[anonymously]

Maybe you should ask the SkeptVet: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/

Find a blog that relates to your situation and ask a question, he tends to answer, of course he can’t give specific advice as he has not examined your dog. However, he is not selling anything over there, no supplements or books, nothing.
He really cares about animals (imo). Oh, and he is a real veterinarian and does identify himself.

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

[anonymously]

Giardia is a protozoan parasite that can infect the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and is capable of causing diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss and lethargy — although many infected animals show no signs at all. It is common throughout the United States and can cause infections at almost any time of year. Unlike many other infectious organisms, giardia persists longer in the environment when conditions are cool and moist.

Most dogs become infected by drinking water contaminated with feces. Giardia then infects the small intestine, and infected dogs pass microscopic cysts in their stool. These cysts can then infect another animal or person if ingested. Giardia cysts are very resistant in the environment, and can live for many months under the correct circumstances. These cysts are a threat to pet health, and giardia is a very common cause of pet diarrhea in the United States.

• All dogs — even those on year-round parasite preventives and those without diarrhea — should have at least one to two fecal samples performed annually as part of their wellness exam to screen for gastrointestinal parasites, including giardia.
• All dogs with symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea should be tested for giardia and other gastrointestinal parasites.
• All newly adopted dogs should be tested for these parasites before they are introduced to a new home, and all dogs returning from high-risk environments (e.g., kennels, dog shows, boarding facilities, etc.) should be tested.

Testing for Giardia

There is no perfect test for giardia. Giardia is an elusive parasite, and cysts are shed only intermittently from the gastrointestinal tract of an infected dog. A single fecal sample has only a 70 percent chance of detecting an infection. Performing three fecal samples within five consecutive days increases the chance of detection to greater than 90 percent. There are other tests such as the giardia ELISA that can be used with a routine fecal sample to increase the likelihood of a diagnosis to about 95 percent.

Treating Giardia

If your dog is diagnosed with giardia, he will likely be prescribed medication, and your veterinarian will recommend a follow-up fecal sample two weeks after treatment.

A dog should be bathed on his last day of treatment to eliminate all giardia cysts from his hair coat. Wearing gloves, you should bathe and rinse his whole body as normal and then focus last on his hind end. Do not touch the rest of his body after you have bathed and rinsed around the anus. This will eliminate spreading any remaining giardia cysts around his hair coat. Pet bowls, toys, etc., should be disinfected in either boiling water or in a high-temperature dishwasher. Upholstery and carpeting should be steam-cleaned and allowed to dry. Hard surfaces can be disinfected with a dilute bleach solution (3/4 cup of bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water) or a disinfecting household cleaning product.
http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/be-on-guard-against-giardia

[anonymously]

I think you should consider consulting a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist if you feel your veterinarian has not been helpful, otherwise I would go by his recommendations.

Supplements are not medication, often they can cause harm. They tend to be expensive, the same money could be spent on getting professional treatment, a correct diagnosis and effective treatment.

PS: I would be very leery to take advice from anonymous strangers on the internet that may or may not have a medical background before listening to a veterinarian that has examined the dog and knows it’s history.

[anonymously]

Correction for link to homemade diets
http://support.mspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=latestnews_GenericPetFoodRecipes

I hope this one works!

[anonymously]

Swimming is easy on the joints and burns calories, even 3X a week might make a big difference.
Have you asked your vet about rehabilitation therapy, such as: “aquatic therapy in a heated pool and underwater treadmill, therapeutic laser, massage and mobility therapy and therapeutic exercise. Similar to human rehabilitation, our services include a complete medical evaluation specifically tailored to your pet’s condition, including home care instructions and education”. (excerpt copied from the site of a local vet)

[anonymously]

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

How about homemade? Click on link for complete article and recipes http://support.mspca.org/site/…

A Vet Takes a Skeptical & Science-Based Look at Veterinary Medicine
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

PS: I hope you aren’t free feeding (leaving food down all day). Feed measured amounts twice a day, if they don’t eat within 10 minutes store it in fridg and offer at next meal time.
Always have fresh water available. If you don’t see them going to the water bowl, add a little water to their meals, some dogs don’t drink enough water and this can lead to bladder stones later on.
It’s okay if they skip a meal or two…they will eat when they are hungry.

[anonymously]

Atopic dermatitis is a hypersensitivity or over-reaction to a variety of commonplace and otherwise harmless substances in the environment such as plant pollens, house dust mites or mold spores. Most pets with atopic dermatitis either inhale or absorb their allergens through their skin. Allergy tests are used to identify what a pet is allergic to in their environment.

There are two types of allergy tests, the intradermal allergy test and blood testing for allergies (serologic allergy testing). In an intradermal allergy test, the fur is clipped on one side of the chest and very small amounts of common allergens are injected into the skin. This test is very precise and is only performed by Veterinary Dermatology services. Because most pets with environmental allergies become exposed to their allergens through their skin, the intradermal allergy test may also best simulate a pet’s natural allergies. In a blood allergy test, a blood sample is obtained and submitted to a laboratory for testing.

If a pet is diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, there are three methods of therapy. The first method of therapy involves removing the allergen from the pet’s environment. Unfortunately, this is not possible in most cases. The second method of therapy involves the use of anti-itch drugs such as anti-histamines or steroids (cortisone). Some of these anti-itch medications do not work in every pet. Other pets develop side-effects from taking certain anti-itch medications.

The third method of therapy for atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies) is allergy injections. Other names for allergy injections include desensitization, hyposensitization, allergy vaccine, or allergen-specific immunotherapy. Immunotherapy involves a series of injections of diluted allergens. Over time, these injections make a pet less sensitive to their allergens and thus less allergic. Most pet owners are able to learn how to give the injections at home. When based on the results of intradermal allergy testing, immunotherapy helps manage the allergies in approximately 70-90% of pets. Most pets will respond to immunotherapy within 6-9 months, but some pets will require up to a year of immunotherapy injections before a full benefit can be noted.

Allergy Diagnosis and Management
Allergies are a common cause of skin and ear conditions in pets. Dogs and cats with allergies may scratch, chew, lick their paws, rub their face or have recurrent ear infections.

Three types of allergies are common in dogs and cats: food allergies, flea allergy dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies). We offer:
•Intradermal and serologic allergy testing for atopic dermatitis
•On-site, custom immunotherapy formulation for the treatment of atopic dermatitis
•Custom diet formulation for food allergies with the Angell Nutrition Specialty Service

Above are excerpts from:https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/dermatology-allergies/

PS: The initial testing is expensive (dermatologist) but the maintenance isn’t that bad, I found the treatment ASIT (allergen-specific immunotherapy) to be effective.
The house mite is a common allergen, it is microscopic and everywhere all year round.
Impossible to avoid…….see how the fall and winter go. Good luck

[anonymously]

It sounds like it could be environmental allergies which would have nothing to do with the food. If it has been going on for a while and the regular vet hasn’t been helpful I would suggest making an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist and see what diagnostic testing he recommends.
Have you used the search engine here?
Example: “If the symptoms have been going on for more than 1 year/4 seasons and have not responded in a significant way to treatment by a veterinarian. Consider making an appointment with a dermatologist”.

This subject comes at least once a week. People are reluctant to go to a specialist because they are concerned about the cost, and yet they end up spending much more going back and forth to the regular vet and trying all kinds of gobbledygook remedies.

Environmental allergies.
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”.

Mail-in hair and saliva tests do not test for allergies and tend to be inaccurate. Food sensitivities fluctuate. Food allergies are rare.

Also:http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=allergies

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

[anonymously]

Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea is a small size kibble with limited ingredients, check reviews on Chewy.com.
Also, don’t leave food down, feed twice a day and pick up anything not eaten and store in the fridg, offer at next meal time. Make sure she is drinking water, maybe add a splash to her food.
Keep your eye on that pruritus, it could be environmental allergies which would have nothing to do with the food. Use the search engine here to search “allergies”

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.

[anonymously]

“I’ve been Googling this and can’t find any research, but wondering if anyone here has any information on histamine intolerance in dogs? Not food allergies, but histamine intolerance. I, myself, have histamine intolerance and have to be very, very careful about the meat I eat. It has to be as fresh as possible, and quickly thawed (either in microwave or water), cooked and eaten immediately. No leftovers- the reason for which is that bacteria release histamine (and other amines) as the flesh decomposes. So the longer it’s been since meat was butchered, the higher the histamine content”.

Unless you are getting your advice from a veterinarian that has examined your dog, it may all be gobbledygook and mean nothing. Dr Google is not always accurate.
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=Dr+Google

[anonymously]

If it were my dog, I would make an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist as soon as possible. Your dog’s symptoms may have nothing to do with his diet.

Have you used the search engine here?

For example: /forums/search/allergies/
and /forums/search/raw+diet/

PS: Be careful, regarding listening to homeopathic vets, a lot of them are quacks and do more harm than good.
For science-based veterinary medicine, go here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/

[anonymously]

Another thought. Have you tried adding a little plain homemade chicken broth or warm water to the kibble? Make sure she is drinking adequate amounts of water, especially if she is a senior or you don’t see her go to the water bowl often.

[anonymously]

When you took her to the vet did they do any testing or lab work? At the risk of over-diagnosis I might get another opinion. Poor appetite is often an indication that something is wrong.
On the other hand, my friend’s dog is a picky eater and often skips meals, but the dog has been like this all along.
In your dog’s case it sounds like a sudden change in her appetite after that first year. Are her teeth okay?

Not to scare you, but when this happened to a dog of mine a while back, I took her to the vet and her physical exam revealed a slight temp, lab work was a little off, elevated white count.
Ultrasound showed tumors…

[anonymously]

Yes, but the most recent veterinarian that has examined the dog does not agree. It is not clear how long ago that recommendation (according to the poster) was made, things can change. You do not know what the examining vet saw or if the poster’s recollection of the conversation was accurate.

PS: If the poster is not comfortable with the current vet, see another one, get some lab work done, see what the concerns are.

[anonymously]

“Most veterinarians do have at least a semester course on nutrition in general. And a lot more information on the subject is scattered throughout other courses in vet school. So the idea that we know nothing about the subject is simply ridiculous. However, it is fair to acknowledge that most veterinarians are not “experts” in nutrition, if by this one means they have extensive specialized training in the subject. The real “experts” in this area are board-certified veterinary nutritionists, individuals who have advanced residency training in nutrition and have passed the board certification exam of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.”
Excerpt from: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2012/07/what-do-veterinarians-know-about-nutrition/

PS: I would listen to a vet that has examined my pet before taking advice from well-meaning strangers on the internet.

[anonymously]

Environmental allergies wax and wane, they get worse with age.

Tried raw diets and bones, ended up at the emergency vet x2 ($)
No thank you. To each his own.

PS: I am sure there is a veterinary dermatologist closer to you. Just ask your current vet for a referral……or maybe she can suggest treatment for the Canine Atopic Dermatitis your dog appear to be suffering from (based on your description of symptoms)

[anonymously]

If the symptoms have been going on for more than 1 year/4 seasons and have not responded in a significant way to treatment by a veterinarian. Consider making an appointment with a dermatologist.

This subject comes at least once a week. People are reluctant to go to a specialist because they are concerned about the cost, and yet they end up spending much more going back and forth to the regular vet and trying all kinds of gobbledygook remedies.

Environmental allergies.
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”.

Mail-in hair and saliva tests do not test for allergies and tend to be inaccurate. Food sensitivities fluctuate. Food allergies are rare.

Also:http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=allergies

[anonymously]

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=raw+diet

More Nonsense from Holistic Vets about Commercial Therapeutic Diets

Regarding the allergies, consider seeing a veterinary dermatologist:

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.

[anonymously]

I don’t doubt that over-vaccination is real. After puppyhood, I give nothing but the rabies as required by law, if I could avoid that too, I would after the initial 1st shot and booster.
Also, I will avoid giving the rabies vaccine to a senior or a dog with a medical condition.
Some states will consider a medical waiver, as your dog probably has, or a titer.

I hope you get some answers, by the way, SkeptVet is a real vet and tends to answer most questions even if it’s an old article. Maybe he could offer some insight?
I lost a dog to hemangiosarcoma a few years ago (no treatment options) and she had minimal vaccinations. I’ve never gotten a straight answer as to what causes this except there tends to be a genetic link and it tends to appear between ages 8-10.

[anonymously]

Sorry, but I am glad your dog is stable at present, what does the specialist advise?
Found some information here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=Immune+Mediated+Thrombocytopenia+

[anonymously]

In my opinion, it depends on the dog.
I know my poodle mix doesn’t tolerate changes well, so she gets Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea as a base, sometimes I get a small bag of Nutrisca Chicken for in between.
My terrier does well on the Nutrisca (fish or chicken) but he also likes Orijen, so I alternate for him. The poodle doesn’t like Orijen, I think it’s too rich for her, she tends to vomit when I change her diet, so I stick with Nutrisca for her.
However, I change the toppers frequently.

[anonymously]

Daily brushing, once a day after the evening meal can help big time. However, often there is a genetic component so they end up needing extractions at a young age.
My peke had most of his teeth extracted at the age of 5 despite daily brushing, he is 16 now and still loves to eat.
I presoak his kibble in water overnight in the fridg and add some chopped up cooked lean meat/chicken, scrambled egg, something to it.
They adjust just fine, continue daily brushing.
I like Petrodex 6.2 oz tube from chewy.com and a medium adult brush. My younger dog lets me use a battery operated electric toothbrush on him, less work for me.
No matter what you do, most dogs will need at least one or two professional cleanings per lifetime.
Oh, and those additives and chews don’t do much, if anything, they are breath fresheners at best.
I have an 8 year old that has not required a cleaning yet.
PS: You have to brush the back and sides/inside area that’s where the tartar tends to build up. See YouTube for “how to” videos.

[anonymously]

Nutrisca has small kibble, check chewy.com reviews. I presoak my senior’s kibble overnight in the fridg, using water or plain homemade chicken broth. Some of these seniors don’t drink enough H20.

[anonymously]

I give the heartworm pill every 5-6 weeks from April-December (frozen ground).
Years ago we didn’t give any of this stuff, but things are different now.
I’m near Boston.

Thanks, the dog I lost from complications of Lyme wasn’t diagnosed soon enough, she developed kidney damage. Now they do routine testing for Lyme when they check for heartworm annually.

[anonymously]

I hope you will go back to your vet and see what he advises. There is a lot of inaccurate information on the internet.
There is nothing wrong with prescription dog food, it has helped many dogs. Ask the vet if you can add a bite of something tasty to it.

More Nonsense from Holistic Vets about Commercial Therapeutic Diets

[anonymously]

More dogs are being diagnosed heartworm positive, one theory is that it is because of all the shelter dogs that are being sent here from down south, sometimes they don’t test positive at first, takes a few months to kick in. In the meantime, the mosquitos that bite heartworm positive dogs then bite your dog infect them. In other words, these dogs are carriers.

So, the heartworm pills help, especially if you give them as often as your vet recommends (depends on the geographical area you are in)

I am in the New England area and I have had to revaluate how often I give preventives.

I lost a dog to complications from Lyme, and imo what I saw her go through was worse than any side effects that potentially could be caused by these medications.

[anonymously]

You have to be extra careful with seniors (age 7 and above) regarding flea/tick control, vaccinations.

Maybe try a topical or a tick collar, minimal vaccinations (if any). If you can, keep them out of woods and tall grass. Bathe frequently, groom and check nightly for ticks, continue heartworm testing/preventive according to how your vet advises for your specific pet.

[anonymously]

My dog likes Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea, the Nutrisca Chicken is good too.
Check Chewy.com, read the reviews.

[anonymously]

“but their dog has oxalate crystals, not struvite”
Where did you see that?
Anyway, only a veterinarian that has examined the dog and reviewed it’s history can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
PS: Dogs can have more than one type of stone at the same time, and don’t underestimate the genetic factor.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 8 months ago by anonymously.

[anonymously]

Did you check the search engine here /forums/search/struvite/
Water, water, and more water.
Frequent bathroom breaks. Otherwise, consult a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist.
The food can only do so much, most supplements are crap.
The PH strips are a joke, go to your vet every 3 months to check (urine sample).
Even with dietary changes, a change in the PH won’t show up for a month or two (this is what my vet told me).
Also, walk the dog more, get the extra weight off. Two meals a day, measured amounts, no snacks. No free feeding. If need be, 3 small meals per day.

PS: Nothing wrong with prescription dog food. http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2016/07/more-nonsense-from-holistic-vets-about-commercial-therapeutic-diets/

[anonymously]

I have gotten away from canned food, I prefer chopped up cooked lean meat, chicken, scrambled egg or a bite of canned tuna added to a quality kibble with water added.
That’s what’s working for my pack.
I am boiling a chicken right now, messy and time consuming, but the broth and chicken can be frozen (small servings in baggies) so it is cost effective.
Make sure you defat the broth before serving/freezing, and discard most of the chicken meat due to the small hidden bones.

[anonymously]

Some information here: https://www.heartwormsociety.org/

[anonymously]

I would do the heartworm treatment, I just spoke to an acquaintance a few days ago who is going through this with his 2 year old lab mix he adopted from a shelter down south.
It didn’t show up till he had the dog for several months. Things are going well, he says the dog seems tired and is drinking a lot of water but okay otherwise. The dog is about half way through treatment. The vet feels he is out of the woods at this point. I know he had to stay overnight at the animal hospital for a few nights to be monitored.

If it was my dog I would be afraid not to do it, you are lucky the shelter will pay for it.
I would get it done as soon as possible. Sure there are risks, but if you don’t do it she could suffer….

I would be very leery of any slow or so called natural cures.
Some information here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=heartworm

PS: Unless things have changed, it’s a standard protocol (as you described)
I hope things go smoothly for her. It’s very kind of you to give her a home.

[anonymously]

You are welcome. Try not to worry if they skip a meal or two. I would feed twice a day and pick up anything they don’t eat after 10-20 minutes and put it in the fridg, offer at the next meal time.
As long as they have fresh water available and are drinking they will be fine, I would not be concerned unless they don’t eat solid food for 72 hours. They will eat when they are hungry.
It’s not mean, and remember you do want to get that extra weight off.

[anonymously]

I am assuming medical issues have been ruled out for the weight gain, senior workup etc. Check with your vet before making any drastic changes to the diet.
Best of luck

[anonymously]

Have you tried the search engine here?

Also, some science-based information about raw included in this blog:
More Nonsense from Holistic Vets about Commercial Therapeutic Diets
Posted on July 20, 2016 by skeptvet http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2016/07/more-nonsense-from-holistic-vets-about-commercial-therapeutic-diets/

If you are interested….

[anonymously]

Cut the amount of food you are feeding in half, divide into 3 or 4 small meals a day, do not free feed. Nothing wrong with a small amount of cooked lean meat being added to the kibble instead of canned. Add water to the meals, most dogs do not drink enough water.
Walk at least 3 times a day, even if it is only around the block and in slow motion.

If you can afford aqua therapy/swimming/rehab look into that. Consider seeing a specialist (Veterinary Internal Medicine).

Most supplements are a scam, don’t waste your money. Plus they can cause harm.

Rimadyl is a very effective pain med for dogs, however it often causes side effects such as GI disturbances after they have been on it for a while. A lot of dogs can’t tolerate it. So if your dog develops loose stools…..

Below is an excerpt from a letter my vet sent out to all clients that have dogs on Tramadol. (5/2016):
“Tramadol is no longer recommended as a pain med for dogs. Current research and studies now indicate that Tramadol as a pain management medication has little if any therapeutic value.”
“As a result, …… Animal Medical Center will no longer be prescribing Tramadol for pain management. We recommend alternative therapies including gabapentin, acupuncture,and rehabilitation”. With that said if, if you feel that tramadol has been beneficial to your pet and wish to continue it, we will refill the medication.”
“We pride ourselves on keeping our clients aware and informed of any changes in the veterinary science which is why we are informing you of the most current information regarding Tramadol.”

Science-based Veterinary Medicine information at this site: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/

PS: These are just my opinions based on experience, I am not a veterinarian.

[anonymously]

I have not owned a cat in a long time due to allergies. However, I have helped friends with feral and unadoptable cats. They don’t always adjust very well to changes or being kept indoors if they have had their freedom. So, I guess I agree with your vet.

Often the best solution, in my experience, is to find an indoor/outdoor sanctuary that accepts cats, make a donation and try to get them in, unfortunately often these places are filled beyond capacity.

Example, if you could find a place like this in your area: http://www.winslowfarm.com/index.html
http://www.winslowfarm.com/cats.html

Hope this helps

[anonymously]

I have found this blog informative regarding vaccinations, even the comments are helpful (imo)

Routine Vaccinations for Dogs & Cats: Trying to Make Evidence-based Decisions

Also, some science-based information about raw included in this blog:
More Nonsense from Holistic Vets about Commercial Therapeutic Diets
Posted on July 20, 2016 by skeptvet http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2016/07/more-nonsense-from-holistic-vets-about-commercial-therapeutic-diets/

If you are interested….

[anonymously]

Not always. Genetics play a greater role. The best predictor would be to look at the parents.
However, regarding dogs, it is not always possible to get accurate information.

For example, cancer and allergies often have strong genetic links among specific breeds.

[anonymously]

Because, many health disorders are genetic. We all know people that eat at McDonalds every day, smoke and drink alcohol, and yet they live till age 90.
Others run every day, are on a healthy diet, stay fit, abstain from bad habits and drop dead before age 50.
No guarantees. Of course it makes sense to go with a quality food within one’s budget…but that doesn’t prevent bad stuff from happening.

PS: Regarding “Tasty dog food for a very fussy dog” just put a spoonful of homemade chicken broth (boiled chicken with nothing added) on the kibble, defatted, debone the chicken and serve later but discard most of it because of the tiny bones. You can freeze servings in individual baggies.

[anonymously]

I don’t know what the correct amount of kibble/food for your puppy would be.
However, I can tell you that the amounts recommended on the dog food bags tend to be too much.
I am more familiar with smaller dogs, for example I have a 20 pound adult dog that gets 1/4 cup of quality kibble mixed with about 1/4 cup (or less) of cooked lean meat, chicken, scrambled egg twice a day, maybe a bite of cooked chicken breast mid-day as a snack.
Funny thing though, my 10 pound dog eats almost the same amount.
Both are moderately active and fit.

As puppies I fed them 3 small meals per day till they were about 6-7 months old.
Puppies will overeat if you let them, I don’t free feed. Don’t forget, add a little water to meals. A lot of dogs don’t drink enough water. Frequent bathroom breaks, every 2 hours if possible to aid with housebreaking.
Hope this helps.

[anonymously]

The question the op posted was regarding loose stools, the poster also implied that the dog was under the care of a veterinarian and the dog’s condition had not improved to his satisfaction. It was not clear if medical issues were ruled out or what might be causing the loose stools in the first place, other than dog food.

Regarding raw food:
ER visit #1 and #2 GI distress and blockage, due to gnawed/finely ground up bone turning into cement-like substance in stomach and colon. Dog was in pain and distress and unable to have a bowel movement without crying. Dog had to be followed for a few days to make sure the cement moved otherwise surgery would have been necessary.
Vet visit for broken tooth (not a clean break) causing pain after gnawing on a “raw meaty bone” Extraction needed.
Other problems associated with raw food with dogs in my care: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
In general, GI disturbance.
So, it’s not something I’ll try again. I have other concerns also, I prefer food to be cooked.
Especially meat, chicken, egg, fish, for obvious reasons.
Since brushing their teeth daily very rarely have they needed professional dental cleanings, so I don’t believe that bones are necessary. I find other things they can chew on, like playing ball to exercise the jaw.

[anonymously]

Cow ears would be processed the same way that pigs ears are.

Maybe this article will help: http://www.embracepetinsurance.com/blog/harmful-side-animal-sourced-dog-chews excerpt below, click on link to view full article.

•Cow hooves and pigs ears are what the name implies.
•Marrow bones are from the long bones of cows and pigs.
•Rawhides are the skin of cows.
•Antlers come from either deer or elk.
•So what do you think bully sticks are? Think about this one. Give up? They are bull penises! Hmm.

There are some dangers with all of these items. All of these have the potential and can cause intestinal obstructions, but equally important are the dangers that come from the way these are processed. They are first soaked for hours in a caustic lye solution to digest the undesirables off the skin and then to remove the lye the skin is then soaked in bleach solution. Sounds yummy. Many of the rawhides come from China where they have been known to use arsenic compounds to preserve them.

There is no regulation of rawhides or pigs ears. You really have no idea where these come from.

[anonymously]

We can agree to disagree, after all, we are just voicing opinions. There is nothing to debate.
Any pet owner with serious issues should consult a veterinarian, I assume most people know that.

I used to avoid vets too. I learned the hard way this was not a good idea.

I listened to folks pushing raw diets and such (internet forums) in the past only to end up at the emergency vet $

I now take my advice regarding treatment/diet issues from a vet that has examined my dog.
Every pet is unique, but I share information if I think it will be helpful, short of giving medical advice.

[anonymously]

I don’t agree with this comment “Vets get very little nutritional education.”
Also, if the vet has been no help, why not seek the services of another vet.
Keep trying till you find one that you like and trust.
If you don’t see improvement in your dog’s condition within a reasonable amount of time, consider consulting a board-certified Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist….it might be cost effective in the long run.

Below is an excerpt from:”More Nonsense from Holistic Vets about Commercial Therapeutic Diets”
Posted on July 20, 2016 by skeptvet
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/ click on link to find the complete article

“2.Vets know nothing about nutrition-”

“This is particularly hypocritical given that the claims made about the evils of commercial food and the virtues of alternative diets are generally made by—yup vets!— and these folks have no more training or expertise than the rest of us. In fact, the most reliable source of expertise on pet food are board-certified veterinary nutritionists, veterinarians with extensive training in nutrition. However, their claims are casually dismissed with innuendos or accusations about financial bias by vets who themselves make their living selling the stuff they advocate for.”

[anonymously]

You may find some helpful information here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/
See: “More Nonsense from Holistic Vets about Commercial Therapeutic Diets”
Posted on July 20, 2016 by skeptvet

PS: Canine environmental allergies get worse with age, consider consulting a board certified veterinary dermatologist regarding “skin problems”.
/forums/search/allergies/

Also, has he had a senior workup, labs, etc? If not, I would start there.

[anonymously]

What type of allergies? If the dog has environmental allergies, the food would not make a difference, unless the dog has a sensitive stomach.

Have you checked the search engine here? /forums/search/allergies/

Once my dogs environmental allergies were under control, she now tolerates a variety of foods, she has no food allergies. In fact, I never had her tested for food allergies/sensitivities as the dermatologist said it wasn’t necessary.
She does well on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea

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”.

Mail-in hair and saliva tests do not test for allergies and tend to be inaccurate. Food sensitivities fluctuate. Food allergies are rare.

[anonymously]

Once my dogs environmental allergies were under control, she now tolerates a variety of foods, she has no food allergies. In fact, I never had her tested for food allergies/sensitivities as the dermatologist said it wasn’t necessary.
She does well on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea

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”.

Mail-in hair and saliva tests do not test for allergies and tend to be inaccurate. Food sensitivities fluctuate. Food allergies are rare.

[anonymously]

I would make an appointment with a Board Certified Veterinary Dermatologist asap.

Have you checked the search engine here? Example, from on of my previous posts on the subject:

I believe most supplements and “natural” remedies are a scam. I tried various things…nothing worked. Do you really think I wanted to go to a specialist? I am glad I did, as nothing else worked for my dog.

BTW: ASIT (allergen specific immunotherapy) is the most natural treatment available for environmental allergies. No drugs involved. Of course steroids and antihistamine medications and frequent bathing with Malaseb (sometimes twice a week for my dog, even now) may be necessary from time to time to stop the suffering until the ASIT takes effect.
There is no cure for environmental allergies, it requires lifetime treatment. Fortunately there are effective treatments available.

I hope these articles help:
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=allergies

PS: I would not put anything topically on the dog unless prescribed by a veterinarian that has examined her/him, it could make things worse. We ended up at the emergency vet after I applied witch hazel to a rash.
Do not give over the counter meds to a dog unless approved by a veterinarian that has examined the dog.

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.

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