[anonymously]

Sometimes it takes another opinion to find the problem, I took my little dog to the emergency vet for pain issues on a Sunday and they all thought it had to do with her stomach , GI issues.
I declined the extensive testing they wanted to do (she had labs and a physical a few months prior) and took her to my regular vet the following day. He thinks she hurt her back jumping in and out of the car, pain meds and rest for a few days. She’s back to normal.
She has always had a sensitive stomach and does well on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea dry with a topper and water added.

Also, her issues could be stress related.

PS: Those shelter exams for dogs even though they are done by a veterinarian are minimal, they simply don’t have the budget to do an extensive exam and testing.

[anonymously]

Has she had a complete physical exam? Sometimes pain can manifest itself as anxiety. Dachshunds are notorious for back problems. If the dog has tweaked it’s back, they are reluctant to squat in order to defecate because it is painful to do so….so it may present as constipation.

I would rule out back/spinal issues, medical issues first. A good veterinarian will know what to look for.

Regarding soft food, all you have to do is presoak the kibble overnight in the fridg and it becomes soft food.

PS: I would stop adding supplements and yogurt, etc. Maybe your vet can recommend a prescription diet.

[anonymously]

This article is slightly off topic, however prescription dog foods are discussed.

“More Nonsense from Holistic Vets about Commercial Therapeutic Diets”

Posted on July 20, 2016 by skeptvet
“One of the subjects that holistic vets and other advocates of alternative practices get really passionate about is the evils of commercial and conventional diets. They promote a laundry list of myths about pet food, many of which I’ve addressed before:”

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

[anonymously]

Some dogs have a genetic predisposition to develop calcium oxalate bladder stones.

“Foods that are high in oxalates usually include plant-based products, such as vegetables, advises Dr. Ron Hines of 2ndChance.info. Avoid feeding Fido foods high in oxalates if your dog has been diagnosed with calcium oxalate stones in the past because they can contribute to their formation.
These include beets, carrots, celery, kale, okra, spinach and collard greens, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Organ meats like liver and sardines are also high in oxalates, as are foods that are naturally dangerous to dogs like chocolate, nuts and grapes. Other high-oxalate ingredients include corn and soy, along with the ingredients derived from them, according to Dr. Hines.”
Above is an excerpt from: http://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/foods-cause-oxalate-stones-6238.html

[anonymously]

Have you checked the search engine here? /forums/search/bladder+stones/

I imagine your dog will have to be on a special diet for the rest of his life, I would go by whatever food your vet is recommending. I have used the Royal Canin SO in the past with good results.

Increasing water intake helps with all types of bladder stones, frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate. Keep the bladder flushed. Stagnant conditions in the bladder are conducive to stone formation.

Maybe 3 small meals per day with water added, they just lap it up to get to the food. In fact, I would also pre-soak the kibble overnight in the fridg.
Increase activity, walks, reduce weight (if overweight).

For stubborn cases like your dogs, there are prescription medications the vet may recommend. I might consider consulting a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist.

[anonymously]

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

[anonymously]

Chewy.com has some Kong treats https://www.chewy.com/s?query=treats+kongs&nav-submit-button=

Hope this helps.

[anonymously]

“Kong stuffing cheese in a can type treat”

Cheese of any type is not recommended for dogs. What you describe sounds like chemical crap.
You may want to revaluate your dog treat choices, imo.

[anonymously]

If you reread my post you will see that is not what I said at all. No biggie, we all misinterpret things from time to time. Hope this helps.

From the link to my post that you referenced: /forums/topic/food-for-dog-with-silica-stones/#post-83704
“Check out Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea at Chewy.com”
“My dog has a history of struvite and calcium oxalate stones and does well on it, no reoccurrence in bladder stones in almost 5 years now. I add water and offer frequent bathroom breaks/opportunities to urinate. Keep the bladder flushed”

“I have also used prescription food recommended by the vet with good results”.

PS: I think we are all offering opinions, no one is here in a professional capacity. I see a lot of opinions I don’t agree with, but, I don’t say a word. Unless I think the advice may cause harm…but even then, I try not to respond, as I assume the pet owner will consult a professional for any serious issues.

[anonymously]

I would go by whatever prescription food your vet recommends, I would get the vet’s approval for anything otherwise.

http://www.vetbook.org/wiki/dog/index.php/Silica_uroliths

Silica is a rare urolith which may cause urolithiasis and cystitis.

The role of diet in spontaneously occurring silica urolithiasis has not been determined, although plants are often an abundant source of silica.

These uroliths have been reported in many breeds, mainly purebred dogs[1].

Urolithiasis in middle-aged male dogs is the most common presenting problem[2]. The stones are usually multiple and develop in the bladder and urethra. Silica uroliths are radio-opaque. They frequently, but not always, have a characteristic ‘jack-stone’ appearance.

Identification requires spectrographic analysis and cannot be made with kits for qualitative stone analysis.

When present, urinary tract infections should be eliminated. Diets high in plant proteins should be avoided.

[anonymously]

“Get him to the vet and get XRAYS”
Yes, I agree. My dog had frequent utis, they responded to the antibiotics but kept coming back. They were being caused by stones. He ended up at the emergency vet, x-rays/ultrasounds revealed stones and he had emergency surgery as this can be a life threatening condition.

I would not skip the x-rays if your vet recommends them.

[anonymously]

It may just be age related. Blood work and a urinalysis will show if anything else is going on that would require treatment.
The thing is, you have noticed a change in her usual elimination habits, so it is best to rule out a medical cause and go from there.
Maybe offer her more frequent bathroom breaks, if possible. If she has crystals or a uti they tend to eliminate several times, cause the bladder is irritated and they feel like it’s not totally emptied despite urinating several times. Or it could just be her pattern….
Best of luck.
PS: Although they can “hold it” for hours, it’s not always good, as stagnant conditions in the bladder can lead to problems, especially as the dog gets older.
Make sure she is drinking enough water, add a little to her meals if you are not sure, at least a splash.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 9 months ago by anonymously.

[anonymously]

Hi, Marika M

At the age of 8 your dog is due for a senior workup, a physical, lab work and whatever else your veterinarian determines is necessary.

No one on the internet, no matter how much they consult Dr Google can tell you what is wrong with your dog or advise you accordingly.

Only a veterinarian that has examined your dog and reviewed it’s history can diagnose and give you an educated guess as to how to proceed with the care of your dog.

If I were you, I would select a veterinarian close to home and make an appointment, today.
All of the maladies you mentioned are possible, all require the care and treatment prescribed by a veterinarian.

Please try to listen….I have learned these things the hard way.

PS: Obtain a urine sample if you can, use a clean empty prescription pill bottle….sounds like it could be crystals. If you can’t, don’t worry about it. The vet can strait cath, it only takes a second and does not hurt the dog. It actually provides a more sterile sample.

[anonymously]

Maybe it was slightly off topic, but, I responded to a specific poster, I provided a link to an article that provided Science-based Veterinary Medicine. I believe someone reading this forum may find the information it contains helpful. If not, ignore it.

[anonymously]

PS: I do agree with waiting till dogs are about 9 months old before spay/neuter, if possible.

[anonymously]

I have owned dogs for decades too, neutered and intact. In my experience an intact male dog exposed to a female dog in heat will become frustrated and very uncomfortable. Sometimes aggressive.

The dog I mentioned above was 4 years old and neutered shortly after the event. The vet wondered if the kennel had used the dog for breeding (without my consent) to cause such a reaction.
The dog was a Yorkie and positive for cryptorchidism.

[anonymously]

Put an unaltered male dog in a kennel (boarding facility) for a few days. When you pick them up and they are covered in dried up sticky semen, what do you think caused this?

Yes, it is a personal choice as to how you take care of your pet….but
I suppose if you pay extra for the beauty bath and ignore the panting and air humping when you get them home, all is well.

[anonymously]

Just talked to an acquaintance this morning at the laundromat. His dog that he adopted from one of those shelters down south is heartworm positive. Didn’t show up till he had the dog for over a year. I am glad he is going with the standard protocol (3 step treatment).

This is nothing to mess with, kill those heartworms. Quick and clean. Get rid of them!

[anonymously]

Oh, I get it. but, once you make it to 2-3 years old and you listen to the homeopathic vets, all common sense goes out the window.

That is why the shelters/rescues lean on the side of safety and spay/neuter prior to adoption.
Have you ever witnessed a female under the age of 2 go through a pseudo pregnancy?
I have, and it is not pretty. Have you ever witnessed a male dog ejaculate nonstop for over 72 hours nonstop and collapse from exhaustion ( they won’t stop to eat or drink water) because they smelled a female dog in heat within a 5 mile radius? I have, and again. it’s not pretty. It’s inhumane to allow this to go on without intervening (imo).

If a pet owner is concerned about these things, why not find a veterinarian that you like and trust and go by his recommendations?
BTW: Orijen is a good food but it is fattening, my dog with a sensitive stomach can’t tolerate it (vomits). She does well on Nutrisca. Check chewy.com.

[anonymously]

Re: Neutering, in today’s Boston Herald

Dear Dr. John,

In the last month, my 10-year-old Akita has developed two growths on his anal area. They have started to bleed, and they cause him to drag his behind on the ground. My veterinarian has suggested they be removed and that my dog get neutered because the growths are affected by hormones. My dog has been healthy other than a little arthritis and some bad teeth. What would you suggest? I hate the thought of neutering him at such an old age. Do you think I should also get his teeth cleaned at the same time, or would that be too much for him?

One of the benefits of neutering male dogs when they are younger is the prevention of perianal masses, which are usually benign but can progress to malignant masses. Your veterinarian was correct in advising you to neuter the dog. These growths are responsive to levels of testosterone produced by the testicles. Sometimes, if the masses are much smaller, one might try to neuter the dog first without surgically removing the growths to avoid compromising the integrity of the anal sphincter, but since they are causing the dog discomfort, removal is often done at the same time. Do be sure to also have the growth biopsied to see what you are dealing with.

As for the teeth, I would probably add that on to the procedure since it is better to anesthetize a patient once instead of twice, and since your dog is older, there is added risk due to age. I am sure that pre-surgical blood work will be done to assess risk by specifically looking at liver and kidney values, and if all looks good, go for it. Your dog will be more comfortable, have better breath and probably increase his overall health outlook and lifespan. http://www.bostonherald.com/lifestyle/2016/07/owner_worries_about_neutering_older_dog

[anonymously]

@Circa Rigel

I have a small breed dog that I decided not to neuter (undescended testicle).
That plan backfired as he developed a tumor in his descended testicle at age 11 and had to go through the whole process then and although he had a difficult recovery, he is still around at 2 weeks shy of turning 16.

Some info here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2016/06/selected-effects-of-neutering-in-german-shepherd-dogs/

[anonymously]

“It has been about a month post parvo. My issue is he is now knuckling over or, bowing at the leg on his front”.
“It is so bad he can’t walk very well. It seemed to start healing and then I took him out for a long walk and it worsened. Should I just keep him on bed rest? I thought exercise would help”.

I would call the vet that treated him for parvo and see what he recommends. Some of his issues may not be related to his diet.
If fact, depending on the severity of his symptoms, and if the regular vet can’t fit you in today, I might head over to the emergency vet for some testing and a diagnosis (today).
Puppies are vulnerable to dehydration.

PS: It can take up to 2 weeks to see an improvement after a food change.

[anonymously]

I would advise the client to go to a specialist/dermatologist, I would focus on getting the environmental allergies under control first.

Food allergies are rare, but, a specialist who has examined the dog would be the best person to advise as how to proceed.

[anonymously]

Who identified these allergies? Sounds rather unusual.

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

[anonymously]

How do you know there are better solutions? Do you really think you are going to get better advice on the internet (for free) from strangers who may or may not have a medical background and have not examined your dog, than from a veterinarian that has examined your dog. Good luck

[anonymously]

First, has the dog had a senior workup? Exam and lab work. If not, I would start there.
Supplements are not medication. I would find a veterinarian that you trust and that your dog likes, and go by his recommendations.

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=glucosamine
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/herbs-and-supplements/

“The internet is no substitute for talking with a vet who knows you and your pets about their specific needs.” copied from a response to a question: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2016/07/things-holistic-vets-say-about-cancer-that-should-make-pet-owners-run-the-other-way/comment-page-1/#comment-119501

PS: It doesn’t hurt to go with a higher quality food, however, some of the better foods are higher in calories, so, if you have a senior inactive dog, that is something to keep in mind.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 9 months ago by anonymously.

[anonymously]

Most box and can chicken broths are loaded with MSG or a very similar ingredient (even the unsalted), it is disguised under a variety of different names.

I prefer to boil a small chicken once a month or so, debone, defat, freeze individual chicken portions and broth servings.
It’s a lot of work but cost effective and I don’t have to worry about junk chemicals.

PS: If you must use the box stuff, check the natural food section of your market for organic brands……….however, they will cost more.

[anonymously]

Thought provoking article.
“Anti-Medicine Vets: Should Rejection of Scientific Medicine Disqualify One from Practicing as a Licensed Veterinarian?” Posted on July 11, 2016 by skeptvet
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/

[anonymously]

I wouldn’t bother with those additives that are supposed to help, I have heard that not only are they ineffective but a poster on another forum reported that her dog developed struvite crystals/urinary tract infections after using one of these products.

[anonymously]

I use an old ear cleaner dispenser bottle and mix 1/2 witch hazel with 1/2 organic apple cider vinegar or water. I apply 1 or 2 drops per ear, I use a Q-tip to gently swab. Just once or twice till the Q-tip looks clean. The vets will advise you not to use a Q-tip as you could cause damage if you do it wrong, they will suggest cotton balls instead. Store leftover in fridg and discard after a few weeks and mix fresh.

This is only for routine weekly cleaning, not intended to treat infection. I would go by what your vet recommends if there is chronic infection. Prescription drops are needed to treat infection and inflammation. Usually antibiotic and steroidal (in my experience)

I would ask your vet what over the counter ear drops he recommends if prescription drops are not necessary. I would not use anything unless the vet approves, sometimes you can make things worse.

[anonymously]

I do a gentle ear cleaning with a mild solution once a week, that seems to help.

PS: I might try to avoid vaccinations for a dog that has a medical condition, especially if they are a senior.

[anonymously]

Addendum: It must have been a severe ear infection for what you described to have happened.
I have used prescription ear drops (Tresaderm) on my dog for ear infection X 2 with good results and without any adverse effects.
The dog has not had an ear infection since starting ASIT 4 years ago.

[anonymously]

The over the counter stuff (Benadryl, Claritin) has a minimal effect (if any).
Obviously your dog’s condition is more serious, so the vet has to go with a prescription drug like Apoquel, some dogs do well on it, but long term I might be concerned about side effects, the same thing with steroids.
Without testing and identification of the allergens by a dermatologist, a veterinarian has no choice but to try band aid treatments to stop the symptoms in an attempt to keep the dog comfortable.

I would ask the vet for a referral to a specialist in your area.

[anonymously]

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.

I hope these articles help:
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/herbs-and-supplements/
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=allergies
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=probiotics

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.

[anonymously]

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]

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.

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

[anonymously]

I lost a dog to hemangiosarcoma a few years ago, by the time the dog had any symptoms it was too late. A veterinarian told me the only way to possibly find some of these rare conditions would be to have x-rays, ultrasounds and bloodwork done at routine appointments. This is not recommended for a dog that appears to be healthy and has no symptoms, obviously, due to the cost.
Plus, sometimes these things just happen without any warning. Don’t underestimate genetic factors, my dog had a good diet, exercise and was fit.

Sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself. Remember, your other dogs need you now.

[anonymously]

Okay, then. If possible increase activity/walks. Don’t free feed, measured amounts twice a day. Maybe decrease amount…. or 3 small meals a day, sometimes seniors do better with that.

[anonymously]

Has he had a senior workup (labs, exam) to rule out medical causes for the sudden weight gain. If not, I would consider that first and schedule a visit to the vet.

[anonymously]

You may find something helpful here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=allergies

[anonymously]

The natural stuff won’t kill the dust mite
“A common environmental allergen is the household dust mite, also known as Cockroach, American and Tyropagus putrecentiae. And, no, you don’t have to have cockroaches in your home. These microscopic particles are everywhere, airborne and on the skin of all living things…including you! Constantly being shed all year round”.

Malaseb shampoo will help, especially if you follow directions and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. It is very gentle, not drying.

I found Malaseb helpful in conjunction with other treatments recommended by my dog’s dermatologist, alone it would only help a little bit.
It is best to consult a specialist.

[anonymously]

“It sounds like environmental allergies, I went through this with my dog and did not have good results till I took her to a dermatologist. Wasted a year going back and forth to the regular vet. Tried all kinds of diets, nothing helped”.
” She is stable now x 4 years, we see the specialist once a year. They can still have occasional flare-ups even with successful treatment, and it can take up to a year to see results, however I saw improvement right away”.

Regarding the cost, I gave up cable and eating out, more than covered it.

[anonymously]

Make an appointment with a specialist/dermatologist ASAP.

Please check the search engine here, 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.
/forums/search/allergies/

[anonymously]

Simply Nourish Salmon and Sweet Potato Limited Ingredients may have even less calories
Caloric Content: (calculated): 3,480 kcal/kg ME

[anonymously]

Just do some comparisons, and see what you think will work. Example:

Pet Wants Whitefish & Duck Grain-Free Dog Formula
Crude Protein, min – 30.0%
Crude Fat, min – 16.0%
Crude Fiber, max – 4.5%
Moisture, max – 10.0%
* Omega 6 (Linoleic Acid), min – 2.5%
* Omega 3 (Linolenic Acid), min – 0.53%
* Glucosamine, min – 800 ppm
* Chondroitin, min – 400 ppm
* Not recognized as an essential nutrient by AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles.
Calorie Count: 437 kcal/cup

Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea, check at chewy.com
Crude Protein (min) 30.0%
•Crude Fat (min) 16.0%
•Crude Fiber (max) 6.0%
•Moisture (max) 10.0%
•Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)* (min) 0.05%
•Vitamin A (min) 5,000 IU/kg
•Vitamin E (min) 100 IU/kg
•Omega 6 Fatty Acids* (min) 2.5%
•Omega 3 Fatty Acids* (min) 0.5%
*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.
Calorie Content – Kcal/kg ME (calculated) 3,680 – Kcal/cup ME (calculated) 390

[anonymously]

Regarding kibble size:
Orijen is big, Nutrisca is small, Fromm is medium sized. They are all quality brands (imo)Check reviews on chewy.com

[anonymously]

Dogs bowel habits differ, just like people. I have one small dog that has 3-4 small bowel movements per day, regardless of what she is fed. She is not overfed. It is what it is.

Usually 2 bowel movements per day is the norm, I did have one small breed that just went once a day and that was normal for him.

[anonymously]

Orijen. Check chewy.com for reviews. Or, Nutrisca for a limited ingredient food…I actually mix the two for one of my dogs, with good results.
Don’t free feed, feed twice a day, measured amounts. Pick up and store in the fridg if not eaten within 10 minutes and offer at the next mealtime.

Are you sure you are not overfeeding? Try smaller amounts. Sometimes, less is more.
Add a splash of water to the kibble. Most dogs don’t drink enough water.

[anonymously]

Do not free feed. Feed twice a day. Pick up anything not eaten within 10 minutes, store in the fridg and offer at the next mealtime.
The guidelines on the dog food packages regarding amounts are usually too much. Add a splash of water to the kibble, especially if your dog isn’t a water drinker.

I might try a limited ingredient food, such as Nutrisca, check chewy.com for reviews.

Are you sure you are not feeding him too much?

[anonymously]

What I meant to say was, consider seeing a dermatologist if the skin condition you described has been going on for 1 year/4 seasons, has not responded to treatment by the veterinarian, shown significant periods of improvement, or is severe.
Hope the dog is feeling better. It is very kind of you to take care of him. Best of luck

[Author]

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