[Dori]

Sorry to hear all this Marie. Just hoping you’re using a different surgeon next time around. Love ya,

[Dori]

Lori, we who have seen your post asking for help are concerned about your dog. Please let us know how she is doing and what was the outcome of the visit to the vet.

[Dori]

Hi John P. First let me say that I’m a commercial raw feeder grain free foods so I’m not going to really be of much help with kibble. I do know that a lot of people on this site consider Acana and Orijen made by Champion to be a quality company. The only kibble that, on rare occasions, I have put in rotation is Nature’s Logic Kibble but only the Sardine. All others contain either some sort of beef or poultry (eggs). One of my dogs has many many food intolerances and sensitivities. The list is quite long so I won’t bore you as they don’t pertain to your dog. But she is highly intolerant of all things poultry which includes all fowl. Below is a partial list of what I feed my three dogs and they all do very well on them, I’ve left out any of the beef that I feed because your dog has an intolerance to beef. I feed all my dogs the same food because of my allergy girl, Katie. I feed a rotational diet so here goes.

OC Raw: Fish & Produce Patties, Lamb Patties, Rabbit Patties, Goat Patties

Primal Raw Formulas and/or Primal Pronto Formulas: Venison Patties, Rabbit Patties

Vital Essentials Raw: Fish Patties, Rabbit Patties

Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw: Venison (also contains lamb), Rabbit (also contains pork)

Stella & Chewy’s Raw: Venison, Lamb, Rabbit
I’m not a great fan of Stella & Chewy’s but will feed it if I’m in a pinch.

Natures Logic Kibble: Sardine (It contains millet which is a pseudo-grain. Katie can’t tolerate grains but for some reason the millet in Nature’s Logic doesn’t seem to bother her. Could be because I feed it so infrequently and never for more than one meal every so often.

I’m an advocate of rotational feeding for my three dogs so I rotate their food pretty much with every meal and don’t feed them the same protein without a three day break in between. It’s the only way I can get around Katie’s food issues. Dogs with allergies should also avoid corn, white potatoes, rice (all), soy. They are all pro-inflammatory so you’re basically feeding the allergies and making things worse. You need to feed non-inflammatory foods and ingredients as best you can. It’s pretty difficult to avoid every single thing all the time but it helps a great deal to do your best.

Hope some of this has helped. I’m sure someone else will chime in soon to help with kibble feeding.

Oops! Don’t forget about checking to see what’s in the treats you give your dogs. For treats I only give pieces of fruits (no grapes) and veggies. No seeds or pits with the fruit please (toxic), I also peel apples and cucumbers. I don’t feed any commercial treats due to grains and too many recalls for my liking. Too many pesticides used on both. Good Luck and if I can answer any questions please ask.

I just wanted to mention that the only fish that Katie cannot eat is salmon. All other fish foods she’s fine with but is very sensitive to salmon.

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

[Dori]

Well Marie, all I can say to that is YIKES! I’ll gladly keep the temps that came along with your gift. Minus 17 ????? I haven’t got a clue how we’d all survive here with temps like that. How do you even walk the dogs with weather like that or is that on Steve’s “Honey Do” list. Are the cold temps bothering your hip? I hope not. Hope you’re doing well on that front or at least better.

[Dori]

BC you may want to count yourself lucky as Marie also gifted me some incredibly cold cold weather. We finally made it up to 34 degrees and expected to go down to 22 tonight. This is the South for crying out loud.

MARIE!!!!!!
TAKE YOUR GIFT BACK PLEEAAAASSSSSSSSSE! The girls are done playing with the snow now. I don’t have your magical powers…..don’t know how to return your gift. 🙂

[Dori]

LOL BC! I was thinking she wanted my girls to have a little romp in the white stuff. Why should her dogs have all the fun. 🙂

[Dori]

What type of coconut oil are you using?

[Dori]

Oh Marie. You are so sweet! Thank You! NOT!!!!!!! 🙂

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

[Dori]

I live in Atlanta, Georgia and right at this moment it is snowing. WTF???

[Dori]

Yes, Naturella. A high value treat is also one that you wouldn’t normally be giving Bruno on a regular basis. A treat that he would give up anything and everything to have. A high value treat is usually more “food” related than actually a commercial type treat. A piece of liver, chicken, etc. Or if you don’t normally feed him freeze dried foods than it can be a piece of that. Low value treats are not meant low value as in quality but low value would be treats that he gets all the time and is not really going to go out of his way to do exactly what you want when you want for that treat that he gets just for looking pretty or any other reason. It has to be really special and only used for those high value training sessions. Hope I’m explaining myself clearly and not running on too much.

[Dori]

Yep Akari! I totally understand where you’re coming from. I hope when Ginger has her dental done she doesn’t have to have too many teeth extracted but hopefully she’ll be more comfortable and I know you’ll be fine with her feeding her soft foods. I wanted to say once again what a clever idea you had stuffing the trachea as if they were kong toys. Genius!!!!!!

It would never have occurred to me. I’ve told friends and family members about your idea and they are going to try it also. Makes such sense. Better than chewing on a rubber toy. They get the benefits of not only the stuffing but the trachea too! 🙂

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

[Dori]

Jake’s Mom. You must have come through Georgia. We had snow last night. Still on some of the bushes and on the cushions on the outdoor furniture. Schools closed today and tomorrow. Come on now……this is Georgia! We’re not suppose to have snow and freezing weather and school closings? What on earth is going on.

[Dori]

That is so great Akari. Have you tried it with Ginger or are her teeth not up to it! Bentley really seems to be enjoying life right now.

[Dori]

Jakes’s Mom. Katie was about 5 or so when her hair started changing colors. She’s 5 1/2 now.

BC. Oh good point! I never thought to ask Jake’s mom where the discolorations are on her nieces dog.

[Dori]

Funny! Sounds like he’s got his dad pretty well trained. 🙂

[Dori]

Hi jakes mom. Hope you’ve been well. Hadn’t seen any posts from you in a bit.

Anyway, you didn’t mention how old your niece’s Shih Tuz is. Is he a purebred or a mix? Some dogs fur (and dogs with hair also) will change color as they age. It doesn’t necessary change evenly either. It could be part of the aging process. Also would have to do with the colors of the parents, one being more dominant in color than the other. Just guessing. When we first got Katie, Maltipoo, she was apricot in coloring all over. She was bred with a Maltese (white of course) and a scarlet color toy poodle. Her head has turned almost completely white like her Maltese father, her body has just recently started getting lighter too. The texture of her body and leg hair is poodle like and remains so, not at all Maltese except for her head which is more Maltese like. If nothing else has changed in your nieces dog’s life then that would be my best guess. Just a guess though.

[Dori]

Susan. Once again, a dog with an inflammatory illness should not be eating foods with night shade plants. If you know and don’t feed Patch foods with potatoes why not have mentioned that to the original poster.

If you truly have issues with Marie and as you say, you just move along and mind your own business and avoid her then why didn’t you do that here on this thread in this forum? You and Marie are both entitled to your own opinions and experiences as we all are. I try very hard not to go head to head with anyone unless I think and truly believe that someone is giving someone else erroneous information that can forestall a dogs issues because they are here truly because they are looking for help and guidance. My issue on this thread with you is that you didn’t tell the woman that potatoes were probably not a good way for her to go with her dog. After all, you know enough that Patch shouldn’t be eating potatoes.

Personally my issues with you Sue 66, Susan, are when you give advice that can do more harm than good or not really hearing the pleas when someone is reaching out for help.

Mike……if you want to delete my post please go ahead. I try very hard, as you well know, as you all know, not to get into these tiffs. I typically try to mind my own business. But I really could not hold my tongue and I chose not to, knowingly and willingly.

[Dori]

Aimee. And I disagree with you. If you have an inflammatory illness, as I do, and inflammatory illness, as I do, having similar underlying attributes, as I do, the general advice is to avoid pro-inflammatory ingredients and supplements. Aimee you and I go back and forth on many issues but this one happens to be one that I am closely related to and completely informed on. I’m not only speaking of canines or animals but of all. Having an inflammatory illness since 1997 I know of what I speak. I don’t live somewhere in the boon docks and not knowing of what I speak. I have been to the best of the best around the world, not just the USA. All have told me the same thing in different languages as to their knowledge and experiences with inflammatory illnesses. Having a dog with allergies….again, I know of what I speak. I realize that you are well versed and researched on the areas of science which I will readily admit I know very little of in schooling and education. Not my interests. I know what I know from many years of experience and knowledge. Let’s leave this particular issue alone between the two of us. I’m coming from extreme personal experience, you’re coming from it from data. Very very different. I mean no disrespect Aimee as, if you know me at all from our posts back and forth, I have a great deal of respect for you and feel you are probably one of the smartest if not THE smartest person on this and other sites, but this is not an issue you want to go head to head with me. Let’s just drop it right here. I don’t want to stress myself which is not good for inflammatory illnesses and I have too much respect for Dr. Mike to put him in a position that he has to be put in the middle of this particular discussion.

[Dori]

Hmmmmmm? Not sure I ever tried Sojo’s. Don’t think I have. I think the manager of one of my local dog food stores told me not to buy it. Thought it was odd at the time but I guess I’m glad she did.

[Dori]

Weezerweeks. Freeze dried that I have fed and will continue with in rotation with commercial raw diets are Primal, Vital Essentials, Natures Variety, Grandma Lucy’s Pureformance. Fair warning though…Grandma Lucy’s seems to produce larger stools. I think it has more fiber than the others, also I can’t discern any ingredients in their poop for that food. The girls do really well on all these freeze dried foods. I’ve tried others but I didn’t care for them. The girls ate them but, then again, they’ll eat everything. The only food Hannah has ever turned down in her entire life and just would not eat was Dr. Harvey’s Oracle Tripe. Which was funny because she loves their tripe treats. She liked the tripe bits (treats) in the food but not the food itself.

[Dori]

Susan. I too can read and the OP did not mention IBD with regard to her dog in any way shape or form. She talked about her dog being itchy and oozy. Why would you recommend a food that works for Patch for his IBD be appropriate for her Boston Terrier that is itchy and oozy? I’m just curious as to the correlation of your reply and the OP’s problem.

I’m also wondering about your response to Marie. I’m quite sure Marie has quite an active life. What makes you think she’s checking your posts in particular. I’m sure, like all of us, we see threads in the forums and comments on the comment side and want to offer some help if we can. I’m sure that if you re-read your reply to Marie you will see that it was a bit discourteous. There is also no need for yelling as that is what all caps typically means on line.

I also wanted to mention that IBD, Pancreatitis and Allergies are all inflammatory conditions. No one and that includes animals that has any of these conditions should be eating foods from the night shade plants. Potatoes are night shade plants as are tomatoes, egg plants, and many others that can be googled on line. Night shade plants are pro-inflammatory.

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

[Dori]

Aspen A. I may be missing something. If a food had a recall for a peanut contamination, what would that have to do with whether you had peanut allergies or not? They weren’t being recalled because that had peanuts or the food was made in a plant that had peanuts they were being recalled because the peanuts were contaminated. I’m glad you didn’t have any issues eating contaminated peanuts, I would have thrown them away. I don’t have any peanut allergies so I can eat peanuts but I’m not going to eat contaminated peanuts.

Yes, I do realize that all companies are subject to recalls for a variety of reasons but with so many companies not having recalls why would I chose to feed foods from companies that have had recalls? I wouldn’t. I realize that a lot of people feel differently and are perfectly fine feeding foods from companies that have had recalls; even many many recalls. They believe that the companies will or have learned from their mistakes. I just don’t happen to fall into that category. I try to be as pro active with my three dogs health as I can be.

Thanks for your kind words about the pet parents on this site.

[Dori]

Hi Weezerweeks. I’m with you on the subject of recalls. I do not buy foods that have had recalls. If our dogs have healthy guts, than a bit of salmonella is not going to hurt our dogs but it will hurt us. Aspen A. seems to think that we are only concerned about these issues only for our dogs. We that feed raw, freeze dried, dehydrated, canned and, yes, even kibble know that we need to wash our hands, counter tops, etc. etc. We take all precautions necessary on a regular basis anyway but that doesn’t make it okay for manufacturers with recalls should think that it’s really no big deal. If other companies can get it right than why can’t the ones with recalls.

Also, Dr. Harvey’s answer to you that dogs drink more water on freeze-dried foods would mean that your yorkie would be drinking more water on all freeze-dried foods. Have you found that to be true with your yorkie? I haven’t found that to be true with any of my three dogs. I should mention that I don’t feed Dr. Harvey’s Oracle. Tried it once and I didn’t care for it but I certainly do have other freeze dried foods in rotation.

[Dori]

Bobby dog. His spinning would sometimes make me dizzy watching him. I sometimes couldn’t figure out how he didn’t make himself dizzy. Sometimes I wanted to make him spin in the other direction to sort of “unwind” him.

Katie doesn’t spin on hottie breaks. Katie spins a lot but it’s all about food or the door bell. She’s been doing that since she was 9 weeks old when we got her. I asked her vet at one time because I wondered if it was some sort of neurological thing. Nope, the vet calls her “Katie, the circus performer”. She actually has made herself dizzy and that would really crack you up. She’ll spin so much non stop that when she stops she’ll appear as though she may have had one too many cosmos.

[Dori]

Wow Becky. You’ve had a time of it with potty preferences at your house. Are any of them puppies? What are their ages? I’m just being nosey. Your middle child is shy about her potty business. Must be a nightmare for you but it does sound kind of cute reading about it.

Bobby dog. My male dog when he finally found the spot he wanted to poop would spin, and spin, and spin. Then sniff again before doing his business and decide NOPE! Ain’t goin there. And start the whole process all over again. This was when we lived in Jersey. Would drive me insane. Especially when there were mountains of snow, freezing weather, middle of the night, or, of course, when you’re running late and have got to be somewhere. I would be begging him, please let this be the spot, please Francis, please! Or I would be silently saying it because I was afraid if I distracted him it would start all over again. AND….everything distracted him from pooping. Any little rustling of leaves, wind, whatever. Needless to say I’ve had females every since. But with all that, wow did I love that little guy! He’s been gone at least 25 years and I still miss him every day. Oh, he also kept marking spots with absolutely no urine coming out. Use to crack my husband and my son up. They were quite proud of their little man. lol!

I’ve never had issues with females. They go out do their business and then play or if it’s cold (and it’s been really cold here lately) they just want back in the house. Interesting how dogs are all so different even with potty issues. 🙂

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

[Dori]

Atari there was a recall recently on tracheas. Hopefully you’re not using any from the company with the recall. Pet International Beef Trachea Treats recalled on 2/15/15.

Clever idea, by the way! 🙂

[Dori]

Hi Naturella. I don’t necessarily think you “broke” Bruno. The only dog I ever had an issue with was my male Bichon Frise, Francis. Male dogs are completely different with their bathroom habits than female dogs. If a female dog has to go out to potty she will go out, squat and pee and/or poop. Not so with males. Males have a need to mark territory. They have the instinct to sniff around and whenever and wherever they get the scent of another dog they will pee a little (marking) to mask over the other dogs scents. Male dogs are a pain in the butt to walk because of that. They don’t particularly care if you’re freezing yours off while they mark every spot everywhere. It’s instinctual, it’s ingrained in them. When he was a puppy he would just squat and pee but as he matured that instinct of marking showed up. When he was really old he started squatting again. I believe that Bruno would have had the need to wander and mark as he grew out of puppy hood regardless of what Brian’s wishes were.

With all that said, I have in the past, with female dogs, trained them to go in what I deemed their “okay” place to do their business. Our previous home was large with large gardens so I set off a particular area that we called their “bathroom area”. We would always take them out on their leashes. After a few months, whenever we would open the door for them to go out they would all run over to their “bathroom area” and do their business. Then they would just play outside. When we were outside barbecuing or in the pool and they were out with everyone every time they felt the urge to pee they would run off to their “bathroom”. Now with this house the patio area and garden area is small so there really wasn’t an area to designate their bathroom area or I wouldn’t be able to have any gardens. I wish I had as now I have to follow them around to pick up poop but as I said, it’s not a big area so it’s not really a big deal.

Anyway, these have been my experiences with male and female dogs.

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

[Dori]

Sam K. Glad I could help.

[Dori]

Sorry everyone, some how I wound up posting twice. Lost the first one, started posting again and then the original one popped up.

Please go on baxterboo.com and look at the harnesses by American River. They are made by Doggie Design and they are fantastic. I have three toy dogs and they are the only harnesses that I will use on them. They are fool proof and very gentle and they cannot in anyway burn or hurt your dog. They also last forever. Just measure your dog about 1 inch below her rib cage (or the largest part of her rib cage) and order that size. They are a bit forgiving with the size.

Forgot to mention that they are always having sales and free shipping on a lot of items.

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

[Dori]

Please go to baxterboo.com and look at the American River Harnesses by Doggie Design. I have three toy dogs and they are the only harnesses that I use on them. They last forever, do not bind or hurt them in any way. Very comfortable and forgiving size wise. Measure your dog approx. one inch or so below her underarms and also around the largest part of her rib cage. The size for your dog should either be a medium which goes up to a size 19″ or a large which starts at size 19″. They do have a little adjusting room. The site has one of the best customer service departments I’ve ever felt with and delivery is incredibly fast. Also, if you make a mistake in sizing they will exchange no questions asked. I have three toy dogs and again, they are the only harnesses I will use on my dogs. They are also great because they are also known as “choke free” harnesses so they don’t put any pressure on their throats or tracheas. Can’t recommend them enough, they really are fabulous and a God send for small dogs.

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

[Dori]

Cheryl,
I am seriously shocked. As I said I’m a big advocate of spaying and neutering so have no experience with un spayed dogs but I had no idea that at the age of 12 she could still be getting her period. As you mentioned, I guess she synced with Millie but still, wow. I would agree with you at this point about not having Pepper spayed but not so much her age as her health issues. And NO I cannot believe it! I’m equally as shocked. That’s just crazy. I wonder if this is going to happen with Millie goes in to heat again? Or is this just some kind of crazy fluke?!? Hammy.

Well the good news, at least, is that she’s not sick.

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

[Dori]

I’ll keep my fingers crossed. You didn’t mention any signs of puss or anything like that? Well if it is pyometria than all the more reason to get Pepper to the vet. You may be catching it in a very early stage. All my dogs have always been spayed so have I have no first hand experience with un spayed dogs.

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

[Dori]

Hi Cheryl,
When I feed THK nothing comes out looking as it came in. There are no little bits of anything in their stools. Maybe because they’ve been eating raw for so long that their digestive system is healthier? I don’t really know the reason but it is that way with all three of our girls.

As to Pepper, you say that her vagina is a little swollen. Is it also a little red or more pink than normal? If so, it could be vaginitis. I would at least call the vet and let them know. If it is vaginitis she’ll probably need a round of antibiotics. I’m not in favor of antibiotics in general but there are occasions when they are necessary.

Post back and let me know what they say. Vaginitis can’t be diagnosed by urine tests, they have to physically check out her vagina and possibly get a swab. It’s not bacteria in the bladder or kidneys. Lola had it a number of years ago. They checked her urine and said no infection or bacteria and once they did a thorough exam and checked her vagina they immediately said she had vaginitis. A round of antibiotic and it cleared up immediately and never came back. Some times these smaller dogs are susceptible because their vaginas touch the ground almost every time they pee. Anyway, call the vet. I would.

[Dori]

Hi Cheryl,
Bad PMS??? That’s funny. Poor Millie, poor you too!

So glad the girls have taken well to raw and rotational feeding. It’s so much healthier for them. Once you’ve finished with the base mixes then just do the dinners if you’re going to keep THK in your rotation.

Thanks for reaching out. All is well here with all of us I’m thrilled to be able to say.

[Dori]

Glad you got Ginger to the vet. I’m so glad you’re going to get her dental taken care of, I know you’ve mentioned the condition of her teeth often. She’ll be much more comfortable when her mouth issues are addressed and healthier too I’ll bet.

Glad she didn’t have to be muzzled either. She’s come a long way since you first brought her into your home. Again, good job Akari!!! 🙂

[Dori]

Aimee.
Sorry, I must learn to thoroughly read original posts. I sometimes skim read and I just focused on the part of the dog having stones. I thought he was asking for help with a diet for a dog that has or had stones.

Tom. I agree with you completely on the ingredients in the foods that vets prescribe. I understand that there may be some animals out there that will benefit from them but I’ve had many dogs in my life and have never come across one of them needing one of those diets. Not to say that I haven’t been asked by vets to feed one or another of them through the years. I just politely let them know that I appreciate their advice and I’ll think about it. This vet that I’ve had for 13 years knows that I feed commercial raw diets so none of the vets in the practice or the techs ask me anymore what I feed my dogs. Dr. Susan Wynn is a nutritionist that has seen my 15 1/2 year old Maltese when she was diagnosed with very high liver levels, then a tumor in her bladder and then a mass on the lobe of one of her lungs. All those were discovered early last Spring. At that point Dr. Wynn suggested that I put Hannah on Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Diet because it is HPP and if Hannah’s immune system was working hard with all that was going on with her she didn’t want her to be exposed to any unnecessary bacteria. I feed a rotational diet with all three of my dogs and Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Food was already in their diets. I continued to keep with my rotational feeding of commercial raw foods as I have for the last three years. Some are HPP and some are not. Actually most are not. Typically poultry is what is put under HPP and I don’t feed any poultry because one of my girls is highly intolerant of all fowl. I also don’t feed white potatoes or any night shade plants because they are pro inflammatory. April will be a year that she was diagnosed. To the delight of all, she remains asymptomatic to bladder or lung cancer. Her liver levels are back down in the normal range. (The elevated liver levels were discovered in last Spring’s blood work during her annual physical which is what started the initial visit to Georgia Veterinary Specialists where Dr. Wynn practices and was one of her doctors). I did add a few supplements to Hannah’s diet manufactured by Standard Process. She is regularly monitored and her blood work comes back normal. Her titers are all really good also. Her vet and I decided last year that due to the cancer only titers will be done for her for the rest of her life which I pray is for many many more years. Hannah is the picture in my avatar that was taken last year.

[Dori]

Hi Aimee. I’m assuming that when you say Dr. Wynn recommends Hills that it is in patients that have had and have a propensity to develop stones? I do believe that there are some situations that you simply have to go with what works regardless of how one may feel about the food at least for awhile until you can get the situation under control. Sometimes that’s just not possible and will have to stick with a food long term.

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

[Dori]

Yep! Hannah does it all the time. She’s always done the reverse sneezing but she also does a lot of regular sneezing, usually 4 or 5 times in a row. When she starts doing it I’ll run and pick her up because she slams her nose, face, head so hard sometimes I wonder how she hasn’t knocked herself out or broken her nose. It’s not too bad if she’s on the rug but when she does it on the hardwood floors it’s scary. Anyway, so I just go running and pick her up. She continues to safely sneeze in my arms. But nothing is ever coming out of her nose. Just dry sneezing cause she is so low to the ground.

[Dori]

Great! Nah, it’s got nothing to do with being low to the ground. I’d bet all three of my girls are as low to the ground as Ginger. Certainly Lola is. I’m glad you’re going to call the vet.

Hey! Don’t work too hard. You might just exhaust yourself. LOL!!

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

[Dori]

Akari. I would call the vet immediately and let him/her know what’s going on and make an appointment. Something’s up and I wouldn’t want to wait until it got worse to do something about it. Don’t mean to scare you but something doesn’t seem right. I suppose it could be allergies but this does not seem like an allergy response to me. Please at least call the vet and see what they think. As you know Katie’s chock full of allergies and nothing like that has ever happened with her to an allergy response.

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

[Dori]

Yes, we love Westminster show also. When we lived in NYC and in Jersey we used to go alot. Loads of fun in the area where they groom the dogs and lots of dog stuff to buy. Hubby and I were jumping for joy when the Beagle won. What a great example of the bread.

Bobby dog. Thanks for mentioning the movie Best In Show. Haven’t watched it in a while. Think we’ll do that tonight.

[Dori]

OMG!!!!!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you Akari. Hubby and I watch it every year. We usually record it and then tune in about mid way so that we can fast forward through all the commercials from the big dog food company that sponsors the show. I’m running to my DVR right now. I cannot believe I forgot about it this year. Again, thanks Akari. Glad somebodies on top of things like this and giving a shout out!!! : )

[Dori]

Naturellla.. You rebellious???? Sweetie Pie you seriously crack me up. I don’t want to be snowed in (had enough of that living in the north east), certainly don’t want to be iced in (again, had enough of that living in the north east). But I do hear where you’re coming from. But come on…..having dogs you know what a big pain in the butt it is to have ice, snow and rain. Even though we get to stay in, THEY still have to go out. Having three toy dogs I really wish I had thought to wee wee pad train them. Too too late now! Maybe in my next life I will think about the benefits of wee wee pad training.

[Dori]

My initial thoughts after reading your post was that she was in pain/discomfort. From years of experience with many many dogs and my own GI issues since I was a kid it sounded like gas pains to me. Add the fact that I think Beagle’s have had a history of having gas issues it all sort of clicked. When you have gas build up you are in either pain or massive discomfort. She was obviously running up to you and wanting to be with you for comfort and, of course, she didn’t know what was going on. Taking her out was good because moving and walking around would help with those issues. One thing that could help is, with your vets approval of course, is to keep on hand something like Gas-X which can safely be giving to dogs. You have to know the correct dosage for her. Also light soothing massages on her belly just to get things moving. I’m glad she’s due for her annual this week. Please discuss all the symptoms with your regular vet and mention whether it could have been gas. That would be my guess. Keep us posted please.

By the way, I too once had a seizure prone dog (that’s what he eventually died of) and what you are describing is not any seizure behavior that I ever witnessed and I witnessed them constantly as have you. Emergency vet probably just jumped to that guess as soon as you mentioned “seizures”.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 3 months ago by Dori.

[Dori]

I’ve honestly never heard of this before. It must be so frightening for both of you. Does she appear to be in any pain? Are her urine and stools normal? Is she drinking enough water? Does she appear to be gassy? What does the vet say? As to her seizures are you making sure you don’t give her any food that has Rosemary of any sort? Rosemary can trigger seizures in some already pre disposed to have them.

[Dori]

Ok Naturella and D.O, should I start hoarding THK foods for the zombie apocalypse? LMAO!!!! 🙂

[Dori]

Hi Kimberly. The Honest Kitchen you can order on line. You can also order a lot of the freeze dried foods on line also. I mostly feed the frozen raw foods but if you don’t have as much access to smaller dog food stores that typically carry a variety of commercial raw foods then you can feed the freeze dried foods and when you do get to Petsmart you can stock up on the Nature’s Variety Instinct raw foods so long as you have the freezer space (I think both Petco and Petsmart only carry Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw as a commercial raw food. With all brands that I feed I rotate between the different proteins as long as they don’t contain any chicken or turkey and that includes chicken fat and turkey fat in the list of ingredients in the foods but that’s only because Katie, my Maltipoo is highly intolerant of all poultry so I feed all three dogs the same exact food. I’m not sure which online stores you order from but I think chewy.com is a very popular on line site that a lot of posters on DFA order from and $49.00 and over they offer free shipping. I’m fortunate that I live in Atlanta, Ga. with an over abundance of local pet food stores so I can pretty much buy any dog food I want to try with my dogs. Another thing you can also try is calling and/or emailing companies that you would like to try their freeze dried and dehydrated foods and ask for samples. Most companies will charge you a nominal fee for shipping and others will charge you a nominal fee for samples and shipping. It’s a good way to see how your dog does on different foods.

As far as Stella and Chewy’s. I have tried it in the past and I know a lot of posters feed it. I don’t. I’m not really sure I remember the reasons for it. I’m sure my girls liked it but none of my dogs are picky eaters. They know that with me as their mom if they see food down for them they need to eat because in 20 minutes it will be gone and I won’t feed them until the next scheduled meal. I’ve always trained all my dogs meal times that way. So it’s a non issue here but as soon as their bowls are down they just inhale their food. For three teeny weenie dogs that are on the lean side they just love to eat. All three girls recently had their yearly physicals and all blood work came back great and the vet is very happy with all of their weights.

Edit: I meant to mention that Vital Essentials makes really good freeze dried foods. My dogs favorites (though they love all foods) is the tripe. But all the freeze dried foods from the companies I mentioned in a different post to you are great. I’ve used them all.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 3 months ago by Dori.

[Dori]

Hi Kimberly. The dog in my avatar is my 15 1/2 year old Maltese named Hannah. I also have a 5 1/2 year old Yorkipoo named Lola. My girl with all the issues (she also has environmental allergies) is a 5 1/2 year old Maltipoo. Her name is Katie. She was the runt of the littler and the tiniest dog I had ever seen. She was due to be put down and so we brought her into our family at the age of 9 weeks. She had food intolerance issues right from when we got her. She also had to have knee surgery for a level 4 – 5 luxating patella at under a year old. We could no longer adjust her leg (knee) manually so surgery was the only course of action left for us. She also had to have her four front top teeth removed because her lower canines were growing straight out the bottom (not to the sides where they should be) so the top teeth were interfering with the lower canines. It’s been one thing after another with our poor sweet Katie but for all that, I will say that she has been the most loving, sweet, affectionate little dog we have ever had. With the exception of a Tibetan Terrier that I had a number of years ago all the dogs in my life and now with my husband have been toy dogs with hair. I’m allergic to animals so fur is a no go in my home.

I will mention that other than seasonal allergies that Katie still has to deal with she has remains allergy free as it concerns diet since making all the changes. She was a complete mess before. Yeasty smelly ears, scratching 24/7, horrendous breath, gas to knock you out of the house let along the room, red rimmed eyes, her eyes were always full of goop and awful tear stains. Oh I could go on and on. She was at the vet all the time. I also was taking her to an allergist. Of course she also had her orthopedic surgeon and then there was her oral surgeon. She was on Atopica back then which is a horrendous prescription allergy medication that really does a number on their organs. She was also supplemented with Benadryl. None of that actually helped by the way. So I got serious about figuring out what to do and came across this site on the web and that was the beginning for all three of my dogs nutritional health. I cannot remember when the last time Katie had to have an antihistamine. It’s been years.

[Dori]

Hi Kimberly C. It sounds as though your dog is having food intolerances/sensitivities. First off he should be on grain free foods. Avoid corn, soy, white potatoes, rice and all poultry. That’s for starters. You also mention that your dog has seizures. Very important is to avoid any foods that contain rosemary in any form.

I have three small dogs all of which are on commercial raw dog foods. One of my girls has a multitude of food intolerances which is what led me on the road to raw feeding about three years ago. I started by eliminating all the ingredients I mentioned above. I feed commercial raw foods. I’m not inclined to make my own because, well…. truth be told I just don’t feel like doing it. Here is the list of commercial raw food companies that I have researched to death over the years and that I trust. Primal Raw Pronto, Primal Raw Formulas (these are Primal’s complete and balanced foods…you don’t have to add anything to them in the way of supplements). Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Dog Foods, Vital Essential Raw Foods, OC Raw Dog Food, Answer’s Detailed Raw Frozen. I also from time to time have on hand their freeze dried foods (they’re raw and you can feed as is without hydrating). As for dehydrated foods, the only one I use is The Honest Kitchen’s Zeal formula. The others contain some type of poultry or white potatoes that I choose not to feed. I feed what is called a rotational diet. I rotate different brands and different proteins within the brands with the exception of any and all poultry. I also do not feed any commercial treats. For the most part they all contain some sort of grain and there have been way too many recalls of dog treats for me to take a chance with my dogs. For treats I feed them little pieces of fruits and vegetables. Sometimes I puree them. Sometimes they’re cooked from our dinner. For the most part since I use them as treats for them I’m not particularly concerned about how much nutritional value they get from the fruits and veggies. The enjoy them, as they would a commercial treat, and that is my intent in giving them to them. If they get some nutritional value from them, even a little, that’s great; if not, that’s not the purpose I give them the treats. Of course you know you can go on google and just google what fruits and vegetables you can feed your dogs or go in reverse and type in what fruits and veggies you should not be feeding your dogs. Always, of course avoid onions, grapes, raisins. As for fruits, never feed anything that still has it’s pit or seeds. They tend to be toxic. As for apples I always don’t feed the peel. Apples are sprayed continuously to detract worms. They are also highly waxed to appear pretty for the consumer. I think I read somewhere, but don’t now remember where, that the skin of an apple has more bacteria than any other fruit on the market. That would probably hold true for cucumbers on the market due to the same reasons. I feed both but I peel them. Hope any of this has helped you. If you have any other questions, please ask.

Please remember to check any and all foods you feed your seizure dog so that you avoid rosemary in any form. Studies have shown (in people so far as no study has been done in animals as of yet) that if one has a predisposition to seizures, rosemary can trigger a seizure.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 3 months ago by Dori.

[Dori]

Nancy. No disrespect to you or your homeopath but I believe it also depends on the area that one lives in and the prevalence of heart worms and parasites and disease in the area that one lives in that needs to be taken into account. There is no one blanket statement for what works for some will work for all. If that were the case, there would not be a need for sites like DFA and others on all things canine or feline.

[Author]

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