[anonymous]

@ D S
Regarding the anal gland issue, did you check the search engine here? Hope this helps
/forums/search/anal+glands/

PS: I am not here in a professional capacity, nor is anyone else, that I am aware of. Just voicing my opinion based on my experience and knowledge.

[anonymous]

“I had cleaned them with my great little $12 Amazon dental kit!”
Umm, that item is no comparison to a professional cleaning. Brushing the dog’s teeth once a day may help though, see YouTube for how to videos.

Tums? I would go to another vet and get a second opinion. Also, be very careful about taking advice from well meaning posters on the internet. A lot of false information out there. And, I would never give a pet over the counter meds or supplements unless recommended by a veterinarian that has examined the pet. You can make things worse.

Excerpt from:
https://www.reference.com/pets-animals/tums-safe-dogs-bf44a10fade507c#
“The active ingredient in TUMS and many other antacids is a chemical called calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is not only a medication, it also occurs widely in nature as one of the main substances that make up limestone.
Calcium carbonate treats an upset stomach because of the effects it has on stomach acid. Calcium carbonate is a basic substance. This means it has a high pH, which is the opposite of stomach acid, a substance with a very low pH. When a person or animal is given calcium carbonate it goes to work by neutralizing stomach acid. This happens due to a chemical reaction that takes place between calcium carbonate and hydrochloric acid, the main constituent of stomach acid. When this reaction happens, calcium carbonate and hydrochloric acid switch their chemical partners, forming calcium chloride and water. Calcium chloride is insoluble and passes through the digestive tract, while the water formed by the reaction results in a healthier pH level.
Unfortunately, dogs digest foods much more quickly than humans do, so the chemical reaction between calcium carbonate and stomach acid does not occur fast enough to treat the animal’s upset stomach. By the time calcium carbonate treats the symptom, the dog has typically already digested and passed whatever food was causing the problem in the first place, making this a harmless but relatively ineffective treatment for the animal’s ailment”.

PS: I would call your vet and leave a message for her to call you back, I would question the Tums and ask why she didn’t suggest Pepcid? Not that it is a miracle drug, but, it might be slightly more effective in reducing symptoms (based on my experience and what I have observed). Anyway, I would communicate with your vet and ask questions.

[anonymous]

@ evelyn c,
Have environmental allergies been ruled out? /forums/search/allergies/

[anonymous]

I forgot to mention. Always, have fresh water available (24/7)

[anonymous]

I feed twice a day, measured amounts with a splash of water added, for best results.
Not only is it better for health and weight management, but, you will be able to predict when they will have a bowel movement and need to urinate. In between scheduled feedings they should be walked , ideally for at least 20 minutes a couple of times a day. Offered bathroom breaks at least every 4 hours to prevent the development of bladder stones.

No, you can’t train a dog to eat only when it is hungry, some dogs will eat until they vomit.
Just my opinion, based on experience and knowledge.
PS: Consider getting a dome bowl designed to slow down her eating at mealtimes.
Consult a veterinarian that has examined your dog, if you have specific concerns, or your dog has been diagnosed with a medical condition or is a senior. A veterinarian that knows your dog’s history will be the best person to advise you.
I stick with one or two kibbles that agree with the dog, as a base, I do use a variety of toppers though.

[anonymous]

Yes, some dogs will have more frequent bowel movements on grain free, my dog with environmental allergies does best on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea grain free, but, I have noticed the extra bms, in her case, I don’t consider it an issue.
For my terrier, I mix 1/3rd or 1/2 Dogswell chicken and oatmeal kibble (contains grains) with the Nutrisca kibble (grain free) with good results. Grains are not always a bad thing.
https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/choosing-the-right-diet-for-your-pet/
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/
I have found the above sites helpful.

[anonymous]

Excerpt from the link provided in the above post:

“New! Patented Nifti SafeLatch™ magnetic dog leash is an innovative, fun, robust, high quality, safe dog leash that automatically connects to your pet. Simply press down the easy to use thumb shape level and place the open latch close to the metal D-ring on your dog’s collar or harness. As the latch gets close, the metal D-ring is automatically lifted and attaches to the magnet inside the latch”. 

[anonymous]

From what you describe, it sounds environmental. 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.

[anonymous]

Take her to the vet. If the symptoms go on for 4seasons/1year without significant response to treatment from the veterinarian, see a veterinary dermatologist.
In fact, if it was my dog I would go directly to the dermatologist for testing and diagnosis.
Did you check the search engine here? This subject comes up at least once or twice a week.
BTW: I would not bother with hair and saliva tests, they are not diagnostic tools.
For science based veterinary medicine go here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/

Hope this helps:
By Klaus Loft, DVM
Angell Dermatology Service
Anyone who suffers debilitating environmental allergies tied to changing seasons, pet dander or household dust mites knows first-hand the misery of a scratchy throat, itchy eyes or painful rashes.
Not everyone knows, however, that our pets can experience similar allergic reactions — and other very bothersome dermatological issues. But our pets need not suffer in silence. Modern veterinary science has evolved such that advanced, comprehensive treatments are now available to treat a range of skin conditions.
Top pet dermatological issues
Our four-legged friends suffer from some of the same skin issues as we do — and several that we do not. The most common conditions we see at Angell include:
•Parasites, such as mites, fleas and mange (scabies)
•Infectious diseases, such as Staphylococcal pyoderma (“Staph”) skin infections, yeast and fungal infections and skin fold infections
•Systemic diseases, such as autoimmune diseases
•Skin cancer, such as Squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous lymphoma, Mast cell tumors
•Allergies, such as flea allergy dermatitis, adverse food reactions, environmental allergies, etc.
All of these conditions can become serious and, if untreated, dramatically reduce quality of life. But the tremendous strides made in veterinary innovation, however, is very good news for our pets. Specifically, the testing and treatments for allergies now rivals human healthcare in its sophistication, quality of care and long-term health outcomes.
Unlike humans, dogs and cats cannot tell us about their dermatological health issues. So we as pet owners must look for the signs. The most common indicators that a pet is suffering from some kind of allergy involve frequent episodes of ear infections, red raised or open sores on the skin, constant licking or biting of paws or groin — sometimes causing wounds that will not go away.
Allergies present a particular challenge because there can be hundreds (even thousands) of potential allergens that impact pet health, from foods to pollen from grasses, weeds, trees, dust mites and more. Today’s specialty veterinary hospitals have access to the very latest diagnostic tests to get to the bottom of what’s ailing our pet. Among these tests is the Intra Dermal Test (IDT).
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.
The results of IDT (as well as a review of the pet’s medical history) can then inform comprehensive immunotherapy treatments to relieve suffering. Veterinary dermatologists rely on IDT to build customized treatment plans for patients called Allergen Specific Immuno Therapy or “ASIT” for short.
ASIT involves a series of injections specifically created for the allergic animal’s skin. These injections, of diluted allergens, are designed to make a pet less sensitive to their allergens over time. In most cases these injections must be continued for life to reduce symptoms, but they are highly effective. Seventy to 90 percent of pets experience a reduction in symptoms as a result of ASIT treatment. These treatments can be delivered even more easily via droplets under the tongue, perfect for pet owners who are squeamish about giving injections to their pet.
This treatment is very new to the North American field of medicine (both human and veterinary) and underscores just how far innovation in veterinary medicine has come.
When it’s time to see the vet
Many pet owners are understandably concerned about taking their animals to the veterinarian because the cost (to say nothing of the fear some animals experience when going do the doctor) may outweigh any perceived reduction in suffering. To help pet owners know when it’s time to bring Fido to the doctor I’ve compiled my “Top Ten” list of dermatological symptoms that should never be ignored:
•Intense itching of the skin (head shaking, running the face into the carpet, furniture, etc.)
•Biting at the skin that creates red, raw crusting areas of the skin
•Multiple ear infections (head shaking, odor from ears, scratching at the ears with hind legs)
•Paw licking or chewing and frequent infections of the skin in the webbed skin of the paws
•Staining of the fur of the paws and nails on multiple feet
•Reoccurring skin infections in the groin, under the shoulders, perianal areas (on or under the tail)
•Greasy scaling skin and/or fur with odorous skin
•Hair loss, or thinning of the fur
•Dark pigmentation of the skin that is chronically infected
•Sudden depigmentation of skin
Allergies and other dermatological issues can be as frustrating for pet owners and their veterinarians as they can be for pets. I encourage any pet owner whose animal is experiencing any of these symptoms to consult with their veterinarian.

Dermatology – Common Issues

[anonymous]

“He hasn’t had any problems with the food, but I’ve heard a lot of people questioning Hills”.

Are these people veterinarians? Have they examined your dog? Do they know his history?
Why not just add a little something (protein source) to his kibble and see how it goes. Half kibble, half homemade? If he is doing well on the current kibble, I would continue to use it as a base.

[anonymous]

Can you walk her more? Increase her activity. If you can afford it or have pet insurance, if your vet recommends aqua therapy (swimming). It would really help her burn calories and get in shape, 20 minutes 2 or 3 times a week. One minute of swimming is equal to four minutes of running. There is a veterinary clinic near me that has a heated pool and offers this. I have heard that sometimes pet insurance will pay if it is prescribed as treatment.
What else does the vet recommend? Is her lab work okay? Thyroid? If her weight issues are due to a medical condition, there may be treatment options other than decreasing her intake.
Otherwise, 3 brisk 20 minutes walks around the block a day should help. Will she play fetch? See if you can find an activity she likes.

[anonymous]

I have a little one that is not overfed that seems to go a lot too (grain-free Nutrisca). Some dogs are just like this, you could try half grain and half grain-free. Stay within the same brand and mix. That might decrease the amount of bowel movements.
It could be the grain-free, chickpeas and such.
Hope this helps: https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/choosing-the-right-diet-for-your-pet/ Grains aren’t always a bad thing. Are you adding anything to the kibble? I add things, like a spoonful of cooked chopped chicken or srambled egg….

[anonymous]

Poor appetite is often a red flag, a sign that something may be medically wrong with the dog.
I would take him to the vet for a checkup and lab work, plus, whatever else your vet thinks is indicated. Once you diagnose what is wrong with him (or rule out), you can decide with the guidance of your vet what food would be best. Your dog is a senior, therefore vulnerable to all kinds of conditions that may be treatable. At the least, your vet should be able to advise you as how to keep him comfortable.
Do you want to eat when you don’t feel well? Didn’t think so.
PS: If your dog has had a full checkup within the last 6 months, just a call to the vet for advice may be helpful….
BTW those freeze dried liver treats and such may be high in fat and sodium, discuss with your vet.

[anonymous]

I would listen to your vet, or consult another one, or a specialist. Is there some reason that you think that anonymous strangers on the internet would be able to advise you better than a veterinarian who has examined your dog and knows his history? Doesn’t make sense to me.
Unless, you are just looking for folks to agree with your opinions and encourage you to do something that may have dire consequences for your dog.
Gastroenteritis….that just happens for no reason. NOT.

I am more inclined to follow science based veterinary medicine http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/
https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/choosing-the-right-diet-for-your-pet/

Best of luck.

[anonymous]

BTW: Cheese and dairy products are not a good idea for dogs…ask your vet, if you don’t believe me.

[anonymous]

How old is the puppy? Maybe he’s not ready for anything too rich or fatty.
Be careful about trying too many different things, could result in diarrhea. Stick with the kibble that agrees with him as a snack/treat.
PS: The puppy may instinctively know that the chicken isn’t a good idea for him right now.
Or, it just may not appeal to him?

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

[anonymous]

I have found prescription dog foods to be very helpful, in conjunction with other treatments recommended by a veterinarian. Sometimes the meds and food have to be tweaked a bit, that’s all.
Clear communication with your vet is the way to go (imo)
I have found this site helpful, if you are interested in science-based veterinary medicine, http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=nutrition

[anonymous]

Yes, and ask the vet if you can add a little (plain homemade) chicken broth to her prescription kibble. Those are some strong meds, I wouldn’t be surprised if they might be contributing to her lethargy……discuss with vet, maybe he will make changes.
Antibiotics sometimes don’t agree, sometimes the vet will switch to another antibiotic that has less side effects for your dog (if that’s the issue)

PS: One of my dogs couldn’t tolerate Clavulanate Potassium and had to be switched to something different.

[anonymous]

I am wondering if she is nauseous? Is she on medication? Did you call the vet and see what he thinks?
I have spoon fed sick dogs chicken/rice baby food, and even though it’s not considered a good food, they seem to like Mighty Dog, the smooth chicken type, it comes in small cans.
I am glad she is drinking water, yes, some dogs have a tougher recovery (after surgery) than others.
But, I would not hesitate to consult with her vet, especially if she goes 72 hours without solid food.
If all else fails, I have never seen a dog refuse a little boiled chicken, or, I know it’s bad, but, supermarket rotisserie chicken (just a bite)….. to jump start the appetite.
It also depends on whether the pancreatitis is acute or chronic? Have the vet clarify how careful you have to be with her diet. Sometimes, it is more important to just find something they will eat, as they recover.

[anonymous]

Maybe a more bland diet (boiled chicken and rice) and the prescription food would work the best for her right now, at least until you get this serious condition (bladder stones) stabilized. I would go by what the veterinarian that has examined the dog advises.

BTW: Antibiotics do tend to cause diarrhea (side effect for dogs and people). Talk to your vet, depending on the severity of the symptoms, he may choose to prescribe a different antibiotic.

[anonymous]

The next time the dog has a seizure, if you can, time it and write down what you observe so that you can describe to the vet. Even better, if you can record it on your smartphone or whatever and e-mail it to your vet…

[anonymous]

Yes, definitely, do that, but, have the vet call you back when he has a minute, rather than discuss at length with a vet tech.
There are medications that can stop the seizure activity and make her more comfortable.

I had a dog that was on a daily low dose of phenobarbital (seizures started at 9 months) he lived till old age. He was not sedated and did not have a change in personality. He was a happy dog.

PS: The general rule of thumb was, if they are having more than 1 seizure a month, they need meds. Discuss with the vet. Maybe this has changed, and there may be other medication options now (other than phenobarb).
Even on meds they can have break through seizures, but, they tend to be mild.

[anonymous]

Check the search engine here and return if you have any more questions.
/forums/search/Coprophagia/
I have had a dog or two over the years that was a feces eater (coprophagia)
The only thing I found that worked, was to follow them around with a pooper scooper when you think they are due for a bowel movement, scoop and discard immediately, out of sight out of mind. After awhile they stop turning around to look for it. In my experience, it doesn’t matter what you feed them. Sometimes puppies will out grow this nasty habit as they mature. It is what it is. You cannot let these dogs alone with their feces.
Has the vet ruled out medical issues?
http://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/behavior-training/behavior-problems/coprophagia-in-dogs
PS: Do not free feed. Feed at the same time, twice a day and you will be able to predict when the dog will have a bowel movement.

Or, feed once a day when you are able to take her out every 2 hours (after eating) for at least 3 times to offer bathroom breaks. A long walk/exercise will speed up the process of elimination. It works.
Always have fresh water available.

[anonymous]

“Some non-veterinary formulated supplements may not be appropriate for your dog, they can even be harmful – please contact your veterinarian whenever using such supplements to make sure they are appropriate for your dog”.

I would put a call into the veterinary clinic that knows your dog and ask for a veterinary brand of fish oil recommendation. Be sure to confirm her dosage according to weight.
PS: Also discuss with your vet as to why you want to add fish oil, and any health concerns.
Maybe fish oil isn’t necessary for your dog?

[anonymous]

“We were feeding our dogs Rachel Ray which his breath smelled then, but now it smells like death.”

Sounds like infection/periodontal disease needs to be ruled out first.
What you described is what tooth decay smells like. Sometimes a tooth in the back can go rotten quickly (especially with a senior), even when all the other teeth look fine. The vet may be able to diagnose with one quick sniff.

[anonymous]

What you describe sounds like seizure activity, pre-ictal, ictal and post-ictal. At age 14 your dog is elderly (even for a small breed). It may be idiopathic, or age related.
I doubt if your vet would recommend extensive testing and x-rays at her age to rule out brain tumor. As the treatment options may be limited anyway. I would focus on care and comfort. I agree that feeding 3 or 4 small meals a day works better for a senior than 1 or 2. I would add a little water to her meals. Walks/exercise as tolerated. I would discuss medication options with your vet that may decrease seizures. I would avoid vaccines for this dog due to the diagnosis of a neurological disorder. Discuss these things with your vet, don’t be afraid to ask him to call you when he has a minute, make a list of your questions and have it ready. She may do better on a bland diet, however, her neurological issues may not be diet related.

[anonymous]

He’s old, old dogs smell. Dogs can have halitosis, too, just like people, lol.
There are minty breath freshener additives you can add to his water and such. I don’t think it matters what you feed him, he sounds like he is doing very well, I wouldn’t make any changes other than what your vet recommends. You might want to check with your vet, again. Tooth decay and dental issues can occur suddenly with seniors.

[anonymous]

@OP, I hope your veterinarian continues to be helpful and answers your questions.

(excerpt below from http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_multi_giardiasis?page=2) Parasitic Diarrhea (Giardiasis) in Dogs

Treatment

 Treatment is typically done on an outpatient basis unless the dog has become sick and weak. Prescription drugs along with bathing are combined to reduce the likelihood of repeat infection and to remove the parasite from the dog’s body. Repeat fecal exams are often required to confirm that the infection has been removed, as an ongoing (chronic) infection can be debilitating for the animal.
 
Living and Management
 
It is important to observe for signs of dehydration, especially in younger animals. Administering the prescribed medication and taking the animal back in for examination are also important in a successful recovery.
 
Prevention
 
Since one of the highest incidences of the infection spreading is in a kennel, seek places that offer private spaces for pets in order to avoid contamination from the other animals.
 

[anonymous]

“When we met with a dog trainer they told us that we should not be feeding Science Diet and the only reason the vet recommended is because they get a significant kick back…”

I don’t think that is true.

[anonymous]

It is up to you who you choose to believe. Is your “dog trainer” a veterinary healthcare professional? Hope this helps: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

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

[anonymous]

“Also, do you think that adding Vitamin C will help with getting rid of her Giardia?”
It would be best to consult your vet before adding any supplements, you have already indicated that your dog needs pediatric dosages of medication due to her size.

Risks Associated with Vitamin C
Even promoters of vitamin C recognize the risk associated with too much vitamin C. Excess vitamin C is excreted through the kidneys, but too much can cause flatulence and diarrhea. This level varies with a dog’s age, size and breed.
Critics contend that feeding a healthy dog vitamin C is equivalent to feeding thyroid medication to a dog with a healthy thyroid and predict problems with the kidney and liver associated with vitamin C overdose.
The National Resource Council ran 24 tests on vitamin C in dogs in the 1980s, and all concluded that vitamin C should not be used to supplement a dog’s diet. One of the studies linked supplemental vitamin C with skeletal disease in Labrador retriever puppies. However, the the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), designated the governing body for the pet food industry, labeled these tests invalid in 1994 on the basis that they are too old. (excerpt from https://www.vetinfo.com/vitamin-c-dogs.html)

[anonymous]

Some recent research on cranberry:
“Evidence Update- Cranberry Extracts and Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs”
April 12, 2016
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=cranberry

[anonymous]

I think listening to a veterinarian that has examined and diagnosed your dog and knows the dog’s history would be wise. Bladder stones often have a genetic component.
Your dog has a serious condition that requires the expertise of a veterinary professional.
Prescription dog foods are specially formulated as part of the treatment for specific medical conditions. It’s not just about the ingredients, it’s about trying to prevent your dog from having continued problems.
Also, you may want to discuss with your veterinarian, about the possibility of medications that might help. I’m not talking about food supplements/scams.
Did you try the search engine here to look up “bladder stones”.

[anonymous]

Ask the vet if an x-ray is indicated to rule out bladder stones, they can have more than one type at the same time.
Supplements are not intended to cure, treat, or prevent any medical condition. In fact, they can sometimes cause harm.

[anonymous]

“I’m unable to go pick up the medication as of yet because we live so far from our vet and my work schedule doesn’t work out”.

I would find a way to get the medication as prescribed by the veterinarian that examined the dog (asap) and continue treatment as recommended. Puppies can go downhill fast when they get sick. Sometimes the veterinarian can call a prescription in to the local pharmacy that you use…..I would make the phone call to the vet’s office to find out.
Has your other dog been tested? It is contagious. Prescription medication is the only effective way to get rid of it as far as I know, and stubborn cases may take a while. Ask your vet some more questions. Good luck.

[anonymous]

Petco currently sells these remedies in stores and online, through Petco.com and its subsidiary Foster and Smith. These products clearly intend to falsely imply they can treat medical conditions in pets. With names like “Digestive Upsets,” “Anxiety Relief,” “Skin and Itch,” “Worm Clear,” “UTI+,” and so on, these products suggest they can treat real medical conditions when the evidence is clear and robust that they cannot. This misleads and deceives consumers and endangers pets whose owners waste time and resources on these products instead of seeking real medical treatment.
So how can you help? Well first, SIGN THE PETITION!

the above is an excerpt from:http://skeptvet.com/Blog/

[anonymous]

“He is having trouble trying to stand, I want to wean him at 3 wks”
I wouldn’t expect a 3 week old puppy to be able to stand or eat on it’s own. I hope this was a typo.
Have you consulted a veterinarian?

[anonymous]

A puppy should stay with it’s mother and sibs till 8-12 weeks. Consult a veterinarian, if you don’t believe me, or the pup is motherless. Best of luck.
Survival at that age (without a mother) if possible, would require the expertise of a veterinarian.

[anonymous]

I reread the OP’s post. I see no mention of a diagnosis or what a veterinarian that has examined the dog has advised? That might be a good place to start (imo).

[anonymous]

Hi, Amy W
I see that we are on the same page. Unfortunately, many folks can’t or don’t want to hear us.
They think there is some magical food or supplement that will solve this serious issue. Not even clear if the dog has been diagnosed by a veterinarian?
I am very pleased with the treatment my dog received from a veterinary dermatologist, of course the initial testing is expensive, the maintenance, not so bad. And, if the dog responds to treatment, it’s wonderful!

[anonymous]

Yes, I have used the chicken kibble, without any problems, but, I tend to get the Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea, because my 9 pound poodle mix with a sensitive stomach does the best on it.
So, I get the big bag (cost effective) and my other dog likes it too.
I also use Vitality Chicken and Oats (Dogswell) for my terrier, I mix it with the Nutrisca as a base.

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

[anonymous]

I like Petrodex, I get the 6.2 oz chicken flavor (most economical) at Chewy dot com, for little ones I use a child size medium toothbrush and focus on the back and sides (insides too) that is where the tartar builds up. It seems like a lot of work, but, for 1 dog it’s about 5-10 minutes a day at the most. Worth it, imo. If you start now (gently) the dog gets used to it and it’s not a big deal, my dogs look forward to it, they think it is a treat (chicken flavor).

[anonymous]

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 🙂

[anonymous]

How old is the puppy and what does he weigh now? Have you had a look at his parents? What do they weigh? That would be a good indicator. It depends, but for small breeds they are about halfway to their adult weight at around 5 months (based on my experience).

PS: I had a yorkie that lived to be 16, he weighed between 7 and 9 pounds, he was tiny when I got him and the breeder thought he wouldn’t exceed 5 pounds.

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

[anonymous]

Start brushing his teeth every evening (once a day) small breeds are notorious for having lousy teeth and you may be able to get away with only one or two cleanings per lifetime, see YouTube for how to videos.
Chewing bones are controversial, you could get him a small bone marrow bone (raw) from the market and let him work on it for 20 minutes here and there. Supervised, don’t leave him unattended with it. Raw carrots work too. Be aware that bones can result in GI blockage (even finely ground bone) and broken teeth, anything raw is potentially loaded with bacteria.
For science-based veterinary medicine go here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/
Find a vet that you like and trust, listen to whatever advice the breeder has to offer (assuming that her dogs look healthy).
PS: My small breed dogs do well on Nutrisca kibble as a base with a variety of toppers and a splash of water added. See Chewy dot com for reviews.

[anonymous]

What do you mean by allergy shots?
My dog receives allergen-specific immunotherapy with good results. She never had any blood test for food sensitivities/allergies as her dermatologist did not think it was indicated.

Hope this helps:
By Klaus Loft, DVM
Angell Dermatology Service
Anyone who suffers debilitating environmental allergies tied to changing seasons, pet dander or household dust mites knows first-hand the misery of a scratchy throat, itchy eyes or painful rashes.
Not everyone knows, however, that our pets can experience similar allergic reactions — and other very bothersome dermatological issues. But our pets need not suffer in silence. Modern veterinary science has evolved such that advanced, comprehensive treatments are now available to treat a range of skin conditions.
Top pet dermatological issues
Our four-legged friends suffer from some of the same skin issues as we do — and several that we do not. The most common conditions we see at Angell include:
•Parasites, such as mites, fleas and mange (scabies)
•Infectious diseases, such as Staphylococcal pyoderma (“Staph”) skin infections, yeast and fungal infections and skin fold infections
•Systemic diseases, such as autoimmune diseases
•Skin cancer, such as Squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous lymphoma, Mast cell tumors
•Allergies, such as flea allergy dermatitis, adverse food reactions, environmental allergies, etc.
All of these conditions can become serious and, if untreated, dramatically reduce quality of life. But the tremendous strides made in veterinary innovation, however, is very good news for our pets. Specifically, the testing and treatments for allergies now rivals human healthcare in its sophistication, quality of care and long-term health outcomes.
Unlike humans, dogs and cats cannot tell us about their dermatological health issues. So we as pet owners must look for the signs. The most common indicators that a pet is suffering from some kind of allergy involve frequent episodes of ear infections, red raised or open sores on the skin, constant licking or biting of paws or groin — sometimes causing wounds that will not go away.
Allergies present a particular challenge because there can be hundreds (even thousands) of potential allergens that impact pet health, from foods to pollen from grasses, weeds, trees, dust mites and more. Today’s specialty veterinary hospitals have access to the very latest diagnostic tests to get to the bottom of what’s ailing our pet. Among these tests is the Intra Dermal Test (IDT).
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.
The results of IDT (as well as a review of the pet’s medical history) can then inform comprehensive immunotherapy treatments to relieve suffering. Veterinary dermatologists rely on IDT to build customized treatment plans for patients called Allergen Specific Immuno Therapy or “ASIT” for short.
ASIT involves a series of injections specifically created for the allergic animal’s skin. These injections, of diluted allergens, are designed to make a pet less sensitive to their allergens over time. In most cases these injections must be continued for life to reduce symptoms, but they are highly effective. Seventy to 90 percent of pets experience a reduction in symptoms as a result of ASIT treatment. These treatments can be delivered even more easily via droplets under the tongue, perfect for pet owners who are squeamish about giving injections to their pet.
This treatment is very new to the North American field of medicine (both human and veterinary) and underscores just how far innovation in veterinary medicine has come.
When it’s time to see the vet
Many pet owners are understandably concerned about taking their animals to the veterinarian because the cost (to say nothing of the fear some animals experience when going do the doctor) may outweigh any perceived reduction in suffering. To help pet owners know when it’s time to bring Fido to the doctor I’ve compiled my “Top Ten” list of dermatological symptoms that should never be ignored:
•Intense itching of the skin (head shaking, running the face into the carpet, furniture, etc.)
•Biting at the skin that creates red, raw crusting areas of the skin
•Multiple ear infections (head shaking, odor from ears, scratching at the ears with hind legs)
•Paw licking or chewing and frequent infections of the skin in the webbed skin of the paws
•Staining of the fur of the paws and nails on multiple feet
•Reoccurring skin infections in the groin, under the shoulders, perianal areas (on or under the tail)
•Greasy scaling skin and/or fur with odorous skin
•Hair loss, or thinning of the fur
•Dark pigmentation of the skin that is chronically infected
•Sudden depigmentation of skin
Allergies and other dermatological issues can be as frustrating for pet owners and their veterinarians as they can be for pets. I encourage any pet owner whose animal is experiencing any of these symptoms to consult with their veterinarian.

Dermatology – Common Issues

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

[anonymous]

Hmm, I would ask for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist, what you describe are classic symptoms of environmental allergies. Has nothing to do with the food, especially if the symptoms have been going on for 4 months/1 year without a significant response to diet changes and treatment from the regular veterinarian.

[anonymous]

What allergy test are you referring to? What are the symptoms the dog is experiencing?

Check the search engine here for “allergies”

[anonymous]

No, I wouldn’t mess with this. Consult your vet regarding possible alternative diets, or ask for a referral to a specialist.

[anonymous]

If the dog has had a bout of diarrhea, it may take a day or two before he starts having regular bowel movements again. His body has to regroup and make up for the fluid loss.
I would skip the Pepto, consult your vet if you still have concerns.

[Author]

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