonymous]

@ Dennis M
Thanks for the update. I agree 100%

From my previous post
What a lot of you describe (symptoms) sounds neurological, for best results, ask your vet to refer you to a veterinary neurologist.
I am assuming the dog has not responded to treatment by your regular vet within a reasonable amount of time. There are effective medications available by prescription that will put a halt to the suffering. The first step would be to get further testing, maybe by a specialist, and hopefully that will result in an accurate diagnosis, from there you can evaluate your treatment options.
Example: Complex Partial Seizures (aka Psychomotor or Behavioral): Seizures: are associated with bizarre or complex behaviors that are repeated during each seizure. People with complex partial seizures experience distortions of thought, perception or emotion (usually fear), sometimes with unusual visual, olfactory, auditory and gustatory sensations. If dogs experience the same things, it may explain the lip-smacking, chewing, fly biting, aggression, vocalization, hysterical running, cowering or hiding in otherwise normal animals. Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distress, salivation, blindness, unusual thirst or appetite, and flank biting are other signs. There is an obvious lack of awareness though usually not lack of consciousness. Abnormal behaviors may last minutes or hours and can be followed by a generalized seizure. Complex partial seizures are usually associated with secondary epilepsy. (excerpt from) http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/FAQ.html

[anonymous]

On second thought, I assume you know this, but, the seeds in the center of the apple are toxic to dogs.
I have tried apple slices, but, My dogs don’t care for them.

[anonymous]

Maybe the sardines didn’t agree with him. They are high in sodium.
For a low calorie snack I give my dogs 1/2 of a raw carrot here and there.
If you try this, don’t be alarmed if you see orange carrot chunks in their feces, they don’t really digest them but it doesn’t hurt them, it’s all fiber.
PS: Also, make sure the dog chews the carrot, some dogs try to swallow them whole (choking hazard), in that case, maybe chopping them up would be better.

[anonymous]

Okay.
I hope his appetite improves when his course of antibiotics are over. If he’s not getting at least adequate fluids let the vet know., maybe subq fluids would help?

My dog was on the Royal Canin S/O prescription for several months. I did have to add something to it so he would eat it though,
He had struvite and calcium oxalate. The struvite cleared up right away with treatment. Increased water and frequent bathroom breaks seem to help with all types of bladder stones.
I hope your dog feels better soon..
Peace

[anonymous]

That might be it. My dog had side effects from an antibiotic…it might have been baytril, I can’t remember now.
Nausea. Poor appetite.
The vet switched him to another antibiotic he could tolerate, probably amoxicillin. He was fine after the med change.
Call the vet. Sometimes they have someone on call, they may advise you to hold the med…

[anonymous]

The dog doesn’t have struvite, he has calcium oxalate.

It’s best if you stick with the recommended prescription diet. Check with your vet before making any changes.
See my above posts “anonymously”

[anonymous]

How long does he go without eating? I would try to wait him out. Pick up the food if he doesn’t eat it after 10 to 20 minutes, put it in the fridg and offer at the next meal time.
Is he underweight? Is there a reason he can’t go a day or so without eating? As long as he is drinking water, I might call the vet if he goes 72 hours without eating.

Unless he appears to be in distress, in pain, uncomfortable, vomiting……call the vet sooner.

[anonymous]

PS: I hope you are not free feeding (leaving food down all day)
These old guys do best with 2 to 4 small meals per day, measured amounts.
Fresh water available 24/7.
If they skip a meal or two, it’s okay…unless your vet advises you otherwise.

[anonymous]

I wouldn’t mess around with his diet, If the stones return it may be difficult for him to tolerate another surgery.as a senior (age11)
Add water, presoak the kibble with water, add plain homemade chicken broth (no onions or additives)
Put a call into your vet to call you back when he has a minute. Ask him what you can add as a topper.
I think your vet will confirm, water added to meals and frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate are important..

[anonymous]

I have had 3 dogs that tested positive for Lyme. All had the antibiotic protocol. Two of the dogs never had any symptoms.of Lyme disease.

[anonymous]

I would be inclined to go with whatever food the veterinarian that examined and diagnosed the dog recommended. Prescription or whatever.
And NO, you can’t free feed dogs that have different nutritional needs and expect good results.
Free feeding, in general, sucks (imo). I did it years ago and ended up with mice chewing a hole through my kitchen wall to get to it!
Also, consider food aggression, a natural instinct that can occur with dogs. Some, more than others.
I monitor meals and do not leave empty food dishes on the floor, the dishes are washed and rinsed twice a day.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 1 month ago by anonymous.

[anonymous]

https://www.chewy.com/newmans-own-organics-advanced/dp/44980
Newmans Own Organics is a decent food, not sure if it will meet the criteria you are looking for, check it out and then contact your vet with the numbers.

I had a dog with kidney damage and I went strictly by what the veterinarian that was treating her recommended, prescription food, along with a variety of other treatments I was able to keep her comfortable for a couple of years.

I wouldn’t dream of letting the other dogs eat her food. I find dogs tend to fight over food (food aggression) so, I feed separately, 2 feedings per day and monitor at mealtime.
I won’t leave empty dishes down, as I have seen fights break out over that.

Another experience I had years ago due to leaving food down all day, MICE, yes, they chewed through a kitchen wall to get to it!

[anonymous]

I lost a dog to Lyme disease, kidney damage had occurred by the time it was correctly diagnosed (the symptoms were subtle and the first vet or two assumed they were age related).
Two years of hell trying to keep that poor dog comfortable.
The best solution is to find a vet that you trust, ask questions and evaluate your options, negotiate.
The natural stuff doesn’t work, it’s all a scam.

[anonymous]

PS: I think you asked this question before: /forums/topic/plain-dry-food/

[anonymous]

Have you taken the dog in for a annual checkup that includes lab work? Is the dog a senior?
What did the veterinarian that examined the dog recommend?

Otherwise, it is all willy-nilly. No one can advise you appropriately, nor should they try. The dog’s age, medical history and such, have to be looked at by a veterinary health care professional.
Obviously you have specific concerns….please find a vet that you trust. Good luck.

Ps: Blanket recommendations for diet don’t work, every dog is different. I can’t help but to think that you are looking for medical advice here, in lieu of consulting a vet, if so, that’s a mistake (imo)

[anonymous]

I would call the vet clinic and see if they can fit you in earlier today, especially if you are a regular client there, or I would consider going to the emergency vet, now.
I would refrain from giving the dog any more over the counter meds until he is properly diagnosed and a vet tells you to do so.
Good luck, give us an update…if you think of it.

[anonymous]

Did you check chewy dot com ? Also check out Dogswell, they have a grain free line, it’s the same company that makes Nutrisca. https://www.chewy.com/s?query=Nutrisca&nav-submit-button=
https://www.chewy.com/dogswell-chicken-recipe-adult-grain/dp/136647

[anonymous]

Mail-in hair and saliva tests are not diagnostic tools (just read the fine print).
See the blog below:

Glacier Peak Holistics Pet Wellness Life Scan Stress Test or How Much BS Can Fit on One Web Page?

Excerpt from the link above:
Bottom Line
“The Glacier Peak Holistics Pet Wellness Life Stress Scan (formerly “Healthy Dog and Cat Alternative Sensitivity Assessment”) is a completely implausible test based on vague, mystical nonsense and pseudoscientific theories that contradict the legitimate scientific evidence regarding the cause and management of allergies. The general concept that hair and saliva testing can identify the causes of allergies is false. The marketing of this test is misleading and contains many of the hallmarks of quack advertising. Dog owners struggling with allergies would be far better spending their time and money consulting a veterinary dermatologist for a science-based approach to helping their canine”.
Also, per the search engine here: /forums/topic/desperate-food-recomendations-for-lab/

Review of Dr. Jean Dodds’ book Canine Nutrigenomics
An excerpt from the above review by The Skeptvet:
“A fair bit of effort in the book goes to promoting a test called Nutriscan, which uses saliva to identify dietary sensitivities in dogs. Unsurprisingly, Dr. Dodds’ company owns Nutriscan, and equally unsurprisingly the mainstream community of veterinary nutritionists and dermatologists do not accept the legitimacy of her test because she has not provided any controlled evidence to show it is an accurate and useful test. She does provide a lot of citations to support her claims for this method, but if one takes the trouble to investigate them, they do not actually turn out to be compelling evidence”.: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2015/06/canine-nutrigenomics-by-dr-jean-dodds-science-as-windowdressing/

Mail-in saliva and hair tests are not helpful from what I have read. By the way, they are not cheap. I have read a lot of complaints that the test comes back positive for nearly everything. Then what? Plus, it is not an allergy test, it’s a food sensitivity test?
I would consider seeing a veterinary dermatologist for accurate testing and the best treatment options.

[anonymous]

“Other than so 1/4 cup a day so if I am feeding him 4 times a day how much would I give then, i’m so not good with measurements”.

I don’t understand the question? Give him a couple of heaping tablespoons of food about 4 times a day for now. Just 1/4 cup per day is not enough (imo).
You should be bringing him to the vet soon, I’m sure he will be able to answer your specfic questions and advise you accordingly.
Make a list, my friend said it was very helpful to do that.

[anonymous]

My 9 pound dog weighed 3 pounds at 10 weeks. A 13 pound dog I had weighed 7 pounds at 5 1/2 months. Hope this helps.

[anonymous]

You’re welcome. Hopefully her allergies are mild/seasonal (if they return).
I think food sensitivities can fluctuate, so I would try different things too.
It is much easier and economical when you have more than one dog if you can just buy 1 big bag of something to use as a base that agrees with all of them 🙂

[anonymous]

Dogs don’t digest carrots, no matter how you prepare them. That’s why you
will see orange/carrot chunks in the feces. Probably the same for other veggies, that being said, a little fiber is good, but, too much can cause GI upset and loose stools.
Some dogs don’t tolerate veggies (or like them) well at all.
I would check with the vet that you take your dog to for annual exams.
Depending on results (lab work etc) such as a predisposition for a certain type of bladder stones, the vet may advise NO veggies.

[anonymous]

Have the dogs had senior workups? Lab work? Was it within normal limits?
Give the vet a call and ask that she call you back when she has a minute, I’m sure she won’t mind answering your questions. But, dogs that are inactive tend to have difficulty tolerating rich, high protein, high calorie diets…. See what the vet recommends.

PS: Add a splash of water to meals. Most dogs, especially seniors don’t consume enough water. Offer frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate, otherwise, certain breeds are vulnerable to develop bladder stones (calcium oxalate and struvite come to mind).

[anonymous]

I may be mistaken, but I think you asked this question before.

Per the search engine, my response to one of your previous posts:
“Be careful with having multiple bags of kibble open at the same time. They go bad. I only open one bag at a time and store in tightly closed containers in the fridg. In a pantry I wouldn’t trust anything after 2 weeks. In the fridg, maybe a month to 6 weeks. That’s it”

The freezer is controversial, some say it is okay, some say it is not. Some oils can go bad, rancid if frozen. So, it may be best to call the 1-800 number on the specific kibble in question and see what they advise. I tend to avoid putting kibble in the freezer.

[anonymous]

“If anyone has any advice, PLEASE help! The vet recommended a low protein diet, but I heard high protein is better… I just don’t know what to do anymore.”

I just assumed that lab work was done that included kidney function tests and maybe the bun and creatinine was slightly elevated? Often this is the case with seniors. I would make sure their water intake was adequate, add a splash to the kibble.

[anonymous]

Excerpt below from: https://www.vetinfo.com/aquatic-therapy-for-dogs.html
Aquatic therapy for dogs is a form of rehabilitation and athletic conditioning. In both cases, canine aquatic therapy prevents injury, lessens pain, strengthens muscles, and restores or enhances mobility. Dogs do not have to live near water or like to swim to undergo aquatic therapy, which occurs indoors in a shallow tank. Aquatic therapy for dogs is also known as canine hydrotherapy, canine aqua training and canine underwater training.

[anonymous]

Go what the vet that has examined them recommends. I would give no snacks except raw carrots (1/4) to chew on once or twice a day. Add water to their kibble. In fact, if you presoak it, it puffs up and they think they are getting more.
I would find a way to increase their activity, more walks around the block, even if leisurely and only for a few minutes at a time.
Swimming is the best activity for burning calories and it’s easy on the joints for seniors.
By any chance, do you have pet health insurance? I ask, because I have heard that if the vet orders aqua therapy (swimming in a heated pool, offered at pet rehab facilities) for weight loss or a medical condition it may be covered. One minute of swimming equals 4 minutes of running.

[anonymous]

You may find the information at this site helpful
http://www.allergydogcentral.com/

[anonymous]

Change in geographical location resulting in a decrease of symptoms indicates that the allergies may be environmental vs food related. What type of allergy testing was done? Please, don’t say mail-in saliva and hair tests.
Did you ever have intradermal skin testing done by a veterinary dermatologist?

My dog that receives treatment from a veterinary dermatologist, but, also has a sensitive stomach, does well on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea, Dogswell also has some good kibbles (with and without grains), see chewy dot com I have also heard good things about Purina Pro Plan.
Of course, I only use kibble as a base and add a bite of real food and a splash of water.
Use the search engine here to look up “allergies” for more information.

[anonymous]

What test determined that the dog is allergic to all these foods? Have environmental allergies been ruled out via intradermal skin testing by a veterinary dermatologist?

Nutrisca salmon and chickpea might be worth checking out, however, your list of items to avoid makes it nearly impossible. What does the vet that diagnosed him (assuming) recommend?

[anonymous]

I think 1 hour to 30 minutes prior to the meal would be ideal.
I would put a call into the vet, have him call you back when he has a minute, rather than go by what you read online.
Ask which would be preferable, at bedtime on an empty stomach? Or in the morning 10 minutes before eating?
Tell the vet the exact times you are planning to give the med, as he might like at least an 8 hour interval between doses.

[anonymous]

What is her diagnosis? Did the vet tell you she had stomach/acid reflux? Did the vet go over the results of the lab work with you.
It’s possible that the hypersalivation is not related to her diet.

[anonymous]

Yes, small amounts (1/4 cup or less), maybe 3 or 4 times a day, soft food or pre-soaked kibble, add a little water or plain (no onion) homemade chicken broth to ensure adequate fluid intake.

Don’t forget, what comes in, must come out. Take him to the designated location (preferably outside) at least every 2 hours, first thing in the morning and bedtime, for bathroom breaks. Praise him when he does something.

Somewhere around 3-4 months you can decrease the feedings to 3 a day, then 2.
Weigh him once a week, to find the right portion amounts once he reaches his ideal weight.

My 9 pound dog eats 1/4 cup of kibble with a heaping tablespoon of topper twice a day, maybe 1/2 carrot once or twice a day for a snack. Don’t be alarmed if you see carrot chunks in the feces, it’s all fiber, it doesn’t hurt them.

PS: Often the recommended amounts on the dog food bags are too much, I would go with the lowest amount.

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