[anonymously]

If it was my dog I would take him to the emergency vet now/today for some testing and x-rays.
Bloody diarrhea is an indication of something being very wrong. Maybe a sharp bone fragment has caused some internal bleeding? Why are you doing this? A lot of dogs can’t tolerate raw.
Please do some research:
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=raw+food
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=nutrition

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2011/09/integrating-myths-and-nonsense-with-standard-advice-for-allergic-pets/ (excerpt below)
Bottom Line
Allergies are a serious medical problem that causes a great deal of suffering for pets and their owners. Causes are complex and involve both genetic, developmental, and environmental factors, and symptoms tend to come and go unpredictably, which makes evaluating the effects of any particular intervention challenging. While there are many safe and effective therapies that can help manage allergy symptoms, there is no cure. Only complete avoidance of the antigens the individual is allergic to can eliminate symptoms entirely, and this is often not possible. No treatment that has any benefit is completely without risks, and the risks and benefits must always be carefully and rationally weighed.

Article on apoquel and treatment options for allergies http://www.2ndchance.info/Apoquel.htm
excerpt below:
Food Allergies are probably over-diagnosed in dogs (they account for, perhaps 5-10%). Hypoallergenic diets are occasionally, but not frequently, helpful in canine atopy cases but you should always give them a try. Food intolerances are more common – but considerably more likely to result in digestive disturbances and diarrhea than in itching problems.

Intradermal Skin Tests http://www.allergydogcentral.com/2011/06/30/dog-allergy-testing-and-allergy-shots/
“An intradermal skin test involves the injection of a small amount of antigen into your dog’s skin. This procedure is most often performed by a veterinary dermatologist or pet allergy specialist”.

BTW: Dogs can be stoic and not show any signs and symptoms of pain and discomfort, until it is extreme.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 5 months ago by anonymously.

[anonymously]

Before you go nuts changing the diet various different ways, consider making an appointment with an Internal Medicine Specialist, preferably a vet that specializes in geriatrics. Some additional testing may be in order.

PS: I always return to Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea (canned and dry) for my dog with a sensitive stomach. Check Chewy . com

[anonymously]

@ Jack B
Just post your links in a fragmented way, example: www . dog food advisor. com

If people are interested enough, they will figure it out.

PS: Oops! I didn’t realize this post was over a month old.

[anonymously]

“Now I am giving her fluids twice a day and a special homemade diet”.
Sub q fluids (once a day), that’s what I gave to my dog that had complications from Lyme (kidney damage). I used the prescription food, it kept her going for a couple more years. Plus, prescribed medication, as needed. Good days, and bad days.

@ Lori W, I hope this is an acute situation and that your dog feels better and makes a full recovery.

[anonymously]

Did you try the search engine here? /forums/search/allergies/

The best choice would be to see a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, if one is available near you (here is a list: http://www.acvd.org/).

Most dermatologists will not skin test for allergies until the dog has been exhibiting symptoms for 1 year/4 seasons without any significant periods of relief. There are other treatment options that she may respond to.

A summary of treatments for canine atopy:

Evidence-Based Canine Allergy Treatment

And here is a recent update:

Evidence Update- Evidence-based Canine Allergy Treatment

More info here:
http://www.2ndchance.info/allergytesting.htm
excerpt below from: http://www.2ndchance.info/Apoquel.htm
Food Allergies are probably over-diagnosed in dogs (they account for, perhaps 5-10%). Hypoallergenic diets are occasionally, but not frequently, helpful in canine atopy cases but you should always give them a try. Food intolerances are more common – but considerably more likely to result in digestive disturbances and diarrhea than in itching problems.

via search engine here: /forums/search/allergies/

Another site: http://www.allergydogcentral.com/category/allergy-stories/

[anonymously]

I didn’t mean to sound harsh. I looked it up and what you said about seizures makes sense.
I really don’t know much about oral flea/tick preventives and haven’t had any experience with them.
PS: Note to self: Think before you speak.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 5 months ago by anonymously.

[anonymously]

Are you a veterinarian? If not, How can you say “Bravecto is also safe for dogs who have seizures, NexGard is not”.

If you are happy with the product and find it to be effective…great. We are all eager to share experiences that others may find helpful.
But, every dog is different. You really can’t make a blanket statement. IMO

PS: Actually, this is the internet, so you can pretty much say anything you want about anything 🙂
Peace

[anonymously]

I avoid the oral stuff, except for heartworm which I give every 6 weeks (not 4) in mosquito season only.
They are all pesticides, I use the least amount that I can to protect them. I have been using advantix II topical in the summer, but it depends on the dog, I have a small one that gets frequent baths, so I have gone back to alternating with preventic collars (amitraz).
I use deterrent “natural” sprays too…but I really don’t think they do much. They don’t kill the ticks/fleas.
I’d go all natural, but I lost a dog to Lyme and I don’t want to go through that again.

I don’t know when it got so complicated to own a dog. I’m leery of vaccines too. I decline them after puppy shots. But, there is still the rabies….

PS: I have never observed any adverse effects, but I have not used oral flea/tick preventives. One dog got a rash from the collar, so I can’t use it on him. He is elderly and doesn’t go far, so I just bathe him frequently.
I am sorry for your loss.

[anonymously]

This article was in today’s paper, I thought I would share. http://www.bostonherald.com/lifestyle/health/2015/10/diet_aids_bladder_stones
Excerpt below:
The cause of these stones developing is not well understood. It is thought to be an inborn error of metabolism that, given certain diets, causes the pH of urine to become more acidic than usual, leading to crystals and stones formation.

Diagnosis is usually made by X-ray, palpation or ultrasound.

These kinds of bladder stones are the second most commonly found (struvites being the most common). They each require different types of management with specific prescription diets. Several companies make these specific diets, and I would work with your veterinarian to choose one. Sadly, even with special diets, these stones can still come back, so if your dog shows any signs like before, get him right in for evaluation.

[anonymously]

You are right, dental chews are dangerous.

Just take 5 minutes and brush the dog’s teeth once a day!

[anonymously]

I would talk to your vet about postponing any further vaccinations at this time.
http://www.thedogplace.org/VACCINES/Rabies-exemption-form-states-2012.asp
Note: The labels on rabies vaccines state that they are for “the vaccination of healthy cats, dogs…” There are medical conditions for which vaccination can jeopardize the life or well-being of an animal.

I would also reevaluate what you are using for flea/tick and heartworm prevention, for obvious reasons. When did the pruritus start?

I would keep her diet simple. No supplements or over the counter meds that have not been recommended by a veterinarian that has examined her.

If it was my dog, I would make an appointment with a dermatologist.
The best choice would be to see a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, if one is available near you (here is a list: http://www.acvd.org/).

Per the search engine here /forums/search/allergies/

[anonymously]

He needs to go to the vet for a checkup, that is just part of basic care for a pet.
Once a year, heartworm check, etc.
This is a special situation, you don’t know where he’s been or what he has been exposed to.
You didn’t mention how long he was out there. Frequent vomiting and poor appetite are obvious signs of illness. He could be nauseas or in pain, some dogs are more stoic than others and are good at hiding it.

Get him a clean bill of health, you will both feel better 🙂

PS: I’m glad he found his way back to you. But, if you are truly between a rock and a hard place, contact your local SPCA, explain your situation and they will tell you your options.
https://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq

[anonymously]

I meant he/him :$

[anonymously]

I lost a corgi to cancer too, at 9 years. I’m thinking that there may be a genetic link, like with German shepherds and golden retrievers.
Anyway, I used to feed her about 1/2 cup of Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea dry, but I would add a lump of chopped up chicken breast (cooked) or lean meat. Chopped up broiled chicken liver is good too. I fed her this twice a day.
You can add water to the cooked chicken and blend it with a smoothie wand, so that it is like lumpy thick gravy and put a tablespoon over her dry. You can soak the dry in the fridg overnight in water to soften.
She loved food and had a tendency to put weight on easily, but 3 to 5 mile walks daily seemed to keep her weight stable.
Brush her teeth every evening (YouTube has excellent how to videos).

PS: I get the chicken breast, lean meat at the reduced section of my local market, freeze then cook. I have been doing this for a long time and haven’t had any problems. Chicken livers are cheap, and you only add a little. Plus you can divide up and freeze.
If you weigh the dog once a week you will be able to see if she is gaining and decrease the amount. Get on the scale weigh yourself, then get back on the scale while you are holding her, then deduct your weight from the number you get 🙂 Do this before the first meal of the day.

[anonymously]

In response to: “I am sold on any of this just like human docs I believe they too get kick backs on stuff they sell”.

Excerpt from: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2015/08/veterinary-medicine-is-a-business-and-that-includes-alternative-medicine/
“The bottom line is that financial bias is a real issue in veterinary medicine at all levels, and it has to be investigated and managed. However, this is not the same as saying there is widespread fraud or a sinister conspiracy involving vets and companies that do business with them. There is no reason to believe that the majority of vets are doing anything other than the best they can to help their patients and clients. And there is absolutely no reason to believe vets offering alternative therapies are any less subject to financial bias or any purer in their motivation or behavior than vets practices science-based medicine”.

[anonymously]

PS: If the x-ray is negative, she may just have struvite. These crystals often clear up after antibiotics to treat the infection, special diet and increase in water intake. Frequent bathroom breaks.
Calcium oxalate are a little more concerning. But, there are meds and procedures to get rid of them, other than surgery (depending on the dog’s condition). Dogs can have both.

[anonymously]

Check the search engine here: /forums/search/bladder+stones/page/2/
As your vet will confirm, dogs that have a tendency to make bladder stones have to be on a special diet the rest of their lives, this is a serious condition and it just doesn’t go away.

The x-ray is important, but once she is stable for about 1 year, ask the vet if you can skip the x-rays and testing urine PH as long as she is urinating normally and having no difficulty? Ask him the warning signs to look for. You didn’t mention her age?

I would comply with the prescription food for now.
And don’t forget, water, water, and more water added to the diet. Ask the vet ….but I believe this helps big time. And frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate.

Below is a previous post of mine:
“My dog had both (struvite and calcium oxalate), no symptoms till the age of 11, started with UTIs. He has had no recurrences in 4 years since his emergency surgery.
In fact, I just took him in for a geriatric workup and his lab work was good”.

“I was afraid the vet would want to do x-rays and test his urine…..but he said as long as he is not having symptoms we are not going there (he’s too old to tolerate another surgery)”
“I do monitor his urination habits and check for normal flow, stream, amount. If I note any discomfort I will take him to the vet”.

“There is a genetic component and some breeds are more prone to bladder stones.

“Anyway, if you do nothing else, add water and take her out to urinate frequently.
I went along with the prescription diet for almost a year, since then he has been on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea kibble soaked with water +, I use the wet food too, but the canned foods seem so greasy to me”…

PS: Soak the kibble, even the prescription food in water overnight in the fridg, add more water prior to serving. Keep the bladder flushed. Maybe add a little canned prescription food as a topper.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 6 months ago by anonymously.

[anonymously]

Wysong has a prescription food that your vet may approve of: http://www.wysong.net/veterinarian/
http://www.wysong.net/testimonials/?article=45&cat=cat1

If the dog has been stable for a year, it may be best not to make a change, imo.

[anonymously]

Tank tops are helpful for dogs that are excessive scratchers (pruritus)
They help minimize damage to the skin. Also, reduces contact exposure to pollens, dust.

Check 1-800 Pet Supplies, Casual Canine Ribbed Dog Tank

[anonymously]

Regarding the raw spots:
The specialist prescribed: Douxo pads Wipe affected areas every 24-48 hours, Malaseb Shampoo Bathe once to twice weekly, allowing 10-15 minutes of contact time before rinsing.
This was in conjunction of course, with her immunotherapy. Didn’t need to use the pads after the treatment took hold. But they seemed to be soothing to her skin.
Ask your vet about them.
Chewy . com has them. You can find the Nutrisca there, also.

[anonymously]

Best of luck. I went through all that for a year, threw out rugs, bedspreads, had a dehumidifier and air purifier going at the same time. None of this seemed to make a difference.
I found Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea to be the closest thing to an elimination diet and have kept her on it.

Some dogs are allergic to things as benign as cotton! And, many allergens are airborne, impossible to avoid.
You may get lucky and it will just be seasonal, still, it’s best to find out what the best treatment options are. Even when allergies are under control, they can still have occasional flare-ups.

PS: Sometimes the steroids are necessary for brief periods to stop the suffering, or prn for a severe allergic reaction. As prescribed by a vet.
Since starting allergen specific immunotherapy over 3 years ago, my dog has not needed them. Just occasional prn Benadryl and malaseb baths once or twice a week.

[anonymously]

Correction to above post:
I meant to say I would be leery of any saliva or hair test, unless it has been specifically recommended by a veterinarian that has examined your dog.

I have not heard good things about them.

[anonymously]

I reread your post, I only suggested looking up allergies because I thought you implied your dog had them…..when you mentioned an otc allergy med.

I would refrain from giving this dog any supplements or over the counter meds unless recommended by a veterinarian that has examined him.
It really sounds like his problems are related to an injury he may have obtained during that accident, especially if that is when his symptoms started.
It’s important to get him examined and diagnosed by a vet, he sounds uncomfortable, some dogs are stoic and try to hide it when they are in pain.

[anonymously]

I would be leery of any saliva or hair test that has not been recommended by a veterinarian that has not examined your dog.
As I mentioned before:
“The best choice would be to see a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, if one is available near you (here is a list: http://www.acvd.org/).”

[anonymously]

The best choice would be to see a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, if one is available near you (here is a list: http://www.acvd.org/).

Most dermatologists will not skin test for allergies until the dog has been suffering for 1 year/4 seasons. There are many other treatment options that she may respond to.

A summary of treatments for canine atopy:

Evidence-Based Canine Allergy Treatment

And here is a recent update:

Evidence Update- Evidence-based Canine Allergy Treatment

More info here:
http://www.2ndchance.info/allergytesting.htm
excerpt below from: http://www.2ndchance.info/Apoquel.htm
Food Allergies are probably over-diagnosed in dogs (they account for, perhaps 5-10%). Hypoallergenic diets are occasionally, but not frequently, helpful in canine atopy cases but you should always give them a try. Food intolerances are more common – but considerably more likely to result in digestive disturbances and diarrhea than in itching problems.

via search engine here: /forums/search/allergies/

Another site: http://www.allergydogcentral.com/category/allergy-stories/

[anonymously]

I don’t have anything to offer, except to say I hope she stabilizes. Did the vet tell you if this was an acute episode versus chronic? Sometimes dogs get into things….

I imagine diet and prescribed meds would be the key to treating it. If your vet isn’t a specialist, consider taking her records and consulting an internal medicine specialist, unless you are confident in her current treatment.
Best of luck.

[anonymously]

Any fish oil that is in dry dog food mostly dissipates as soon as you open the bag (no matter the quality of the food). This was told to me by a dermatologist/specialist that treated my dog.

[anonymously]

I seriously hope you will take your dog to the vet as soon as possible, he may have obtained some type of internal injury due to the accident you described, that only an x-ray would reveal.
I think it would be money well spent, rather than buying supplements and over the counter meds (not prescribed by a vet) that may not help and may cause more harm.
And trying various different brands of food, his issues may have nothing to do with the food.
Use the search engine here, look up allergies. I would trust a vet that has examined my dog. My dogs enjoy going to the vet.
Best of luck.

[anonymously]

Allergies or food intolerances?
http://www.2ndchance.info/allergytesting.htm

excerpt below from http://www.2ndchance.info/Apoquel.htm
Food Allergies are probably over-diagnosed in dogs (they account for, perhaps 5-10%). Hypoallergenic diets are occasionally, but not frequently, helpful in canine atopy cases but you should always give them a try. Food intolerances are more common – but considerably more likely to result in digestive disturbances and diarrhea that in itching problems.

[anonymously]

Your vet has examined the dog and based on his knowledge and training has come up with a specific plan that includes prescription food. Maybe he is trying to rule out food sensitivities.
You don’t have to comply with the recommended treatment, but that may sabotage the vet’s ability to diagnose what is going on with your dog.

[anonymously]

Listen to your vet.

[anonymously]

I don’t use dental chews for my pets. I brush their teeth once a day with chicken flavored toothpaste, they consider it a treat. (YouTube has excellent how to videos). I have had very good results.
I consider dental chews to be breath fresheners, at best. They do nothing to remove tarter from the back and sides.
I don’t use bones anymore either, due to the risk of broken teeth and GI disturbances I encountered.

[anonymously]

Some dogs LOVE rabbit feces (it looks just like kibble) and cat feces is caviar!
Keep an eye on your dogs, don’t leave them unattended outside. Limit access to animal waste, theirs and others. Read through the information provided in previous posts here.
That’s all I’ve got 🙂

PS: If you like the taste of potato chips and someone leaves an open bag in front of you, what would you do?

[anonymously]

Article on apoquel and treatment options for allergies http://www.2ndchance.info/Apoquel.htm
excerpt below:
Food Allergies are probably over-diagnosed in dogs (they account for, perhaps 5-10%). Hypoallergenic diets are occasionally, but not frequently, helpful in canine atopy cases but you should always give them a try. Food intolerances are more common – but considerably more likely to result in digestive disturbances and diarrhea that in itching problems.

[anonymously]

Another excerpt from the ASPCA article (link in previous post)

What NOT to Do
Do not rub your dog’s nose in feces. This procedure won’t fix the problem and might make your dog frightened of you.
Do not physically punish your dog for eating feces. Hitting him with a newspaper or spanking him probably won’t stop him from eating feces, and it might cause more serious problems, such as fear or aggression.

[anonymously]

The only thing that worked for my dogs that had developed this nasty habit was to follow them around, when they had a bowel movement, scoop/discard immediately.
Out of sight, out of mind. After a while they stop turning around to look for it, lol.

Also, if you are feeding 1 or 2 measured meals per day, you will learn the dog’s pattern and will be able to predict when he will have a bowel movement and avoid surprise eliminations.
In other words don’t free feed, and don’t give them the opportunity to be alone with their feces. Some dogs outgrow it, but often it is something you will always have to keep a eye on.
I have never tried any supplements for coprophagia, the price deterred me and the fact that they look like chemical junk? Also, you would have to give them to every dog in your household, plus I have heard that they don’t work.

PS: Has the vet ruled out medical issues? Good article here : http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/coprophagia-eating-feces (excerpt below)
Medical Problems to Rule Out
Starvation, Malnutrition or Malabsorption Disorders
If your dog isn’t getting sufficient food or isn’t able to digest the nutrition in his food, he may resort to coprophagia as a way to supplement his diet. Before doing anything else, it’s important to have your dog thoroughly examined by a veterinarian to rule out medical problems that could cause coprophagia.

[anonymously]

Petco was good too, except, they do not carry the brands of dog foods I currently use.

[anonymously]

I liked Amazon, until I had a credit card fraud experience there, nothing major and it was caught in time, but still… I prefer Chewy.

[anonymously]

Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea has no grain, no potato, no chicken/egg products.
The closest thing that I have found to an elimination diet.

Go to Chewy . com and compare ingredients to what you are currently feeding.

[anonymously]

Her symptoms may or may not be food related.
Allergies tend to get worse with age. My dog does best on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea (dry and canned) check Chewy . com.
Although her allergies are environmental. My dog may also have some food sensitivities.
Check the search engine here (type in allergies), you may find some tips:

Intradermal Skin Tests http://www.allergydogcentral.com/2011/06/30/dog-allergy-testing-and-allergy-shots/
“An intradermal skin test involves the injection of a small amount of antigen into your dog’s skin. This procedure is most often performed by a veterinary dermatologist or pet allergy specialist”.

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2011/09/integrating-myths-and-nonsense-with-standard-advice-for-allergic-pets/ (excerpt below)
Bottom Line
Allergies are a serious medical problem that causes a great deal of suffering for pets and their owners. Causes are complex and involve both genetic, developmental, and environmental factors, and symptoms tend to come and go unpredictably, which makes evaluating the effects of any particular intervention challenging. While there are many safe and effective therapies that can help manage allergy symptoms, there is no cure. Only complete avoidance of the antigens the individual is allergic to can eliminate symptoms entirely, and this is often not possible. No treatment that has any benefit is completely without risks, and the risks and benefits must always be carefully and rationally weighed.

[anonymously]

Allergies do get worse with age. My dog does best on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea (dry and canned). Although, her allergies are environmental.
Via the search engine here, you may find some tips:

Intradermal Skin Tests http://www.allergydogcentral.com/2011/06/30/dog-allergy-testing-and-allergy-shots/
“An intradermal skin test involves the injection of a small amount of antigen into your dog’s skin. This procedure is most often performed by a veterinary dermatologist or pet allergy specialist”.

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2011/09/integrating-myths-and-nonsense-with-standard-advice-for-allergic-pets/ (excerpt below)
Bottom Line
Allergies are a serious medical problem that causes a great deal of suffering for pets and their owners. Causes are complex and involve both genetic, developmental, and environmental factors, and symptoms tend to come and go unpredictably, which makes evaluating the effects of any particular intervention challenging. While there are many safe and effective therapies that can help manage allergy symptoms, there is no cure. Only complete avoidance of the antigens the individual is allergic to can eliminate symptoms entirely, and this is often not possible. No treatment that has any benefit is completely without risks, and the risks and benefits must always be carefully and rationally weighed.

[anonymously]

“Just a horrible situation all the way around and especially knowing that if I didn’t take her to the vet at all and just kept treating her myself with “healthy” stuff then she would more than likely still be with me today”.

These thoughts are part of the grieving process. She may have suffered even more if you didn’t take her to the vet when you did. Sometimes there is no explanation why these awful things happen. We all do the best we can when faced with these situations.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 6 months ago by anonymously.

[anonymously]

I like Newman’s canned, use it as a back-up also. However, judging by my senior’s bowel movements, I think it has a high water content…just something you may want to keep in mind. I think it works best as a topper or mixed with kibble.

[anonymously]

http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

Hope this helps.

[anonymously]

No, I suppose a simple Google search would reveal this information.
I just know that my dog’s specialist approves of both brands and my dogs do well on them. I recently tried Newman’s Dry Adult food, in-between Chewy deliveries….I noted the difference in quality right away. Although, I would still use it as a back-up.

[anonymously]

I felt the same way, regarding the recall, but it was only the chicken products. All chicken dog food is at risk for salmonella. And I know the company had an issue with jerky treats (made in China). What else is new?
All I can say, is that I am happy with with the items I have mentioned.
BTW: My neighbor’s dog does very well on Fromm. I was going to try it, but it contains potato…not an issue for most dogs, but if you are trying to rule out food sensitivities, potato may be something you would want to avoid.

[anonymously]

I think the Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea works best for my dog with allergies because it contains no grains, no potato. I like Fromm, but it wouldn’t work for her. Different foods work for different dogs.

[anonymously]

PS: Stones develop very slowly, so I would hesitate to blame the prescription food or the specialist that treated her toward the end of her life.
I am sorry for your loss.
Be careful, people are most vulnerable to quackery when they are grieving. I was going to the homeopathic sites, but then I found The SkeptVet, he makes the most sense, to me.

[anonymously]

Check out Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea (dry and canned). Wysong Senior is good, IMO.
The best thing you can do to prevent bladder stones (all types) is to add water to meals and soak the kibble overnight in water, frequent bathroom breaks, keep the bladder flushed. Three or four small meals a day, do not free feed.
There is often a genetic component, some dogs/certain breeds are more vulnerable.
If you use the search engine here, you may find some helpful tips, just type in allergies, bladder stones.
Consider consulting a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist if the regular vet isn’t helpful.
PS: Check out Chewy . com

[Author]

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