[Anonymous]

Helpful article below:
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.

[Anonymous]

The symptoms you describe sound like environmental allergies and may not be related to her food sensitivities, which btw fluctuate and change.

You may want to consider seeing a specialist/dermatologist, this has been going on for 4 months/1 year without any periods of significant relief.

Or consult a homeopath http://theavh.org/

Has your dog had the skin testing to identify environmental allergies? In my experience environmental allergies are much more common that food allergies.
People often refer to food sensitivities as allergies.

My dog is doing well, she receives immunotherapy, she now eats a variety of foods with Nutrisca (salmon and chickpea) as a base.
The scratching, skin irritations, stomach upset, 2 ear infections, red rashes, 2 prednisone trials went on for a year before I took her for skin testing. I never had the blood test that identifies food allergies done. A lot of the allergens are airborne….impossible to avoid.
I tried an air purifier, dehumidifier….useless and noisy.

• This reply was modified 9 years ago by Anonymous.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes I buy the beef marrow bones. You can boil one bone for 3-4 hours and have about a gallon of beef broth, just skim the fat off of it the next day after it’s been in the fridg overnight. Then freeze it in smaller containers. I add the fatty cooked marrow to their food….it’s high in calories, but it’s an occasional treat.

I still let them chew on a frozen raw beef marrow bone about once a week, they love it, but be careful. They can break a tooth, and my poodle mix had stomach upset, had trouble digesting the ground up bone. They have to be supervised.

[Anonymous]

I give my guy tap water, in the beginning I was lugging big jugs of spring water back and forth from the market. That got old, real quick.
Do the best you can, a lot of these conditions have a genetic base anyway.

There is a lot of chemical junk in dog food, so if you can find a simple way to do homemade, he may be better off.
I get my dogs chicken and meat from the reduced price section at the market, sometimes I freeze it. I cook it up and add a little to their kibble.

If you are concerned about his teeth with all the soft food, brush his teeth once a day, if you are not doing so already, it helps.

PS: regarding the broth, homemade, I hope. The canned and packaged stuff has msg, etc.

[Anonymous]

Nutrisca and Wysong both seem to have smaller kibble, you can soak the kibble in water overnight if your dog prefers soft food.

[Anonymous]

I never heard that, about the potassium supplements. The recommended amount, 1 or two tabs a day didn’t lower the ph in his urine enough, so the vet gave me the green light to increase the dose. I have never noted any side effects.
My dog was on the prescription food too, but he didn’t like it, he likes Wysong senior (soaked in water overnight) with a little cooked chicken or lean meat.

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

[Anonymous]

I give my 13-15 pound dog 4 of those potassium citrate tabs (link provided previous post) a day with his 4 small meals….water added to 3.
My vet said it was okay, that was over 3 years ago, he seems to be comfortable.
However I have not taken him back for routine testing after the first few times, he will be 15 in a couple of months.
Of course if he shows any signs of distress, I’ll take him in.

[Anonymous]

Maybe he has developed a urinary tract infection? Check with your vet, if so, he’ll need antibiotics. Dogs that have crystals in their urine are vulnerable……
Make sure he is getting plenty of water, keep the bladder flushed.

[Anonymous]

The symptoms you describe sound like what my small breed dog had. I took him to the emergency veterinary clinic (open 24/7) and one x-ray showed he needed emergency surgery to remove stones (both types).
It was a life threatening condition (blocked urethra). Often the veterinary clinics have payment plans, or accept credit cards.

The supplements and special diets are for prevention, they won’t help an existing condition or cure a blockage or infection.

They are available online, example http://www.entirelypets.com/k-plus-potassium-citrate-plus-cranberry-300-tabs.html?cmp=nextag&mr:referralID=2b34b4bd-6c95-11e2-b779-001b2166c62d Once your dog has received the appropriate treatment and is stable, ask your vet if these are options.

[Anonymous]

/forums/topic/amonium-urate/ /forums/topic/struvite-crystals/

This subject has come up before, check the threads above for some helpful tips.
My dog with a hx of stones is doing well on Wysong senior (soaked in water), potassium citrate tabs, 4 small meals per day with water added, and frequent bathroom breaks

[Anonymous]

The prognosis for dogs with warts is generally quite good, especially since most of these warts go away on their own. It is possible, but unlikely, for benign warts to transform to malignant squamous cell carcinoma. Any lumps or bumps on dogs should be monitored and routinely assessed by a veterinarian. http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Health/Warts/Diagnosis.aspx

I wouldn’t panic, especially if they are not bothering her, but, keep an eye on them and the next time you see the vet, have him examine and diagnose.

[Anonymous]

/forums/topic/amonium-urate/ /forums/topic/struvite-crystals/

This subject has come up before, check the threads above for some helpful tips.
My dog with a hx of stones is doing well on Wysong senior (soaked in water), potassium citrate tabs, 4 small meals per day with water added, and frequent bathroom breaks

[Anonymous]

Of course it depends on how uncomfortable you think your dog is, if you trust your current vet, and you think you can keep the dog comfortable, then take his advice. Best of luck.

[Anonymous]

I would want a second opinion and I would ask the vet to refer me to the closest specialist/surgeon in your area. Or I would call around and find one on my own.
I just read on another forum, a 14.5 year old dog with a tumor in the same location as your dogs, they were referred to a specialist, he wasn’t able to remove it all, but they got most of it. The dog is now comfortable and doing well.
They got “Care Credit” approval and said it wasn’t as expensive as they thought it would be.

[Anonymous]

Hi, Aj k.
I am an RN, I lean toward a homeopathic approach to my dogs diet and healthcare.
Especially since I lost a dog to hemangiosarcoma and I am very suspicious about vaccines and pesticides…..
Anyway, I agree with you, I think most kibble is junk, no matter how much they charge for it, lol.
I just wish the homeopathic vets and the traditional veterinarians would agree on some things. It can get confusing.
Interesting opinions over here http://www.vitalanimal.com check out the blog section.

Sometimes “The truth lies somewhere in the middle”

[Anonymous]

In case you didn’t know, rotisserie chicken tends to be loaded with MSG, listed on the ingredients under a multitude of different names.
Of course it tastes good, most things with MSG do. A lot of humans are hooked too.
But, if you have an MSG sensitivity, look out! Big migraine trigger.

[Anonymous]

I received incorrect information from the regular vet.
It doesn’t matter what you feed the dog if the allergies are environmental, the dog will still have symptoms. Most allergens are airborne and impossible to avoid.

Allergies get worse as the dog gets older, not better.

My dog is doing so well, she may not even need to continue the immunotherapy (after 2 years).

We see the specialist once a year, he returns phone calls otherwise. The treatment is cheaper than going back and forth to the regular vet. In fact we haven’t gone to the regular vet in 3 years, get heartworm checks at Petco. Vaccinations for this dog are avoided.

PS: At one point I had 2 air purifiers and a dehumidifier going at the same time.
All they did was make noise, gave them all to the Goodwill.
And I never did find the perfect dog food, in fact, if a dog is allergic to the storage dust mite (common allergen), the specialist told me this allergen is in all kibble, regardless of how well you store it, they get in during the processing.

[Anonymous]

Has your dog had the skin testing to identify environmental allergies? In my experience environmental allergies are much more common that food allergies.
People often refer to food sensitivities as allergies.
I would consider taking the dogs to a specialist/dermatologist, if you haven’t already.

My dog is doing well, she receives immunotherapy, she now eats a variety of foods with Nutrisca (fish) as a base.

[Anonymous]

Allergies? If the current treatment is not effective and the dog is seriously uncomfortable, you may want to consider seeing a specialist/dermatologist, especially if this has been going on for 1 year/4 seasons without any significant periods of relief.

http://www.allergydogcentral.com/2011/06/30/dog-allergy-testing-and-allergy-shots/#comment-1283

Or consult a homeopath http://theavh.org/

Dr Falconer’s latest blog http://vitalanimal.com/natural-dog-food-work/

/forums/topic/atopic-dermatitisyeast-issues-smartest-food-choice/

Helpful article below:
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.

‘Doc, it itches when I do this!’

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.

[Anonymous]

I use the human kind, or the pet kind when I find a good deal, omega-3 1000mg-1500mg?.
I have been taking krill oil every day myself, 500mg or 1000mg/depends on the brand….anyway I have been thinking about giving my dogs 1 tab a day instead of the other stuff. I have heard good things.
It is supposed to help with a multitude of things, including dry skin, pruritis. I think it helps my dog with allergies.
Two meals a day is fine. Always have fresh water available. I add water because my old guy was not drinking enough and developed bladder stones. I load him up with water and the stones have not come back. But, you are right, I have to take him out for bathroom breaks every 2 hours.

PS: She’s a beauty! Doesn’t look her age, at all.
At present my dogs are all on Sundown Naturals fish oil 1200mg that I picked up at the drugstore on sale.

[Anonymous]

How about adding some fish oil once a day? My 14 almost 15 yr old peke has shown improvement on Wysong Senior, he even lost a couple of pounds (gradually over a few months) He gets a little chicken or meat mixed in too, I feed him 4 small meals a day and soak his kibble, I also add water to his meals (hx of bladder stones)

PS: Nutrisca salmon and chickpea is potato and grain free, my other dogs like this and I was going to put my old guy on it, but he is doing so well on the Wysong, I think I’ll keep him on it.
I don’t analyze the ingredients and information on the packages, because I figure just like with people food, they lie, use different names for similar ingredients. I do pay attention to the reputation of the company and reviews and what veterinarians have to say, and of course how well my dogs do on the food.

[Anonymous]

Maybe she was in a home where nasty little children were allowed to use her as if she were a toy? You will never know, but, she is telling you by her behavior that she does not like children. She may not be cut out to be a service dog, that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t be a wonderful companion animal for a retired person or couple….just saying, in case it doesn’t work out.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes it is just their personality, my peke looks like a teddy bear so everyone wants to touch him, but he has always been irritable and cranky. He is 14 years old. I socialized him as much as I could, and I think this helped. But, it is my responsibility to warn people not to approach him….although, I am the only one he has actually bitten.

I have a “Beware of Dog” sign on my gate because of him, lol

PS: I had good results with the Thundershirt in his younger days, thunderstorm phobia.
You can always use it as a dog coat….

[Anonymous]

Keep the dog away from children! At least ten feet away. I have had to go on antibiotics for a dog bite, twice, over the years, my own small dog.

Don’t try to force the dog to be friendly to others. When she gets anxious (barking, growling), pick her up, talk to her in a calm voice and walk away.

That’s what I would do.
PS: She may never like children or strangers getting too close to her.

[Anonymous]

@C4D, I agree with your comments, the homeopathic vet does address early spay/neuter in another blog, but as you know, it is complicated.
My cairn was a pet shop rescue, neutered at the age of 10 weeks due to a inguinal hernia, almost a year old and he was stiff, hind leg weakness….in fact the vet ruled out myasthenia gravis.
I took him home and put him on fish oil and glucosamine, walk him for at least an hour a day. He is 2 years old now and his gait is normal.
I avoid vaccinations for this dog and keep pesticides to a minimum.

[Anonymous]

A homeopathic veterinarian’s view on the subject http://vitalanimal.com/cranial-cruciate-ligament/
I don’t believe all of what they say, but maybe you can find some helpful tips from the blog and comments.

[Anonymous]

Feeding the Kidney Patient: The Low Protein Diet Myth

Low Protein Diets? Really?

The Skinny On Kidney Disease

Kidney disease. This one way street eventually leads to death. We see it in our cats most often, much less in dogs, and I suspect far, far less in horses. People die of this regularly. Unlike the liver, with its massive capacity for regeneration, the kidney simply doesn’t allow for renewal. Once kidney failure (or, more politely, CKD chronic kidney disease) is diagnosed in your animal, it means 75% or more of the kidneys’ capacity to filter wastes is now lost. Failure is the operant word, though. These two small organs are in failure and won’t pull out of it.
http://vitalanimal.com/low-protein-diet-myths/#comments

[Anonymous]

I don’t know the OP, I was just thinking of co-workers and posters on other forums that balk at the thought of spending money on dentals for their pets.
One woman was a lawyer who got into a major argument with me over it, she thought the vets were scamming her by recommending a cleaning and extractions, she instead was going to try all kinds of dental sprays and additives, said her cat was too old to go through surgery. She thought her cat’s teeth looked fine.

Veterinarians have to deal with this every day.

PS: Another example, a very nice retired lady that feeds stray cats and wildlife, took her old cat to the vet because the cat was limping, again the vet recommended a dental, as he had 5 years earlier, again she declined, she said the cat was too old. The limp issue was resolved with treatment.
She also complained about the cost of a dental, but, she recently bought a new car.

[Anonymous]

Okay, let’s take it easy on Akari. Many well educated, intelligent people don’t understand the importance of dental care for their pets.

All we can do is try to educate and be supportive. I have an old guy myself that I need to take in for an exam soon. Not looking forward to it, but it is what it is.

I like to think that because I am an RN, I can take care of most things myself. But even I know that pain and infection are not “do it yourself” projects.

PS: Akari if you are reading this, consider putting the cost of the surgery on a credit card (if it is within your means) or start a Go Fund Me account, just some ideas, call around, there are organizations that may be able to help you.

[Anonymous]

Know Your Mouth Disorders http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/ten-steps-your-dogs-dental-health

Getting familiar with the possible mouth problems your dog may encounter will help you determine when it’s time to see a vet about treatment:
•Periodontal disease is a painful infection between the tooth and the gum that can result in tooth loss and spread infection to the rest of the body. Signs are loose teeth, bad breath, tooth pain, sneezing and nasal discharge.
•Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused mainly by accumulation of plaque, tartar and disease-producing bacteria above and below the gum line. Signs include bleeding, red, swollen gums and bad breath. It is reversible with regular teeth cleanings.
•Halitosis—or bad breath—can be the first sign of a mouth problem and is caused by bacteria growing from food particles caught between the teeth or by gum infection. Regular tooth-brushings are a great solution.
•Swollen gums develop when tartar builds up and food gets stuck between the teeth. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth at home and getting annual cleanings at the vet can prevent tartar and gingivitis.
•Proliferating gum disease occurs when the gum grows over the teeth and must be treated to avoid gum infection. An inherited condition common to boxers and bull terriers, it can be treated with antibiotics.
•Mouth tumors appear as lumps in the gums. Some are malignant and must be surgically removed.
•Salivary cysts look like large, fluid-filled blisters under the tongue, but can also develop near the corners of the jaw. They require drainage, and the damaged saliva gland must be removed.
•Canine distemper teeth can occur if a dog had distemper as a puppy. Adult teeth can appear looking eroded and can often decay. As damage is permanent, decayed teeth should be removed by a vet.

[Anonymous]

Any kibble with chicken (salmonella), or any jerky/treats (China) are suspect, no matter what the brand, imo.

Nutrisca salmon and chickpea dry food is the food that my small breed that has allergies and a sensitive stomach likes. Her specialist/dermatologist agrees it is the right food for her, limited ingredients.

I like Wysong, but she had some GI upset with it, however, my senior small breed does best on Wysong senior.

[Anonymous]

I might start with that amount…. twice a day. If she starts getting fat, decrease the amount a little. When you speak to the vet, ask him if those amounts sound right.

I have to say, regarding the food, sometimes it depends on the dog. When I was a kid we had a shepherd mix, he got 1 can of Calo a day (comparable to Purina), not much to pick from back then, he lived to be 18 years old!

PS: Check chewy.com, their prices look good.
If I remember correctly, 1 pound of dry food = about 2 cups, so you can do the math.
A 15 pound bag will usually last me a month for 2-3 small dogs

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

[Anonymous]

I can only go by my experience, I have changed dog foods and the only adverse reaction I observed was a loose stool or two.
But, the recommendation is that you go 1/2 and 1/2 with the old and new food for a few days, mix them together.
The thing about higher quality food is that they don’t need as much of it, my 9 pound poodle mix has 1/4 cup of Nutrisca salmon and chickpea dry twice a day with about a tablespoon of cooked chicken or lean meat added.
Maybe a bite of kibble or meat as a snack once or twice a day.
I get the boneless chicken breast and sandwich steak in the reduced price section of my local market. After you cook it up, you can freeze daily servings in small freezer bags.
I find this to be cost effective. I am leery of all kibble, I try to keep the kibble just as a base, 20%-30% of the diet.

[Anonymous]

You’re welcome. It is like it is with us humans. The activity helps to calm them down, gets the endorphins going, so they are less reactive to perceived danger, less irritable.
But, keep in mind, some of it may just be their personalities 🙁
Keep them away from children!

[Anonymous]

My rule is not to worry about stuff, unless it has been going on for more than 72 hours, or they are in a lot of pain or discomfort. In example, severe diarrhea and vomiting.
It may be a mild side effect to the medication, give the vet a call tomorrow if she doesn’t perk up. Leave a message for the vet to call you back, when he can, I usually don’t find the vet techs to be very helpful.
PS: It’s okay if she skips a meal or two, as long as she is drinking water.

[Anonymous]

Are they getting enough exercise? Walk them on leash 3-5 miles a day, or at least for 1 hour. A tired dog is a well behaved dog. This method works for my dogs.

The other options are to work with a trainer (I’ve never tried it, can’t afford such things). Also, ask your vet about medication, if only to calm them down a bit so that they will be receptive to training. Sometimes anxiety disorders manifest themselves as aggression.

Or, consider a homeopathic approach http://www.vitalanimal.com
According to the homeopathic vets, over-vaccination can lead to increased aggression.
Dogs under 20 pounds have the most adverse reactions.

[Anonymous]

I like Nutrisca, salmon and chickpea, dry food as a base (the kibble is small), combined with homemade. See reviews at chewy.com http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

I only use kibble as about 30% of their diet, I buy boneless chicken breast, sandwich steak (from the reduced price section at my local market), cut it up, cook it a little and use it as a topper.

[Anonymous]

Consider a homemade diet http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

Listen to what the homeopathic veterinarians have to say: http://www.vitalanimal.com, check the blogs for related issues

[Anonymous]

/forums/topic/struvite-crystals/

[Anonymous]

My dog had struvite and calcium oxalate stones. The only tip I have for you is add water to his food, take him out for frequent bathroom breaks, keep the bladder flushed.
Check Wysong, they have a good selection, plus a prescription food. Not cheap, but good quality. Ask your vet if it’s an option: http://www.wysong.net/veterinarian/
Wysong Rx Urinary™ (kidney, urinary health, and struvite)
(Replaces: Nephreon™, Uratrar™, and Struvatrol™)

Ask your vet about potassium citrate tablets?

[Anonymous]

http://www.vitalanimal.com
http://vitalanimal.com/feed-for-vitality/
http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

This is what the homeopathic veterinarians say.

[Anonymous]

I have a 14+ year old small breed, he needed emergency surgery 3 years ago for bladder stones.
He is stable now, but I agree with Jennifer, frequent bathroom breaks. My guy is doing well on Wysong senior, I soak the kibble in water. He gets 4 small meals per day.
I want to keep him comfortable….so far, so good. He sleeps a lot, but still appears to still enjoy his time outside in the yard. There is nothing wrong with his appetite, he does have an occasional accident…..but only when I forget to take him out every 2 hours.
I’m glad you went to the vet.
PS: He has trouble walking, sometimes I have to carry him outside. He has good days and bad days.

[Anonymous]

I think of kibble as a base, only. Good for 20% to 30% of the meal, just my opinion, but that’s what is working for my dogs.

http://vitalanimal.com/kibble-dogs-only/

http://www.homeovet.net/content/lifestyle/section1.html

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

[Anonymous]

http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf He mentions raw feeding

http://vitalanimal.com/natural-dog-food-work/ Dr Falconer’s latest blog

[Anonymous]

“Fecal incontinence is almost always due to the colon and brain not communicating effectively. The nerves that control the colon are supposed to send a message to the brain when it’s time to go outside. If there’s a problem with the lower back – for example, degenerative myelopathy, peripheral myopathy, arthritis, muscle weakness, atrophy, a spinal tumor, or a condition such as myasthenia gravis – the communication pathway is compromised, and the animal isn’t aware nature is calling”.

“In older pets, the anal sphincter can lose its ability to hold in feces efficiently”.

“Parasites can also contribute to fecal incontinence. If you have a pet that has diarrhea for an extended period of time, there can be damage to the muscles of the rectum, which can lead to the problem as well”.

“Other causes of fecal incontinence can include an abscess or infection of the anal glands, a dietary issue, medications, or a perianal fistula”.

“Owners of pets with fecal incontinence might find accidents around the house. Or the pet could inadvertently pass feces when he uses his abdominal muscles to go from a lying position to a standing position, or when he jumps up on the couch, or in similar situations requiring use of the abdominal muscles”.

“Your dog or cat may also poop while walking without knowing she’s doing it. It can also happen during sleep. Excessive gas and swelling of the abdomen are common in cases of fecal incontinence”.

“It’s important to find the underlying cause of your pet’s fecal incontinence. Your vet will want to do a complete blood profile – including a chemistry profile, CBC, urinalysis, and a fecal analysis – to check for the presence of an infection or parasites. Sometimes, additional diagnostics such as X-rays may be required to check for spinal arthritis or a bone tumor”.

“Both chiropractic and acupuncture – I use electroacupuncture in my practice – can be very helpful in these cases. Aligning the vertebral bodies and stimulating the nerve fibers that communicate between the colon and the brain can help reduce incidences of fecal incontinence”.
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/01/07/urinary-fecal-incontinence.aspx

[Anonymous]

I would see the vet, at age 13 she is a senior, and if she hasn’t had a checkup and lab work done in the last 2 years, now would be a good time.
Sudden changes in bowel habits such as fecal incontinence, are always red flags.
Her problems may have nothing to do with her diet.
Good luck and please give us an update (if you feel like it)

[Anonymous]

I would consult a homeopathic veterinarian http://theavh.org/
Many of them do phone consults, so distance is not an issue. http://www.vitalanimal.com
Check the blogs for information that may be helpful.

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

PS: You may want to rethink the pesticides….talk to your vet, however, a traditional vet will tell you one thing, but a homeopathic vet may advise you differently.

[Anonymous]

“If this season is typical, most of this will be over by summer”.

Or, not. If the symptoms have been going on for 4 seasons/1 year without significant periods of relief, and the dog is still uncomfortable despite diet changes and visits to the regular vet.
It is time to see a specialist, veterinary dermatologist (imo), let him advise you as to what testing is indicated after examining your dog and learning it’s history.

[Anonymous]

Nutrisca salmon and chickpea dry and canned is good for dogs with sensitive stomachs, it has no grains or potato, some dogs find potato hard to digest. Wysong has some nice selections too. (Chewy.com carries them)

It sounds like it’s trying to resolve, at least it’s not constant. Give it time…
She may need the rice and hamburger bland diet for a month!

Also, read up on what the homeopathic vets have to say, you may get some tips http://www.vitalanimal.com I don’t agree with everything he says, but some of it does make sense.
Did this dog get a bunch of vaccinations recently? Sometimes it messes with their immune system, especially dogs that weigh under 20 pounds.

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

[Anonymous]

It may just be an acute situation that will pass in a few days. Especially if this is a new home for the dog? Stress? Diet changes.
Work with the vet. Tell him your financial concerns. See what the fecal test reveals or rules out.
I have a feeling things will look much better in about a month. Fingers crossed.

[Author]

Posts