[anonymous]

She will calm down as she matures (3 to 5 years of age), in the meantime, she is in the prime of her life right now. She requires a lot of exercise. It’s not hyperactivity, it is normal for a young healthy dog to want to move!
I had a corgi that was wild, the only thing that worked was 3 to 5 mile brisk walks every day or a 1 to 2 mile jog.
The backyard stuff wasn’t enough. That’s the deal with working/herding dogs, they need a lot of activity or they become neurotic.
PS: She was calmer at age 7, with the above recommended exercise included, cancer got her at age 9+ despite the best diet and optimum exercise.
Consult your veterinarian, see what he suggests, I suspect he will agree with me.

[anonymous]

Have you made an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist? That’s where would start. Allergen specific immunotherapy is the only thing that worked for my dog with environmental allergies.
Dust mite allergies and such are environmental, airborne and present year round, shed from the skin of all living things, including you.
Have you checked the search engine here: /forums/search/allergies/

“Atopic dermatitis is a hypersensitivity or over-reaction to a variety of commonplace and otherwise harmless substances in the environment such as plant pollens, house dust mites or mold spores. Most pets with atopic dermatitis either inhale or absorb their allergens through their skin. Allergy tests are used to identify what a pet is allergic to in their environment”.
“There are two types of allergy tests, the intradermal allergy test and blood testing for allergies (serologic allergy testing). In an intradermal allergy test, the fur is clipped on one side of the chest and very small amounts of common allergens are injected into the skin. This test is very precise and is only performed by Veterinary Dermatology services. Because most pets with environmental allergies become exposed to their allergens through their skin, the intradermal allergy test may also best simulate a pet’s natural allergies. In a blood allergy test, a blood sample is obtained and submitted to a laboratory for testing”.
“If a pet is diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, there are three methods of therapy. The first method of therapy involves removing the allergen from the pet’s environment”. “Unfortunately, this is not possible in most cases. The second method of therapy involves the use of anti-itch drugs such as anti-histamines or steroids (cortisone). Some of these anti-itch medications do not work in every pet. Other pets develop side-effects from taking certain anti-itch medications”.
“The third method of therapy for atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies) is allergy injections. Other names for allergy injections include desensitization, hyposensitization, allergy vaccine, or allergen-specific immunotherapy. Immunotherapy involves a series of injections of diluted allergens. Over time, these injections make a pet less sensitive to their allergens and thus less allergic. Most pet owners are able to learn how to give the injections at home. When based on the results of intradermal allergy testing, immunotherapy helps manage the allergies in approximately 70-90% of pets. Most pets will respond to immunotherapy within 6-9 months, but some pets will require up to a year of immunotherapy injections before a full benefit can be noted”.
http://www.mspca.org/vet-services/angell-boston/dermatology/boston-dematology-allergies.html

[anonymous]

Sometimes it takes months for a dog to stabilize on medication, however, you could ask your vet about doing a slow taper….. Discuss your observations, you may even be able to leave a message for your vet to call you back when he has a minute and get his opinion.
I must warn you though, as your vet will, the seizures may return. If that happens it may take months to stabilize him on medication, again.

Pexion is a very good medication (minimal to no side effects) to treat epileptic dogs. You are fortunate to have found something that works. Seizures are a neurological disorder, a firestorm in the brain. I would keep in mind that your dog is elderly, comfort is a priority.

Everytime I tried to taper my dog off of phenobarb, the seizures returned, so he remained on a low dose for the rest of his life, with no side effects.

[anonymous]

Because, it is clear to most medical professionals that a lot of the things some homeopathic vets recommend clearly have potential to harm animals.
We’ll just have to agree to disagree.
Peace.

[anonymous]

“I have to admit….That kind of sounds like something the skeptvet would say”.
Thanks! I’ll take that as a compliment. Although, I can’t hold a candle to someone that articulate and knowledgeable, lol
I have learned a lot from SkeptVet, and nothing is being sold there, no books, no supplements, no t-shirts, no membership fees…nothing. Unlike many of the homeopathic sites I have visited.
I find his blogs helpful. To each his own. And regarding a prior comment, “The skeptvet can be so intimidating and harsh”. Sometimes, the truth hurts.

[anonymous]

The decrease in seizure activity is most likely in response to pexion and the valium (anti-epileptics). I would not stop meds unless under direction of the treating vet.
The reason the vet didn’t explore the option of food allergies causing your dog’s seizures is that based on my knowledge, that it would be extremely rare for this to be true.
The vet addressed the issues that would cause seizures in an elderly dog. “All the information and money” you gave him was so he could determine what testing to do to diagnose your dog and prescribe treatment.
It may be best to keep his diet simple, maybe even a little bland, as certain foods, preservatives and chemicals may be actual triggers.
PS: There is a lot of inaccurate information on the internet, and even if you find some helpful information, it is not specific to your dog.

[anonymous]

“I am wondering if this person posting the skeptvet link is the skeptvet. When someone else recommends a company or product over and over in this forum, people have asked if they have a vested interest in that company. I am wondering the same”.

That’s ridiculous. One could say the same about the posters that post the same diatribe over and over again against science based veterinary medicine and promote homeopathic cures, raw diets, etc. Advising pet owners to disregard what their veterinarians tell them is best.

I am sorry for the loss of your dog, if it was hemangiosarcoma, it’s a very aggressive form of cancer common in certain breeds. Often there are no symptoms until it is too late. I went through this with a corgi. It tends to strike between 8 and 10 years of age.

Annual checkups along with the recommended blood work might help to catch it early, even then, the treatment options are limited.

I blame the puppy mills and backyard breeders that continue to breed dogs regardless of hereditary genetic disorders.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 3 months ago by anonymous.

[anonymous]

Saliva and hair mail-in tests are not allergy tests.

“Atopic dermatitis is a hypersensitivity or over-reaction to a variety of commonplace and otherwise harmless substances in the environment such as plant pollens, house dust mites or mold spores. Most pets with atopic dermatitis either inhale or absorb their allergens through their skin. Allergy tests are used to identify what a pet is allergic to in their environment”.
“There are two types of allergy tests, the intradermal allergy test and blood testing for allergies (serologic allergy testing). In an intradermal allergy test, the fur is clipped on one side of the chest and very small amounts of common allergens are injected into the skin. This test is very precise and is only performed by Veterinary Dermatology services. Because most pets with environmental allergies become exposed to their allergens through their skin, the intradermal allergy test may also best simulate a pet’s natural allergies. In a blood allergy test, a blood sample is obtained and submitted to a laboratory for testing”.
“If a pet is diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, there are three methods of therapy. The first method of therapy involves removing the allergen from the pet’s environment”. “Unfortunately, this is not possible in most cases. The second method of therapy involves the use of anti-itch drugs such as anti-histamines or steroids (cortisone). Some of these anti-itch medications do not work in every pet. Other pets develop side-effects from taking certain anti-itch medications”.
“The third method of therapy for atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies) is allergy injections. Other names for allergy injections include desensitization, hyposensitization, allergy vaccine, or allergen-specific immunotherapy. Immunotherapy involves a series of injections of diluted allergens. Over time, these injections make a pet less sensitive to their allergens and thus less allergic. Most pet owners are able to learn how to give the injections at home. When based on the results of intradermal allergy testing, immunotherapy helps manage the allergies in approximately 70-90% of pets. Most pets will respond to immunotherapy within 6-9 months, but some pets will require up to a year of immunotherapy injections before a full benefit can be noted”.
http://www.mspca.org/vet-services/angell-boston/dermatology/boston-dematology-allergies.html

[anonymous]

I forgot to say, when you put the food down I would wait 10 to 20 minutes for him to eat, otherwise, pick up the food.

[anonymous]

What you describe sounds like environmental allergies, food would have little impact, if any, on this condition.
I would continue to work with your veterinarian, however, for best results, I would go to a specialist, a veterinary dermatologist.
Have you tried the search engine here? This subject comes up frequently.
Example: /forums/topic/irritated-skin-food-allergy/

/forums/topic/dog-chewing-nails-till-they-bleed/
“Food allergies are rare. Food sensitivities tend to result in GI disturbances such as vomiting and diarrhea. Environmental allergies tend to show up as pruritus, ear infections and such”.
“You could try a limited ingredient grain free food. My dog does well on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea. Wipe down her feet with water and gently dry when she comes in from outdoors”.
“Bathe her using a gentle shampoo, I use Malaseb (see chewy dot com).
I tried all kinds of things times 1 year (including going back and forth to the veterinarian), but, did not get results till I took her to a dermatologist for testing. Allergen specific immunotherapy worked in her case”.

Unfortunately, steroids and such are often necessary (for brief periods) to stop the suffering and prevent infection.
Allergen specific immunotherapy is the most natural treatment.
Also, I have heard that some dogs do well on apoquel, you may want to consider staying with that, talk to your vet.

[anonymous]

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.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 3 months ago by anonymous.

[anonymous]

He may just have a sensitive stomach? Are you feeding him small meals with water added 2 or 3 times a day?
I would not free feed (leave food down), if he hasn’t vomited in almost a week, that is improvement. I reread your post, see how he does…..
PS: Maybe you should go back to the prescription food? You mentioned he did well on it.

[anonymous]

It might be time to get another opinion, I would schedule an appointment with another vet asap, record and labs can be faxed. Do you have a veterinary school near you? Maybe they could refer you to a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist.
From what you describe, the dog has not responded to treatment by the current vet.
Two months is a reasonable amount of time to wait and expect to see results.
Do you have a diagnosis? Additional testing may be needed. Put a call in to the current vet if you want to stay with him, tell him your concerns, see what he advises.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 3 months ago by anonymous.

[anonymous]

There are liability issues, perhaps you should speak to a lawyer friend, if possible, first. Example: A dog gets sick after consuming one of your biscuits and has to go to the vet?
I like Mother Hubbard dog biscuits for the occasional treat for my dogs. But, most of the time I just use the kibble that I know agrees with them.
Whenever a friend or an acquaintance gives me a “homemade item” of food for myself or my pets. I smile and say thank you, then I go home and discard it.

[anonymous]

Yes, many dogs are fed prescription diets long-term and sometimes for the remainder of their lives, depending on what the prescribing veterinarian recommends would be in the best interest of the pet in order to maintain optimal health.
Often, once the dog has been stable for a while the vet might okay some additions to make the food more palatable, but the prescription food remains the base.

[anonymous]

Per the site you recommended, disclaimer/excerpt:
Veterinary Advice
The product recommendations, pet health care advice, and other information provided on the Site (Site Content) are not to be construed as veterinary advice and are not meant to be a substitute for a consultation with a certified veterinarian. The Site Content is provided “as is” to assist you in the selection of appropriate products for your pets, but should not be relied upon to make important health care decisions for your pets. If your pet is ill, you should take it to a certified veterinarian for an examination and diagnosis.
http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/help/termsofuse.aspx

[anonymous]

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=prescription+food

Go to the above site if you are interested in science-based veterinary medicine. Nothing is being sold there, no kits, no t-shirts, no supplements, no books, no memberships fees.
Nothing. Just facts.

[anonymous]

Ditto
I agree with pitluv.

[anonymous]

I forgot to mention, Nutrisca has decent canned food, if you are looking for something with a more chunky texture. I have been using their kibble (salmon and chickpea) for years and am pleased with the product.

[anonymous]

If I need canned food for a backup (as a topper), I have had good luck with Newman’s Organics https://www.chewy.com/newmans-own-organics-chicken-brown/dp/33511?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping-Product%20Targets&utm_term=1100000000284&utm_content=Newman’s%20Own%20Organics

[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.

[anonymous]

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.

[anonymous]

Here is the disclaimer on that saliva/hair kit mentioned in previous posts in this thread:
“The information provided by this scan is intended for educational and nutritional purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is not intended as conventional veterinary medical advice or to replace the advice or attention of your existing veterinarian. You may wish to consult with a holistic veterinarian before making changes to your pets’ diet, nutritional supplements, or exercise program. The statements on or about this scan have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. To find a holistic veterinarian in your area, visit http://www.ahvma.org.”

[anonymous]

“IDT is generally considered the gold standard of testing for identifying allergens that cause pets to suffer from chronic skin and/or ear diseases. IDT involves injections of a series of concentrated allergens into the skin to determine which of them generate allergic reactions in a given animal. The use of fluorescein — a chemical that illuminates the inflammation caused by the injected allergens in order to visualize the strength of individual reactions — is key to accurately diagnosing pet allergies, and is just one of the many ways veterinarians use new technologies to improve care and diagnostics.”

Dermatology – Common Issues

[anonymous]

Mail-in hair and saliva tests are not diagnostic tools (just read the fine print).
Please read the blog below, nothing is being sold at that site, no t-shirts, no supplements, no kits, no books….nothing.

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/

[anonymous]

Another good leash: http://www.ruffwear.com/Knot-a-Leash-Rope-Dog-Leash_3?sc=2&category=15
Especially if you have an escape artist, lol.

[anonymous]

Just wanted to add, I was presenting the worst case scenario and I could be wrong. I am just going by my experience regarding a dog with allergies.
First step is to get the dog diagnosed, find a vet. See what is recommended.
Best of luck

[anonymous]

Okay, start by using the search button here: /forums/search/allergies/
It sounds like environmental allergies (at the least), may very well be why the dog was given up.
I will be straight with you, the dog needs to go to a veterinary dermatologist and it will probably cost about $1000 for a diagnosis and to start treatment. Maybe a few hundred a year to keep him stable.
If you do not have pet insurance, or, cannot take on this kind of an endeavor, talk to the shelter. Otherwise, if you want to keep him, I would make an appointment with an Internal Medicine Specialist and go from there.
Regarding the food, you could try a limited ingredient grain free kibble, such as Nutrisca salmon and chickpea (check chewy dot com) see if that helps. Add a little water to the kibble.

[anonymous]

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=cruciate

You may find the comments informative too, The SkeptVet will often answer questions.
They are not selling anything at that site.

[anonymous]

I can’t help but wonder if the OP’s dog has a medical condition that she thinks can be treated by finding just the right diet. Wish it were that simple. Best of luck

Really, if you want to get precise guidance about these things, ask your dog’s vet for a referral to a veterinary nutritionist. Otherwise, you are just going to get a variety of opinions that may or may not be good for your dog.

[anonymous]

Below is an excerpt from: http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/calcium-oxalate-bladder-stones-in-dogs/5895

How can I prevent my dog from developing calcium oxalate bladder stones in the future?

Dogs that have developed calcium oxalate bladder stones in the past will often be fed a therapeutic diet for life. Diets that promote less-acidic and more dilute urine are recommended. Most dogs should be fed a canned or wet diet to encourage water consumption. Dilute urine with a low urine specific gravity (Urine Specific Gravity or USpG less than 1.020) is an important part of the prevention of calcium oxalate bladder stones. In certain cases, medications to lower the urinary pH such as potassium citrate may be required. If the dog is fed a home prepared diet, Vitamin B6 is often added as a supplement.  Dogs that repeatedly develop calcium oxalate bladder stones without high blood calcium levels may benefit from hydrochlorothiazide treatment.
Dogs diagnosed with calcium oxalate stones should avoid calcium supplements unless specifically advised by your veterinarian. They should not be fed high oxalate foods such as chocolate, nuts, rhubarb, beets, green beans, and spinach.
In addition, careful routine monitoring of the urine to detect any signs of bacterial infection is also recommended. Bladder x-rays and urinalysis will typically be performed one month after treatment and then every three to six months for the remainder of the dog’s life. Dogs displaying any clinical signs such as frequent urination, urinating in unusual places, painful urination or the presence of blood in the urine should be evaluated immediately. Unfortunately, calcium oxalate stones have a somewhat high rate of recurrence, despite careful attention to diet and lifestyle.
This client information sheet is based on material written by: Ernest Ward, DVM

[anonymous]

There are more than one prescription food that may work, I would ask the vet that is treating your dog. You may be able to add something to make it more appealing to him.
Or, he could refer you to a veterinary nutritionist.
Water and frequent bathroom breaks are important. Add water to meals, they drink up the water to get to the food.

From one of my prior posts:
Did you check the search engine here? /forums/search/bladder+stones/
Adding water, frequent bathroom breaks go a long way.
Listen to your veterinarian, or ask for a referral to a specialist. The dog needs to be stable for at least 6 months to 1 year before you even think about making diet changes.
Often there is a genetic component, bladder stones return (50% of the time)
This is not a do it yourself project. There is nothing wrong with prescription food.
PS: Most supplements are scams, but discuss with your veterinarian, there are prescription medications that may be more effective for prevention of bladder stones (stubborn cases).
Let the dog recover and see how the follow-up appointments go. Best of luck.

[anonymous]

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.

[anonymous]

I’d ask the Skept Vet, he’s a veterinarian, he does often answer questions. http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=kidney

I would call the Veterinary schools around you. Is your vet a specialist? I would start there.
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/whatsnew/article2.cfm?id=1402

http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/what-owners-need-to-know-about-pet-organ-transplants

[anonymous]

“She will go days without eating and that makes me more nervous than the sodium”.

She may be trying to tell you something? Ask her veterinarian what he recommends. Often, animals don’t eat because they don’t feel well, are nauseas and/or in pain.

[anonymous]

I boil a chicken about once a month for 4 hours, debone the chicken meat, discard a lot of it due to the tiny hidden bones, defat the broth, freeze in small containers, chicken meat too.

Yep, labor intensive, but cost effective, and I know exactly what’s in it. You could try the box chicken broth in the health food section of your supermarket, the no msg kind, probably good for a week in the fridg..

I wouldn’t feed human gravy from a jar to any living thing.

[anonymous]

Regarding veterinary prescription dog foods, example: https://www.proplanveterinarydiets.com/products/ha-hydrolyzed-dog/
Product Benefits
Hydrolyzed protein is when the protein is broken down into small components which are less likely to cause a negative response in food sensitive dogs
Low allergen carbohydrate source
Highly digestible for optimal nutrient absorption
Complete and balanced formula for adult dogs

[anonymous]

What does the veterinarian that examined her advise? What is her diagnosis? Her condition may have nothing to do with the food. If it is pruritus and an undefined skin condition, I would consider making an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist, since this has been going on for a year/4 seasons.
PS: Nutrisca salmon and chickpea is grain free/chicken free. It’s considered a limited ingredient food (check chewy dot com) however, if her allergies are environmental it won’t have much of an impact.

[anonymous]

@ Kristen L
Sounds like environmental allergies. I would make an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist. Check the search engine here: /forums/search/environmental+allergies/
Food can only do so much, come back if you have more questions.

[anonymous]

Check chewy dot com for prices and reviews.

PS: I always go back to Nutrisca, as my allergy dog does well on it (in conjunction with treatment from a dermatologist) but my terrier likes it, and even my senior (peke) that recently passed away at age 16 did well on it. They all had normal lab values during their routine checkups. I have been using this product about 5 years now. My terrier also gets Dogswell Vitality kibble mixed in with good results, same company as Nutrisca.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 4 months ago by anonymous.

[anonymous]

I have small breeds, but, my neighbor’s dog is doing very well on Zignature, I might avoid the trout, I have heard it is higher in sodium. How about the kangaroo?

My dogs do well on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea as a base, I add a bite of cooked chopped chicken or something, plus a splash of water.

[anonymous]

Another thought, if the dog is in good health (according to a veterinarian that has examined him recently). If he is a senior or has certain health issues, the following won’t apply.

He may not be getting enough exercise. I find that walking a dog for at last 1 hour a day can go a long way in calming them, less hyper, less barking.
Or, find an activity the dog is passionate about, a game of fetch, swimming, jogging with his owner….

[anonymous]

I doubt if anyone can answer a vague question like that.
However, I can tell you that sudden changes in behavior and/or appetite are often symptoms that something may be wrong with the dog.
So, depending on the severity of the symptoms and when the dog last had a thorough checkup, if it was my dog, I might be inclined to take it to the vet and provide a description of the behavior that is concerning.
Many factors to consider, such as the dog’s age, medical history, any recent changes in the household…….

[anonymous]

Why not supplement with cooked food? That’s what I find works. Anyway, good luck, and I hope someone else finds the links I provided helpful.

[anonymous]

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm208365.htm?s_cid=w_c_PetHealth_cont_001

https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/choosing-the-right-diet-for-your-pet/

/forums/search/bones+obstruction/

Hopes this helps

[anonymous]

It’s not about finding the right food. What you are feeding sounds fine, especially if the lab work came back good. I would cut the amount of kibble you are feeding in half (1/3rd cup twice a day with a topper) if your vet approves.
Maybe try a grain-free kibble such as Nutrisca. In my experience, small breeds don’t do well with raw.
Do you have health insurance for your dog? I ask because I think from the information you have provided that your dog might benefit from aquatic therapy (swimming). If your vet prescribes it for weight loss it may be covered.
One minute of swimming is equal to four minutes of running and it’s easy on the joints, plus he will get the benefits that exercise can provide, such as weight loss, improved mood, etc.

[anonymous]

http://www.embracepetinsurance.com/blog/harmful-side-animal-sourced-dog-chews (excerpt below) click on link for full article.
Cow hooves and pigs ears are what the name implies. 
Marrow bones are from the long bones of cows and pigs.
Rawhides are the skin of cows. 
Antlers come from either deer or elk. 
So what do you think bully sticks are?  Think about this one.  Give up?  They are bull penises! Hmm.
There are some dangers with all of these items. All of these have the potential and can cause intestinal obstructions, but equally important are the dangers that come from the way these are processed.  They are first soaked for hours in a caustic lye solution to digest the undesirables off the skin and then to remove the lye the skin is then soaked in bleach solution.  Sounds yummy. Many of the rawhides come from China where they have been known to use arsenic compounds to preserve them. 
There is no regulation of rawhides or pigs ears.  You really have no idea where these come from.
Marrow bones and antlers cause many broken teeth.  A good rule of thumb is if you don’t want me to hit you in the kneecap with it, your dog should not be chewing on it. I can not tell you how many expensive extractions are the result of dogs chewing bones.

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=bones

Also, you can use the search engine here to look up topics. I am sure that if you Google enough, you will find articles to support your opinions (whatever they may be).
I have found that I get the best results by listening to a veterinarian that has actually examined the pet in question.
I prefer science based veterinary medicine.

[anonymous]

Did you check the search engine here? /forums/search/bladder+stones/
See my posts, adding water, frequent bathroom breaks go a long way.

Listen to your veterinarian, or ask for a referral to a specialist. The dog needs to be stable for at least 6 months to 1 year before you even think about making diet changes.

Often there is a genetic component, bladder stones return (50% of the time)
This is not a do it yourself project. There is nothing wrong with prescription food.

PS: Most supplements are scams, but discuss with your veterinarian, there are prescription medications that may be more effective for prevention of bladder stones (stubborn cases).
Let the dog recover and see how the follow-up appointments go. Best of luck.

[anonymous]

From a previous post of mine per the search engine here:
Excerpts (out of context) from article below: https://www.vetsecure.com/veterinarymedicalclinic.com/articles/136
Overview:
Anal sacs are the reservoirs for the secretions of anal glands which are located on either side of a dog’s anus, at approximately four and eight o’clock. These sacs contain liquid secretions from the anal gland, which, in healthy animals, are normally pale yellow-brown to grayish in color. The contents are usually emptied during normal bowel movements, or when a dog is nervous or scared. In most animals, these sacs empty easily. However, some dogs, especially small breed dogs, are not able to empty the sacs properly and become susceptible to anal sac disease.
Transmission or Cause:
The cause of anal sac disease is unknown. Smaller dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas and poodles, are most often affected. Excessive anal gland production, soft feces or diarrhea, poor muscle tone, and obesity also contribute to higher risk of developing anal sac disease. Anal sac abscess tends to occur after an impacted anal gland has become so severely swollen and infected that the anal sac forms an abscess and ruptures.
Prevention:
Expression of the anal sacs every few weeks or months often will help prevent anal gland fluid from accumulating and becoming thickened again. High fiber diets have been shown to help prevent anal sac disease in at-risk dogs, especially those that are obese.

[anonymous]

Have you been to the vet? Their anal glands may be impacted. So, I would start there.
Then I would stop free feeding, feed them twice a day at the same times, separate dishes and put space between them. If they don’t eat the food within 10 minutes, pick up and store in the fridg, offer at the next mealtime. It’s okay if they skip a meal now and then.

Add a little water (1/4 cup) to their meals and always have fresh water available.
If you are away a lot you have no way of knowing which ones are eating and drinking.
They will look forward to meals if no food has been available for a few hours and enjoy it more, that is what I have observed in my experience.

Adding water to the new food you’ve chosen, and most important, a vet visit to get their anal glands expressed should solve the problem (imo).
How about adding a topper to the kibble, a little scrambled egg or something?
Also, an increase in activity may help, a few brisk walks a few times a day will help them with elimination.

If you decide to try a different food, my dogs do well on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea as a base.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 4 months ago by anonymous.

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