[anonymously]

There are some on-line pharmacies out of the country that may let you purchase heartworm meds without a prescription (laws differ). They not only charge a lot, but it is not recommended to by on-line meds as there is a lot of counterfeit stuff out there, you can’t be sure how it has been stored, expiration dates etc,
If anything goes wrong because of the med, the company will have no liability because you did not purchase it from a veterinarian.
The annual Heartworm Disease/Lyme Disease/Ehrlichiosis/Anaplasmosis test is important, I would not recommend skipping it.

per the search engine here:
/forums/search/heartworm+meds/

PS: I would listen to what your veterinarian recommends.

[anonymously]

In my experience, a veterinary specialist does not do any more testing than is necessary, due to their expertise they are able to zero in on the problem and be selective about what’s important to rule out first.
And, they will explain each test, reasons for it and go over the results with you.
Remember, only a veterinarian that has examined your dog can diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Be leery of homeopathic remedies, such as supplements and over the counter medications.
You could cause more harm.

PS: Mail-in saliva and hair tests tend to be inaccurate and food sensitivities can fluctuate (if you read the fine print they recommend repeating the test from time to time)

[anonymously]

Just another thought, that licking odd things that you describe could be something that is not related to his GI issues or allergies, it might be neurological, who knows…
That is why a thorough evaluation is in order.
You have to get a correct diagnosis first, before you can evaluate your treatment options.

Of course there is concern about overdiagnosis and overtreatment, but your dog is uncomfortable, so, I would go to the best and hope for the best.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 1 month ago by anonymously.

[anonymously]

Of course they will make recommendations or they may refer you to a veterinary nutritionist, they may even work with one.

In the meantime, that Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea I mentioned has no chicken, no grain and the specialist approved of it for my allergy dog, even though I never had her tested for food allergies, he said it wasn’t necessary as food allergies are rare and her allergies appeared to be environmental.

I get my dog food through chewy.com, check them out for prices and delivery, I like the auto ship.

PS: My vet said that the Nutrisca was similar to an elimination diet because of the limited ingredients.

[anonymously]

You mentioned you have a health care insurance plan for your dog. I would ask his veterinarian for a referral to a board-certified Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist, as you have been going back and forth to the vet for years (as described in your previous post) and the dog has not responded to the treatment prescribed by them.

In fact, if it was my dog I would insist upon it, I would speak to someone in a higher position if I had to.
When you have a serious issue that has not been resolved or shown adequate improvement by the regular veterinarian in a reasonable amount of time, I recommend seeing a specialist.

PS: Your vet can fax his records to the specialist…or you could obtain copies, they might be available online, a lot of vets have portals now, like with our medical records.

[anonymously]

I meant to say it is not unusual to see undigested carrots in the dogs feces.

My neighbor’s dog has been diagnosed with acid reflux (occasional) the vet thinks it may be related to seasonal allergies? She gets prn Pepcid from time to time and gentle baths.
The allergies are mild and have not required other treatment, so far.
I give my dog prn Pepcid once in a while if she regurgitates and I think it helps.
Anyway her dog does well on Fromm kibble

[anonymously]

My little poodle mix regurgitates her kibble whenever I try a new kibble or feed her veggies or fruit, so I stopped doing that. She never got diagnosed with acid reflux but I would call it that or a sensitive stomach. She also has environmental allergies but has responded well to treatment by a specialist.

Carrots are hard to digest, they work as a low calorie snack for some dogs, but it is not unusual to see them in the dogs undigested. So, I’m not surprised at what you described. Actually dogs don’t digest raw carrots but if they agree with the dog otherwise, and in small amounts, it doesn’t harm them. Obviously they don’t agree with your dog.

[anonymously]

I would never give a dog apple cider, it’s acid….It gives me heartburn, lol.
I presoak my senior’s kibble in tap water and this seems to work for him as he doesn’t have much left for teeth.

My dog with the sensitive stomach does well on the Nutrisca because it is a limited ingredient food and has small kibble.
I recently tried her on Orijen and she vomited a little up, I suspect because it is larger kibble, higher in calories and has more ingredients. So, back to the Nutrisca for her. My youngest dog likes the Orijen, I may keep him on it (as a base).
I add a splash of water to their meals and a topper.

PS: Ask your vet if Pepcid would be helpful 1/2 hour before a meal once a day.

[anonymously]

What are you feeding him? My dog that has a sensitive stomach does well on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea as a base, no supplements except a fish oil capsule every day.
You could try presoaking the food thereby making it easier to digest.

Has he had a senior workup recently (labs etc)? There could be something else going on…..
I lost a corgi at that age due to an aggressive form of cancer that showed up suddenly without warning.

Some Science-based Veterinary Medicine here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=probiotics
If you are interested.

[anonymously]

The first step would be to get the condition diagnosed by a veterinarian that has examined the dog. You can’t treat something if you don’t know what it is.

In the meantime, if it is not an emergency and you have to wait a day or two for a vet appointment, you should bathe her with a gentle shampoo and see if that helps.

If she has a bright red rash all over her chest area and /or is experiencing significant discomfort, I would consider it an emergency and go to the nearest 24 hour veterinary clinic.

If her regular vet has an answering service that will page the on-call veterinarian, you could try that, they will advise you, maybe they can fit her in for an appointment first thing in the morning.

[anonymously]

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=coconut+oil

I find this site helpful.

[anonymously]

Add water to the food, if you are not doing so already, and frequent bathroom breaks/opportunities to urinate. The old guys are vulnerable to develop bladder stones.

[anonymously]

What foods did your vet recommend? I have two seniors that have been doing well on Nutrisca dry as a base, both recently had senior workups, lab work came back normal.
One of them (peke) will turn 16 next month.

I have recently added Orijen, more for my youngest dog, Orijen has a senior kibble but I haven’t checked it out.

[anonymously]

Soaking kibble (any kibble) makes the food softer and easier to digest, less work for the stomach to do. Kibble tends to swell in the stomach. So this also lowers the risk for bloat to occur and adds moisture to the diet.
I have no problems with any specific dog foods. I am simply sharing my experience as to what has worked for my pets.

[anonymously]

I agree, mention this to your vet (I am assuming medical issues have been ruled out)
But, I am thinking that trying a smaller kibble or pre-soaking and adding some wet food might solve the problem. And eating slower will help, obviously.

Remember, no one is here in a professional capacity, opinions are being offered, not to be confused with medical advice by a veterinary healthcare specialist.

I used to think the supermarket dog foods were okay. I pre-soaked a middle of the road kibble and it turned into mush/sawdust. I presoaked a couple of the more expensive brands that I mentioned in a previous post and they stayed firm, just softened a bit……..solid food.
My veterinarian agrees with me. I don’t think all cheap dog foods are harmful, just, of lesser quality.
That’s why I like to use the kibble as a base and add something.

[anonymously]

/forums/search/Coprophagia/

I have had a dog or two over the years that was a feces eater (coprophagia)

The only thing I found that worked, was to follow them around with a pooper scooper when you think they are due for a bowel movement, scoop and discard immediately, out of sight out of mind. After awhile they stop turning around to look for it. In my experience, it doesn’t matter what you feed them. Sometimes puppies will out grow this nasty habit as they mature. It is what it is. You cannot let these dogs alone with their feces.

Has the vet ruled out medical issues?
http://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/behavior-training/behavior-problems/coprophagia-in-dogs

PS: Do not free feed. Feed at the same time, twice a day and you will be able to predict when the dog will have a BM.
If he doesn’t finish after 10 minutes pick up the food, store in the fridg, and offer at the next mealtime.

Regarding the undigested kibble, is he wolfing down his food? Eating too fast? Get him one of those stainless steel dome bowls that are designed to slow him down, you could find one online, most pet supply stores carry them. Are you mixing with a soft food? Maybe that would help. Or a topper like a little scrambled egg or chopped up cooked lean chicken/meat, ground turkey…mixed in. Then you could just use the kibble as a base and use a little less of it.

You could pre-soak the kibble a little, hard kibble doesn’t clean teeth, brushing the teeth every day does, now would be a good time to start, YouTube has some “how to” videos.
Most dogs don’t drink enough water anyway, so I would add a splash.

Orijen is my current favorite, it does have hard solid kibble and keep in mind it is higher in calories than some other brands. I also like Nutrisca which has smaller kibble, I’ve been mixing them together with good results and may continue to do so.
My neighbor’s dog does well on Fromm, medium sized kibble.

[anonymously]

I would stick with the food that the veterinarian that has examined the dog recommends.
If you can’t afford a Rx diet, I’d recommend consulting a veterinary nutritionist to formulate a home-cooked diet that is appropriate for the pet.
Maybe you could just use the prescription food as a base, 1/2 homemade and 1/2 Rx, see what your vet thinks.

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=prescription+food
Science-based Veterinary Medicine

[anonymously]

I am impressed with Orijen 6 Fish as a base, I am finding I can use less kibble because it is higher in calories and solid.
I mix Nutrisca with it because my dog with allergies has done well on this food. I use the fish and chicken flavors. I may use Orijen for the morning meal and Nutrisca for evenings…or I may just continue to mix them, the Nutrisca has smaller kibble.
My neighbor’s dog does well on Fromm.

[anonymously]

If the dog continues to have urinary tract infections, there may be more to it.
Did the veterinarian suggest an x-ray? That is the only way to tell if there are bladder stones irritating the bladder causing recurrent urinary tract infections.
Also, they can have more than one type of stone and calcium oxalates don’t dissolve.

That’s what happened to my dog, he would be treated with antibiotics be okay for a few months then the infection returned. He ended up at the 24/7 vet, got x-rayed and required emergency surgery 4 years ago.
So, in retrospect I would have had the x-ray done sooner, the antibiotics are just a temporary fix.

Regarding the comments about vets and nutrition, no one is here in a professional capacity. Opinions are being offered, that’s all they are.

By homework if you mean Dr Google, then I would be leery of the information you gather. There is a lot of inaccurate information on the internet. Dogs that have a history of bladder stones should be on a special diet for the rest of their lives.

I lean toward Science-based Veterinary Medicine. http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

[anonymously]

Orijen and Nutrisca for dry food are my favorites, check Chewy.com. For a reasonably priced wet food/topper, check out Newman Organics.
Your dog is a senior and therefore prone to developing bladder stones (breed) so I would soak her kibble in water prior to serving and maybe add a splash of water especially if she is not a water drinker. Make sure she gets out for frequent bathroom breaks/opportunities to urinate.
Also, check her teeth and get a cleaning and extractions if needed. Brush her teeth daily (see YouTube for how to videos)

PS: I just reread your post, if you want to feed only dry, presoak the kibble in water overnight, it will be soft, easy to chew and digest. If the food you are using agrees with her, then stick with it. You can always add a bit of scrambled egg or cooked chopped up lean meat/chicken (no bones)
Has she had a senior workup? Ask the vet that examines her what he recommends.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 1 month ago by anonymously.

[anonymously]

I just started my dogs on Orijen (Canada) as a base and so far I am pleased with the product. I find I can use less kibble because it is solid and higher in calories.
I hope things don’t change.

[anonymously]

Turns out pollen is the most likely culprit in the case of my dog (reverse sneezing) according to the veterinarian that examined him. Other medical issues were ruled out.
Dogs with these type of sensitivities/allergies should probably avoid any unnecessary inhalants.
If a food or environmental substance causes an adverse reaction in any living thing, yes, obviously it would be best to avoid it.

[anonymously]

Who told you he was allergic to chicken? He probably has a food sensitivity, food allergies are rare. Did you discuss this with the veterinarian that is treating him? If the vet advises you to use the food I would do so.

Also, there is a lot of information at this site regarding bladder stones. Per the search engine here: /forums/search/struvite/
/forums/search/bladder+stones/
and allergies: /forums/search/allergies/

See my posts, come back if you have more questions…..

[anonymously]

Have you checked the search engine here for “allergies” This topic comes up at least once a week if not more. The initial testing is expensive (dermatologist) but the maintenance isn’t that bad, I found the treatment AST (allergen-specific immunotherapy) to be effective.
I gave up cable and eating out.

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 no longer recommend any of the natural products. Not only are they ineffective but they can cause harm.
One of my dogs just had what looked like a full blown asthma attack after being sprayed with one of these natural products. He is still doing reverse sneezing 2 days later.

Again, natural does not mean benign.

[anonymously]

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=lipoma
Excerpt: “Treating Canine Lipomas”
“Another article in this issue addresses the treatment of a common benign tumor called a lipoma. These are aggregations of fat which typically occur in middle-aged and older dogs. The exact cause is not known. They are more common in certain breeds and possibly in overweight dogs. Research in humans suggests possible genetic risk factors, but the definitive cause is not known. This, of course, provides an open field for rampant speculation of how to treat and prevent these benign tumors”.

PS: Hope this helps, I find the site mentioned to be very informative and helpful, plus, they are not selling anything!

[anonymously]

http://www.acvim.org/ You may be able to find an Internal Medicine Veterinary Specialist in your area by using this link.

[anonymously]

Science-based information at this site: http://www.vetmed.umn.edu/centers-programs/minnesota-urolith-center/recommendations

[anonymously]

My current favorite foods are Nutrisca or Orijen kibble as a base, I lean toward the fish, and I add a topper. I recommend Chewy.com

[anonymously]

Call the nearest School of Veterinary Medicine near you, or ask your veterinarian for a referral to a specialist.

I have used prescription foods with good results, once the dog is stable I add a bite of cooked lean chicken, scrambled egg, something…..

The food, the water, frequent bathroom breaks, etc are all aids to prevent stones from developing. The real culprit is in their genetic makeup.

[anonymously]

I would not hold off surgery if the vet is recommending it. If you have any doubts, consult a specialist as soon as possible.
I would feed the prescription food and stay away from supplements unless the vet approves. http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

Be careful about taking a “homeopathic” approach to this condition. Natural does not mean benign and some supplements are not only ineffective but can cause harm.

[anonymously]

Also: http://www.2ndchance.info/struvitestones.htm

http://www.2ndchance.info/oxalatedog.htm

Ask the vet to clarify exactly what type of stones she has, they can have more than one type. The above two seem to be the most common.

Consider making an appointment with a Board-certified Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist for management.
With my dog with allergies I found it very helpful to see a specialist, we now only go once a year, she responded to treatment and has been stable x 4 years.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 2 months ago by anonymously.

[anonymously]

Please check the search engine here for “struvite” “bladder stones” or click on my avatar and read my posts on this subject , this topic comes up about once a week.
However, I am not a veterinarian, so please check with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s treatment.
I wouldn’t mess with supplements, keep the diet simple.
There are prescription meds that your vet could subscribe after surgery if her condition is stubborn. I would ask about that.

Example: /forums/search/struvite/

There is NO magic supplement. The trick is to add water to each meal 3-4 small meals per day soaked in water, don’t measure, just fill the small bowl, the dog will lap it up to get to the food.
The dog must be taken out to void (pee) ideally every 2 hours during the day. At bedtime and first thing in the morning. Stagnant conditions in the bladder are conducive to stone formation.
There is nothing wrong with Royal Canin Urinary SO. If you get the dry, soak it in water overnight then add water too. Once the dog is stable, few months to a year, you can talk to your vet about adding something tasty to the prescription food, like cooked chopped up chicken breast or some other lean meat.

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=cranberry

Excerpts from previous posts:

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.

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.

“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”
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.

PS: If he is overweight or inactive, start taking her for daily walks, that helps too.

[anonymously]

Fruits & Vegetables Dogs Can and Can’t Eat
http://www.akc.org/learn/dog-health/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/

Human Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat
http://www.akc.org/learn/dog-health/human-foods-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/

[anonymously]

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=vaccinations

I have found this site very helpful.

[anonymously]

That’s why I mentioned those “puppy shots”, they are vulnerable to parvo/distemper the first year of their lives.

I hope he makes it. Ask the vet, but he may be immune to parvo from now on if he survives this.

Keep the updates coming, I’m sure everyone here will be sending positive thoughts his way.

PS: You can request a copy of the lab work results from the first vet to be faxed to the current vet that is treating your dog, for comparison. I know this isn’t a priority at the moment…

[anonymously]

If you must go homemade at least get a diet approved by a veterinarian. I paid for this diet a while back but I am willing to share. There are some good tips in “General Guidelines”.
It didn’t work for my dogs, they do better with a quality kibble as a base.
I am not sure if this link will work: http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

[anonymously]

Panting, restlessness are often symptoms of pain and/or anxiety in a canine. Best to take him to the vet.
Is he due for a senior workup? Age 7 is a good time to get some lab work and a physical.
If you haven’t been brushing his teeth daily he may very well need a professional cleaning and extractions.
PS: Be careful with those supplements “natural” does not mean benign and some supplements can cause harm.
Some science-based veterinary medicine information here:
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/herbs-and-supplements/

[anonymously]

Orijen Adult Dry Dog Food

This protein packed dog food is formulated to best match the natural needs of your dog.

“The recipe contains well balanced meats, vegetables, and fruits—even deemed fit for human consumption. It is also grain free with limited, specially selected carbohydrates. The Omega 3 fatty acids support a sleek coat and healthy skin. The botanicals were selected by veterinarians to help support the organs, cleanse the body of toxins, and maintain a healthy metabolism. It is also a low sodium dog food with a sodium content listed at 0.3%.”

“The top listed ingredients include boneless chicken, chicken meal, chicken liver, whole herring, and boneless turkey. Some of the other fruits and vegetables include red lentils, green peas, green lentils, cranberries, and blueberries. Customers who purchase Orijen say it may be a bit expensive, but it does not make any compromises when it comes to the health of pets. Many say it is likely the best low sodium dog food out there and reflects the natural, ancestral diet of their pets”.

Above is an excerpt from: https://www.munch.zone/best-low-sodium-dog-food/

Check with your vet, he may suggest a prescription diet.

[anonymously]

Yes, bring a chicken to a boil for a couple of minutes in a big pot, lower heat (way down to lowest setting) simmer covered for 3-4 hours, let cool, put the covered pot in the fridg, skim the fat off 24 hours later, debone the chicken and freeze in small baggies for individual servings. You can use the chicken as a topper for the kibble.
You should have a quart of broth to last a few days.
It’s messy and a bit of work but cost effective.

[anonymously]

I agree with Kim M. Dogs LOVE chicken, maybe boil it (skinless boneless chicken breast), keep the diet bland for now.
How about a bite of broiled chicken liver? I have never seen a dog refuse that.

[anonymously]

You could try a little homemade chicken broth, nothing added (not the store bought crap). He either got into something or picked up a virus. IMO (I am not a vet)
When he is on his feet you may want to consider whatever additional testing your vet recommends. I know, ($) but these things happen and once they stabilize you may get lucky and get a 5 year run with him needing nothing but an annual/routine care/heartworm check etc.

I recommend Nutrisca dry, soaked in water for a dog with a sensitive stomach, just tried Orijen, it’s quality stuff but I think it might be too rich for 2 out of 3 of my dogs. I will continue to use it however as a base, maybe I’ll mix it with the Nutrisca.

[anonymously]

@ Martin G
How’s the pup doing this morning, any improvement?

[anonymously]

I would rule out medical causes for the change in appetite, at the age of 11 a senior workup (lab work etc) may be a good idea.
If you are not brushing their teeth daily, they may very well need professional cleanings and extractions.
After medical clearance, I would consider Nutrisca dry foods as a base, my senior dog and my dog with allergies do well on this product. I recently tried Orijen and I am impressed with it for my younger dog, it may be too rich for a senior. Check Chewy.com and compare prices.
Can you take them out for a leisurely 10 or 20 minute walk twice a day? It makes a difference (in my experience).
PS: Add a splash of water to the kibble, don’t free feed, and take out for frequent bathroom breaks, every 2 hours or at least every 4 hours.

[anonymously]

I meant to say 72 hours, for benign things, that is my rule. Did the pup get the usual distemper/parvo shots? I am not big on vaccinations but I usually go along with the recommended puppy shots. I comply with the rabies vaccinations as required by law, otherwise I avoid vaccinations with adult dogs. See what your veterinarian recommends.

[anonymously]

I’d try to give it 24 hours, if no improvement or symptoms are worse….back to the vet. He must have gotten into something toxic, his body should be able to flush it out (with the treatment received).
I have 3 adult dogs and I cannot leave them unattended even in a fenced-in backyard.
They are like 3 year olds (mentally). They put everything in their mouth.

Just the other day I saw a hawk swoop down, it was going for the smallest dog, luckily the other dog chased it away.

PS: Did they do an x-ray to rule out a blockage? I am sure the vet would have mentioned it if he thought it was important. Some vets don’t though, as they know people can get upset about the cost.
You did say the pup was underweight, so there could be something else going on.

[anonymously]

Just a food change would not have caused such an extreme reaction in an otherwise healthy dog. I don’t even bother with a transition if the foods are similar, you may see a loose stool or two, that’s it.
Of course the recommendation is to at least 1/2 and 1/2 it for a few days.

Hope you’ve been back to the vet and your dog is feeling better.

[anonymously]

Call the veterinarian that examined him and ask that he call you back (today) when he has a minute. If the vet tech speaks to you, that’s nice, but I would insist on speaking to the veterinarian. Puppies can go downhill quickly, he may need subq fluids and IV medication (not a big deal) to get over the hump. I don’t know what testing he has had but more may be indicated to properly diagnose and treat.
It is not unusual to call within 24 hours of a veterinary appointment with additional questions or concerns. Be prepared to bring him back in……if you wait till after hours the emergency clinic will be your only option.
Let us know what happens.

[anonymously]

Only a veterinarian that has examined your dog, tested a fecal sample, reviewed the dogs history and dietary habits, etc. can diagnose and prescribe treatment for your dog.

I always rule out medical issues before assuming the symptoms have anything to do with the food.

[anonymously]

If you have found a food that works, consider yourself lucky.

What you describe sounds like environmental allergies which have nothing to do with the diet.
Have you checked the search engine here? /forums/search/allergies/

Consider making an appointment with a 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.

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