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anonymous

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  • anonymous
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    Hope this helps http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2013/06/there-is-no-natural-or-holistic-heartworm-prevention-or-treatment-proven-to-be-safe-and-effective/ excerpt below, click on link for full article and comments

    The AHS is also very clear about alternative therapies for this disease: ā€œNo ā€œnaturalā€ or herbal therapies have been shown to be safe and effective prevention or treatment for heartworm disease.ā€ And fortunately, many proponents of alternative therapies also recognize that no CAM therapies have been shown safe and effective for preventing or treating this disease. The most popular veterinary herbal medicine textbook states, ā€œThe authors do not recommend substituting an unproven herbal formula for effective conventional therapy.ā€ Even as radical a proponent of alternative therapies as Dr. Karen Becker at mercola.com grudgingly agrees that,ā€œtreatment for heartworm infection is one area where conventional veterinary medicine offers valuable options [and] is preferable to leaving the dog untreated, or using unproven, alternative methods that may have no effect or even be harmful.ā€
    Unfortunately, there are still plenty of unscrupulous companies, and sadly even veterinarians, willing to exaggerate the risks of conventional prevention and treatment and claim that unproven alternatives are safe and effective. Below is a long list of sites promoting unproven methods of preventing or treating heartworm disease. None of these have been demonstrated to be legitimate or reliable, and trusting your dog’s life to any of them is a dangerous mistake.

    anonymous
    Member

    Sounds like a scam!
    Obviously…
    Good luck

    PS: Your information about mosquitoes/transmission is incorrect.
    PLEASE discuss with a veterinary healthcare professional (not the internet) before proceeding.

    anonymous
    Member

    The ingredients are not evenly distributed within the pill/chew therefore you could cause a reaction rather than prevent one.
    If a nurse administered a medication in the manner you suggest, she would be written up for a medication error.

    ā€œWhen splitting oral heartworm medication (especially soft chews), it is possible that you will not divide it evenly thereby resulting in one dog getting a smaller or larger dose. Additionally, oral heartworm medications have the active ingredients blended throughout and while theoretically the active ingredients are evenly distributed, there is no guarantee that there will be an equal concentration of the medication in each part. So, even if you’re able to split the chew exactly, one half could still have a higher or lower concentration of the active ingredientsā€

    anonymous
    Member

    Well the thing that makes the most sense is for the OP to check with her vet.
    I hope that the OP returns to confirm what I have advised is true.

    ā€ Dosage and Administration: Bravecto should be administered orally as a single dose every 12 weeks according to the Dosage Schedule below to provide a minimum dose of 11.4 mg/lb (25 mg/kg) body weight. Bravecto may be administered every 8 weeks in case of potential exposure to Amblyomma americanum ticks (see Effectiveness). Bravecto should be administered with foodā€.

    It’s clear to me and to all other healthcare professionals what this means
    ā€ Bravecto should be administered orally as a single doseā€

    anonymous
    Member

    https://www.petmd.com/dog/parasites/evr_dg_how_dog_heartworm_treatment_preventive_medications_work

    excerpts below (out of context)

    The heartworm life cycle is complex. The dog is infected by early stage larvae that are transmitted by a mosquito carrying infected blood. This larvae goes through multiple stages of development within body tissue before migrating to the heart and lungs as an adult heartworm.

    These adults produce microfilariae, the earliest life stage that circulates within the dog’s blood. Prevention kills only early stage larvae and microfilariae. This is why it is important to give your dog heartworm prevention every month. It kills the larvae before they develop into a stage that is immune to the medication in heartworm prevention.

    Most heartworm medications require monthly administration, while others work longer (up to six months with an injectible product called moxidectin or ProheartĀ®). There are many choices of heartworm prevention available, from topical products to chewable oral medications; many come in both dog and cat versions.

    Monthly heartworm preventative medications do not stay in your dog’s bloodstream for 30 days. The active ingredients work to kill any larvae that have been in the system for the past 30 days, clearing the body each month. The medication is only needed once a month because it takes longer than a month for the larvae to develop to a stage where they reach the body tissues.

    Heartworm medications available today work to kill off the larval heartworms that made it into the dog’s body during the past month. The heartworms in dogs will die at certain stages of development, before they can become adult heartworms. However, heartworm preventives will not kill adult heartworms that are already present.

    anonymous
    Member

    https://us.bravecto.com/pdfs/Bravecto-Chew-PI_9.11.pdf (excerpt below)

    Dosage and Administration: Bravecto should be administered orally as a single dose every 12 weeks according to the Dosage Schedule below to provide a minimum dose of 11.4 mg/lb (25 mg/kg) body weight. Bravecto may be administered every 8 weeks in case of potential exposure to Amblyomma americanum ticks (see Effectiveness). Bravecto should be administered with food.

    anonymous
    Member

    Also, heartworm disease is difficult to treat, expensive and is very rough on the dog (diarrhea, lethargy).

    There are no guarantees the treatment will be successful. Therefore prevention via heartworm pills makes sense.

    anonymous
    Member

    Quote ā€œSo if you’re worried give half the chew one day then the rest the next day so they aren’t getting such a huge dose immediatelyā€ .

    The full dose needs to be given at the same time for the drug to be effective. The combined ingredients work together and the drug is out of the dog’s system within 24 hours. They kill the mosquito larvae that may have developed the month prior, not the month ahead.

    http://news.petmeds.com/news/pet-meds/why-you-should-not-split-heartworm-medication-between-dogs/

    ā€œWhen splitting oral heartworm medication (especially soft chews), it is possible that you will not divide it evenly thereby resulting in one dog getting a smaller or larger dose. Additionally, oral heartworm medications have the active ingredients blended throughout and while theoretically the active ingredients are evenly distributed, there is no guarantee that there will be an equal concentration of the medication in each part. So, even if you’re able to split the chew exactly, one half could still have a higher or lower concentration of the active ingredientsā€

    in reply to: Purina dog food #139154 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    anonymous
    Member

    Why are you becoming hysterical?

    Everyone has the right to their own opinions but not their own facts.

    I have said over and over again, the recommendations you refer to are vague and have no meaning to me.

    Lighten up! There is no perfect dog food that will prevent bad things from happening, now, that is a fact.

    If you are happy with Purina that’s great, I prefer another brand of dog food. It’s all good šŸ™‚

    in reply to: Purina dog food #139150 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    anonymous
    Member

    Nothing wrong with any dog food that meets AAFCO requirements, that includes Purina.

    It depends on what agrees with your dog and of course the latest recommendations by the FDA to avoid grain free, boutique foods and exotic ingredients.
    Consult your vet when you go in for annuals, if the labs are good, the weight is good, the stools are good, energy level is good, eyes are bright, skin and hair looks good….then your dog is on the right food for him!

    WSAVA’s recommendations are not clear to me, they take donations and membership fees, then why don’t they call the dog food companies themselves and tell us what SPECIFIC BRANDS that they recommend based on their research?
    No, they won’t, they know better.

    Otherwise everyone is interpreting the guidelines we keep hearing about differently.
    They are talking to service reps when they call dog food companies and receiving different responses.

    in reply to: The Right Stuff #139133 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    anonymous
    Member

    I meant to say dangerous not ridiculous.

    https://www.certapet.com/rabies-vaccine/ excerpt below

    It’s the Law!
    The majority of vaccinations are not mandatory by law. The rabies vaccine, however, is necessary to keep a pet in the home.
    Shelters do not send animals home without a rabies shot, nor do animal rescue organizations. Animals purchased from a breeder may be taken home before they reach the proper age for rabies vaccination, however, leaving this responsibility to the new owners.
    Law enforcement has little to do with unvaccinated pets unless there is an incident. If a pet bites another animal, the victim’s owner may require a check to be made. At this point, many negative actions may be taken.
    An unvaccinated dog may be quarantined and charges may be filed against the owner. Visits to state parks, boarding facilities, and daycares all require proof of the rabies vaccine prior to entry. Regular vaccination helps to protect pets and owners from negative consequences.

    in reply to: The Right Stuff #139132 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    anonymous
    Member

    Do you even see how ridiculous this advice is? All your dog has to do is bite someone and your dog will be quarantined and likely be put down. Is that worth the risk. Especially if you have an aggressive breed.
    There is no cure for rabies. Everyone affected (bitten) will have to endure a series of painful rabies shots unless you can provide proof of rabies vaccine.

    Animal Control will not tolerate unlicensed, unvaccinated dogs unless you can provide a medical waiver for the rabies vaccine signed by your vet, this is very difficult to obtain but possible if your dog is very sick (cancer), an immune disorder or a neurological disorder (seizures.

    Be careful when listening to propaganda from the homeopathic crowd.
    Hope these articles help http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=rabies

    PS: Most towns and cities have leash laws in place for pets and you can be fined for noncompliance.

    in reply to: Fromm dog food #139119 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    anonymous
    Member

    If you decide to go back to Fromm, know that Amazon is not an authorized seller.
    https://frommfamily.com/retailers/where-to-buy/

    ā€œPlease note: Amazon, Jet.com, PetCo.com, and eBay are not authorized retailers.
    Fromm does not warranty product sold through unauthorized resellers as it could be tampered with, expired, stored improperly, transferred improperly, or counterfeitā€.

    anonymous
    Member

    No, I have not tried it as I am a vegetarian and avoid red meat for my dogs too.

    They are doing fine on the Salmon La Veg as a base for now. I do add a little boiled chicken or scrambled egg…

    My terrier was fine on the Adult Classic, however my allergy dog does best on a fish based food and it’s easier and cost effective to go with one formula.

    anonymous
    Member

    ā€œMy name is Carolyn Kinsler and Kelsey is my dog. I created this website as a place for dog owners to find accurate and unbiased information about Nutritionally Mediated Dilated Cardiomyopathy. I am ONLY including scientifically based information on this site. At the end of each page, I will provide links to the websites and publications I used to write the page. That being said, I am not a veterinarian, a nutritionist or an expert on commercial dog foods, but I am a skilled researcher and a devoted dog person who believes that we need to be full partners with our vets in our dog’s health careā€.

    Did you read the disclaimer?

    The information is the same old, same old. ā€œCherry pickingā€ information to support an opinion or to prove a point.

    None of it compares with one veterinarian that has examined your pet and knows it’s history *sigh*

    • This reply was modified 6 years, 2 months ago by anonymous.
    in reply to: Dog eating cat food #138809 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    anonymous
    Member

    Please take that cat food to your nearest animal control and donate. It may be a tax deductible donation.

    Cat food is greasy, slimy and high in fat.

    So, I would not feed this to a dog, especially a small breed that may be vulnerable to pancreatitis.

    Or, you could feed it little by little to your cats mixed in with their regular food.

    anonymous
    Member

    Yes. Please continue to work closely with your vet for the best possible results.

    • This reply was modified 6 years, 2 months ago by anonymous.
    anonymous
    Member
    anonymous
    Member

    If it turns out he is not lost, but feral/unadoptable, you can google ā€œcat sanctuariesā€ in your area, assuming that you can’t offer him a home.

    Often if you make a decent donation you will be able to get him in somewhere. It would be a lot safer than living outdoors.

    anonymous
    Member

    ā€œTold the vet she adding some cheerios to his breakfast. I did and the problem was fixedā€.

    I would ask the vet why the Cheerios? What does this add to his diet other than sugar, oats and fiber?
    Surely their is a bland kibble that would work, maybe your vet has some ideas.
    Also, you may want to rethink the grain-free.

    anonymous
    Member

    You may want to go around and ask your neighbors, sometimes they have a wanderer and don’t know it.

    I noticed what I thought was a stray in my yard from time to time, no collar.

    Turns out he lives down the street, owner didn’t realize he was going that far from the house.

    I found out when I walked by one day and saw him lounging on their porch.

    anonymous
    Member

    Why don’t you ask animal control if you can borrow a havahart trap, put the food in there and catch him.

    They can scan him for a microchip, then you can figure out what you are dealing with and how to help him.

    Animal control would know if anyone is missing a cat. If he is not feral, they will hold him for 10 days, and they will decide if he is adoptable and have him see the vet.

    anonymous
    Member

    Silly, silly people.

    Anonymous strangers on the internet know more than a veterinarian that has actually examined your dogs and knows their history.

    Good luck with that theory!

    anonymous
    Member

    Again, Dr Google is NOT a reliable source of information.

    Please consult your veterinarian.

    Again, FDA has not advised to avoid any specific brands of dog food.

    Again, WSAVA has not advised to avoid any specific brands of dog food.

    anonymous
    Member

    @ crazy4cats

    I have no clue what you are talking about.

    Zignature is a good food, sorry but it is true. Just because they fell down the rabbit hole (grain free, exotic ingredients) like a lot of other brands did including the brands that you recommend, doesn’t make them bad.

    Everything isn’t black or white. There is a big grey area.

    anonymous
    Member

    ā€œShe can buy food from whoever she wantsā€.

    So can I. And I can recommend whoever I like! šŸ™‚

    Chewy is no longer on my go to list.

    anonymous
    Member

    Chewy is now owned by Petco or PetSmart. I avoid them all whenever possible.
    Again, please consult your veterinarian.

    anonymous
    Member

    Regarding the article: ā€œAs of today, over 50% of the reported cases are linked to the following brands: Acana, Zignature, 4Health, Kirkland Nature’s Domain, and Taste of the Wild. There are many other brands that have a smaller number of affected pets reportedā€.

    Oh, okay so 50% of the cases have NO connection to the above brands. Again, no solid information or facts.

    PS: Whole Dog Journal is a homeopathic site. Homeopathic sites often have an agenda.

    Please speak to your vet.

    • This reply was modified 6 years, 2 months ago by anonymous.
    anonymous
    Member

    It’s getting very repetitive now.

    Same information over and over again.

    Just ask the vet that has examined your pets and knows them best, if he approves of the food that you have chosen to feed.

    If that’s not good enough I don’t know what is.

    Consulting Dr Google all day long will only increase your anxiety and provide you with a lot of bogus information.

    That has been my experience.

    anonymous
    Member

    ā€œWhy in the world does the food smell like wood, and I don’t mean a faint smell, I mean a strong scent that slaps you in the face?! This is really making me second guess using this brand of dog food in the futureā€.

    Head back to the store with the bag of dog food in question, ask for the manger and have him take a whiff.

    At the least you should get a refund, might be a bad batch, they may want to remove it from their shelves so this doesn’t make other dogs sick. The manager can complain to the supplier and maybe send the remaining bags back…it probably depends on whether they have had other complaints.

    in reply to: Fromm dog food #138230 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    anonymous
    Member

    @Cathy F
    Sorry for your loss.
    Often it is not just the food change, it’s possible there may have been something else wrong and the stress of a food change may have exacerbated it.
    More time with your pet would have been nice, she must have excellent care all these years to make it to fourteen.

    Average Life Span of Top 25 Breeds
    The following is a list of the most popular dogs in 2008, according to the AKC and their average life expectancy.
    Labrador Retriever (12.5 years)
    Yorkshire Terrier (14 years)
    German Shepherd Dog (11 years)
    Golden Retriever (12 years)
    Beagle (13 years)
    Boxer (10.5 years)
    Dachshund (15.5 years)
    Bulldog (7 years)
    Poodle (12 years Standard) (15 years Miniature)
    Shih Tzu (13 years)
    Miniature Schnauzer (14 years)
    Chihuahua (13.5)
    Pomeranian (15 years)
    Rottweiler (10 years)
    Pug (13.5 years)
    German Shorthaired Pointer (13 years)
    Boston Terrier (13 years)
    Doberman Pinscher (10 years)
    Shetland Sheepdog (13.5 years)
    Maltese (14 years)
    Cocker Spaniel (12 years)
    Great Dane (8.5 years)
    Siberian Husky (12 years)
    Pembroke Welsh Corgi (13 years)
    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (10 years)

    anonymous
    Member

    Well, that’s nice. I suppose you can rationalize just about anything that you want to believe.

    https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Appeal_to_nature

    PS: I would never feed myself or my dogs anything that came out of a ā€œbinā€.
    Really, I worry enough when I get something occasionally from the salad bar because I am too lazy to make my own salad, lol!

    Bully sticks smell to high heaven and wreak of urine odor. That’s enough of a deterrent for me.

    anonymous
    Member

    Per the search engine. /forums/topic/antlers-a-safe-alternative-to-bones/#post-98128

    anonymous
    Member

    Dangers of Bully Sticks: Popular Treat Can Carry Bacteria and Add Calories


    Excerpt below
    Even if you can get past the issue of feeding your dog an uncooked, dried penis of a bull or steer as a treat, there are more potential problems with bully sticks. One is that they may be contaminated with bacteria. We tested 26 bully sticks for bacteria and found that one was contaminated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics; one was contaminated with Clostridium difficile; and seven were contaminated with Escherichia coli (including one antibiotic-resistant sample). This certainly doesn’t prove that all bully sticks are contaminated but does emphasize the importance of washing your hands after touching these treats, as you should with any raw meat or raw meat diets. People at high risk (very young, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised individuals) should avoid all contact with raw animal-based treats and raw meat diets.

    anonymous
    Member

    ā€œNaturalā€ means sh*t and is a marketing ploy.

    Just give the dog a raw carrot to chew on once a day (not the baby carrots they are bleached and are a choking hazard due to their size)

    Bully sticks are bull penises, they are loaded with bacteria and bleached and processed with toxic chemicals.

    Ask your vet.

    Example:
    https://www.azrescue.org/rescue-article-info-center/19 excerpt below
    There are a lot of pet treats out on the market and it seems like every week a new brand is getting recalled. I don’t even touch any chicken jerky manufactured in China due to the widespread contamination problems.
    More recently I’ve been choosing deer antlers and bully sticks, thinking that they’re safer since they’re all natural. But according to a study published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal, there are two potential problems with bully sticks (also called pizzle sticks).
    The first concern is an excessive amount of calories. The scientists calculated nine to 22 calories per inch, meaning that a 6-inch bully stick could represent nine percent of the daily recommended calorie count for a 50-pound dog or a whopping 30 percent of the requirements for a smaller 10-pound dog. This I’m less worried about as I usually adjust my pets’ dinner if they get a large treat during the day.
    The second finding is much more serious. In testing 26 bully sticks, the researchers found one contaminated with Clostridium difficile, one with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and seven with E. coli. The scientists admitted that the sample size was small, but recommended that people should at least wash their hands after touching bully sticks.
    I hope that they repeat the study on a larger scale, differentiating by finishing process. Some bully stick companies sun-bake their product, while others irradiate or bake the sticks indoors. I’m sure that these differences can affect bacteria levels.
    It would also be good if they gave recommendations on how to get rid of the bacteria. I know that some people bake bully sticks in the oven before giving them to their pets, but it’s not a proven method.
    I think that this study goes to show how careful we have to be in researching our pets’ food. I already know a lot about picking a good kibble, but this study has inspired me to do a better job at finding out the origin and manufacturing process for the treats I feed my crew. And it underscores the many benefits of making your own treats at home!

    anonymous
    Member

    @ Hamish

    Thanks for posting. I appreciate your opinions.

    anonymous
    Member

    Excellent!

    anonymous
    Member

    You’re welcome!

    We went back and forth to the regular vet for a year without results.
    We felt much better after one visit with the specialist and we knew what we were dealing with.

    Good luck

    anonymous
    Member

    https://www.justanswer.com/dog-health/215bj-hello-is-thing-ear-specialist-dogs.html excerpt below, click on link to find similar questions answered by a vet

    Hello, Is there such a thing as an ear specialist for dogs. I have a 4 year old Daschund who has a chronic ear problem.

    Dog Veterinarian: Dr. Andy
    Hello,
    Definitely.
    Veterinary dermatologists would be the specialist you want to handle this situation. Plus, they would be very helpful at getting to the underlying cause of the problem. Most ear issues are not just ear issues. Most are due to any underlying environmental and/or food allergy. That would be their specialty as well.
    Quite a few dermatologists out there as well.

    Use this website to find one closest to you.
    http://www.acvd.org/

    Good Luck
    Dr. Andy

    anonymous
    Member

    For best results I would go to a veterinary dermatologist, especially if this is becoming a chronic condition and has not responded to treatment by the regular vet. The veterinary dermatologist can do skin testing to identify the environmental allergens responsible then they will discuss treatment options.
    If you suspect food sensitivities then the only way to rule out is to have the vet prescribe hydrolyzed food, difficult to follow, commercial brands do not compare.
    There is no cure for allergies but there is effective treatment and management.

    https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/otitis-externa excerpts below, click on link for full article

    Otitis externa is an inflammation of the ear canal. Because dogs’ ear canals are L-shaped (Figure 1), fluid does not drain easily from canal openings. Additionally, the lining of the ear can become inflamed and thickened, blocking air and fluid flow in and out of the canal. Animals with otitis externa can also develop otitis media (middle ear inflammation). Similar to the problem seen in children (especially after airplane flights), fluid can build up behind the ear drum, causing pressure and pain. Otitis externa and media are common conditions in dogs, particularly in specific breeds such as the Cocker spaniel and German shepherd.
    In puppies and kittens, otitis externa is often caused by ear mites. These tiny parasites cause terrible itching and a thick brown discharge. In adult dogs, the most common underlying cause is allergies- sensitivity to something in the environment or to food. In older animals, tumors can cause blockage of the ear canal and secondary infection. Other predisposing causes may include foreign bodies (such as grass seeds), or small ear canals (often seen in Shar peis) or long floppy ear flaps (for example, Basset hounds) that prevent air flow. Hormonal problems, such as poor thyroid function, or other underlying skin disorders may also be present.

    anonymous
    Member

    Prescription food goes through a process. It is hydrolyzed.

    Meaning the dog won’t react to any proteins in the food despite the ingredients.

    That’s why commercial food does not compare.

    https://www.petmd.com/dog/what-hydrolyzed-protein-dog-food?mobi_bypass=true. excerpt below

    What Is Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food?

    Protein is a vital component to any diet. Your dog’s muscles, hormones and disease-fighting antibodies are all proteins. To make what their bodies need, dogs take proteins from food, break them down into building blocks called amino acids, and combine those amino acids into new proteins.

    In some animals, dietary proteins can trigger an abnormal immune response. Hydrolysis uses water to chemically break proteins into pieces that are so small that the immune system no longer reacts to them. Veterinarians typically prescribe hydrolyzed protein dog foods to treat two diseases: food allergy and inflammatory bowel disease.

    in reply to: Was my post deleted? #137735 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    anonymous
    Member

    I don’t see it. If you edit too many times it gets deleted. Often if you wait at least 10 minutes you can repost, also, sometimes if you change the first sentence it will go through.

    If you are concerned, next time copy the post so it won’t be as tedious to repost.

    anonymous
    Member
    anonymous
    Member

    I have a dog with environmental allergies. It started with ear infections, then pruritus, If you go to the search engine ā€œenvironmental allergiesā€ you will see my numerous posts.
    Of course there are other causes, get the dog properly diagnosed by a veterinary dermatologist.
    Or work closely with your regular vet, the steroids and antibiotics are just bandaid stuff. Get to the root of the problem.
    I am sorry but you may have a high maintenance pup.

    I hope this helps.

    http://www.mspca.org/angell_services/dermatology-allergies/Ear Diseases. excerpt below

    Otitis externa is the medical term for ear inflammation. Most cases of otitis externa also have an infection that is causing the ear inflammation.

    The structure of the ear in dogs and cats can make them more prone to ear infections. The ear canal in dogs and cats is longer than the ear canal in people. The ear canal is also ā€œL-shapedā€ with vertical and horizontal parts.

    Because only some dogs and cats develop ear infections, other conditions often contribute to the development of otitis externa and ear infections in your pet. Allergies, parasites, and masses or tumors can all cause ear irritation and infection. Allergies are the most common cause of ear infections in dogs and cats. Since an ear infection can be secondary to an underlying problem, it is often important to diagnose and treat the cause of the ear infection while treating the ear infection.

    An ear infection can develop into a severe health problem for a dog or cat. Left untreated, ear infections can spread deeper into a pet’s ear (middle ear infection) and cause permanent damage to the ear canal (ear canal mineralization). Some chronic ear infections can develop resistance to antibiotics and become untreatable with medications.

    anonymous
    Member

    Call the treating vet and see what he advises. Leave a message for the vet to call you back when he has a minute, don’t accept an answer from the vet tech.

    If the dog’s problems continue and you don’t see improvement after a reasonable amount of time, consider going to a veterinary dermatologist. Ear infections are sometimes indicative of allergies.

    Wait a minute the ear drops were prescribed in January? Only 7 days?

    He may very well have an ear infection and need antibiotics (ear drops or/and oral)

    SERIOUSLY, GO TO THE VET! asap
    Consequences of untreated ear infections in dogs include: Hearing loss.

    I reread your post, check with the vet, he may need a different antibiotic.

    anonymous
    Member

    But, I call a dog food company and my questions are answered to my satisfaction and do meet all of the guidelines .

    Someone else calls and claims they get a different response and they are not satisfied with what they were told.

    Are we hearing different things? Are we interpreting what we hear differently? Obviously we are.

    Like I said, I never heard of WSAVA till this grain-free scare began.

    I trust my vet, that’s who I listen to, bottom line.

    Again, WSAVA does not recommend any specific brands

    WSAVA does not recommend any specific brands to avoid.

    I’m glad you find the guidelines helpful. Best of luck.

    anonymous
    Member

    I am in New England. I have seen Victor advertised on Chewy dot com. That’s about it. I don’t go to Petco or PetSmart, they may carry it.

    WSAVA is not clear to me either. I would go over the guidelines with your vet and see what he advises.
    https://wsava.org/nutrition-toolkit

    No specific foods are bashed. No specific foods are recommended. Therefore I find the guidelines to be vague.

    The problem (imo) is that people are interpreting the guidelines differently to confirm their beliefs as to what specific brands are best.

    My vet told me to avoid small companies, new companies, exotic ingredients and boutique companies as they are less likely to have a veterinary nutritionist on board or do feeding trials. Also avoid exotic ingredients and grain-free.

    Go with established brands that have been around a long time.

    • This reply was modified 6 years, 2 months ago by anonymous.
    • This reply was modified 6 years, 2 months ago by anonymous.
    anonymous
    Member

    Really?
    You don’t know by now that these folks are going to tell you that Victor does not meet the WSAVA guidelines.

    Just a suggestion, make a list of all the grain-inclusive dog foods that appeal to you.

    Call your veterinary clinic and leave a message for your veterinarian to call you back when he has a minute.
    Ask his professional opinion as to which would be the best product for your dogs.

    Odds are that he will advise you to buy in small bags (one by one, none of this rotating crap) and through trial and error see what one the dogs do best on.

    After all, he is the veterinary healthcare professional that has examined your dogs and knows them best šŸ™‚

    PS: I have never used Victor, never heard of it till I came on this forum, maybe it is only available in certain parts of the country.

    anonymous
    Member

    Quote: ā€ The vet has recommended putting her on a diet of Royal Canin Gastrointestinal. ā€

    I would stay with the therapeutic diet at least till the dog has been stable for a few months, then consider diet changes if your vet approves. I know of no commercial product that would compare.

    I wouldn’t do home cooked unless under the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist and I suspect it would be expensive.

    Hope this helps: excerpt from http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2016/07/more-nonsense-from-holistic-vets-about-commercial-therapeutic-diets/

    Regarding price, good companies invest in research, that goes into designing the food, sometimes funding basic research that would further our knowledge on particular diseases (without an immediate product to market and sell) plus trials in healthy and diseased pets, etc. So, I understand why a veterinary diet from a responsible company costs more money, not because the ingredients are more expensive, but due to the knowledge invested behind it.

    in reply to: Fromm dog food #137668 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    anonymous
    Member

    That’s right, I will recommend a food that I have had a positive experience with. I can voice my opinion, same as you can.

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