[Anonymous]

“Surprisingly, Solid Gold has quietly tweaked their formulas as part of this bag design and size change. The changes are small, but significant. Rather than introducing a slew of new ingredients, the majority of the changes are a subtle shift in the current proportion of existing ingredients. As with any food change, time will be the best judge as to how your pet performs on the new formulation” Wednesday, December 17th, 2014

http://smileydog.com/solid-gold-makes-design-and-formula-changes/

[Anonymous]

Check the reviews for Solid Gold…..I believe they changed their formula recently.

I’m sticking with Nutrisca (as a base) for now, it works for my dogs.
If you look hard enough you will find something you don’t like about all the brands of dog food.
The only thing left would be a homemade diet. As it is, I do 1/2 kibble and1/2 homemade.
My dog with the history of bladder stones continues to do well on Wysong (senior), but when I run out, he’s going on Nutrisca (salmon) too.
Easier and cost effective for me to go with one brand.

[Anonymous]

I heard it was just the jerky treats (or something).

[Anonymous]

Nutrisca dry (salmon) is potato and grain free (ingredients copied from chewy.com)

Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Salmon Meal, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Sunflower Oil, Pea Fiber, Flaxseed, Calcium Carbonate, Salmon Oil (a source of DHA), Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Dried Eggs, Natural Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Carrots, Cranberries, Apricots, Choline Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Proteinate, Biotin, Selenium Yeast, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Rosemary Extract.

[Anonymous]

Another idea, if it is really that difficult. Maybe you could ask your vet for a sedative to give her 1 hour prior to the nail clipping?
However, I have found that it is usually not necessary, as long as you have someone that is experienced in nail clipping….it can be done very quickly.
In my area Especially for Pets does it for $7 and it goes to charity, so call around.

I understand the dilemma regarding putting a senior dog under anesthesia, I monitor my old guy closely and I don’t want to go there either…… but if I think he is in pain, I will not hesitate to take him to the emergency vet and go along with what they recommend.

[Anonymous]

Re: anesthesia-free dental
The teeth will look better, it won’t stop any decaying process that is already in progress.
That is why it is a popular procedure for show dogs. The results tend to be more cosmetic, often groomers offer this…nothing wrong with it, but it’s not a real cleaning.

Daily brushing will accomplish the same thing (imo), but once infection sets in, it’s a different ball game.

[Anonymous]

“no-anesthetic dentals”

Even though your pet’s teeth – what you can see of them – may look clean and fresh after an anesthesia-free dental procedure, what you can’t see is actually more important. Problems like tartar buildup below the gum line and gingivitis aren’t addressed during a procedure that only scrapes and polishes the teeth. Most oral disease happens below the visible surfaces of your dog’s or cat’s mouth.

[Anonymous]

I don’t really see any bulge. But, the next time you have the opportunity I would get her nails clipped, the back ones look like they are starting to curl under. Or, it could just be the camera angle…
I have to do my senior once a month, otherwise, it can become painful for him to walk.

[Anonymous]

That is quite a list, I would go to a homemade diet. I would also consider consulting a homeopathic veterinarian or an animal nutritionist….or a specialist (dermatologist/allergies) depending on your treatment preferences (if you haven’t done so already) and if the problems continue.
Have you tried a little boiled hamburger and white rice?
See my posts in other threads for links that might be helpful.

Ps: I had a pup that had loose stools till she was about 8 months old…and then it just stopped. I had tried various foods, I never did get it diagnosed.
I wondered if it had to do with all the vaccinations she had received and maybe her immune system was out of whack.

[Anonymous]

http://www.embracepetinsurance.com/blog/harmful-side-animal-sourced-dog-chews
http://www.embracepetinsurance.com/pet-care/dangers-of-rawhide

They are junk, treated with toxic chemicals, imo

Also, listen to what the homeopathic vets have to say, some of it makes sense
http://vitalanimal.com/natural-dental-prevention/
I give my dogs an occasional frozen beef marrow bone to chew on, however, these are not without risk. They can chip a tooth, and one of my dogs had to go to the emergency vet because of abdominal pain and vomiting, x-ray showed calcified material in her colon and stomach, luckily it passed.

A raw carrot is a good treat. But don’t be alarmed if you see carrot chunks in their feces….they don’t digest veggies well.

[Anonymous]

I don’t feed pork to my dogs. Pork in itself is as harmless to dogs as chicken, beef or any other meat. However, there is a slight risk of your dog being infected with trichinosis by eating pork.
Besides, I think pork has more salt/preservatives….I think of it as a processed food.

[Anonymous]

Nutrisca, Salmon and Chickpea, it has limited ingredients, no grains, no potato.
Check it out at chewy.com and read the comments

(there was a recent recall, regarding chicken) I’m not concerned, but thought I should mention.

[Anonymous]

I don’t know much about raw diets. But, I am wondering if some of the dry food/kibble (even good quality) have a high sodium content. A decrease in sodium might lead to an increase in urination, I think.

[Anonymous]

I know what you mean, I had to take one of my dogs to a specialist/dermatologist $$ for her allergies.
But it was totally worth it, the maintenance isn’t that bad at all. If you find something that works….

[Anonymous]

Nutrisca had a recall recently, salmonella. None of the dry fish foods were involved, it had something to do with the chicken.

This didn’t bother me and I will continue to buy their product, but I thought I should mention it.

[Anonymous]

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

I have never tried Acana, can she have a little bit of plain homemade chicken broth poured on the dry? I have heard good things about Acana, but some of these foods are expensive. I can’t get beyond the price tag.

[Anonymous]

What kind of fistulas? Are they related to allergies? Blocked anal glands?
My dog with allergies does well on Nutrisca (fish), assuming your dog can have fish, I know it contains no potato or grains. Wysong has a vegetarian blend.
I may start getting my Nutrisca from chewy.com because the prices are better.

I like Wysong and consider it to be a quality food and still feed it to my senior dog. However I noticed my dogs seemed to be drinking more water, so I worried that maybe it’s high in sodium? If that’s a concern I think someone at their company could answer your questions.

PS: Consider consulting a homeopathic vet, they may have some treatment ideas different from the traditional vets http://www.vitalanimal.com Some of them do phone consults, if there isn’t one located near you.

[Anonymous]

Consider homemade, combined with a high quality kibble as a base, and canned as backup.
http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

[Anonymous]

Many homeopathic veterinarians do phone consults. Example:

“Distance is no impediment to working homeopathically. If you don’t have a homeopathic vet near you, you can enroll as a long distance client and work via telephone appointments with Dr. Falconer. The prerequisite for this is knowing your animal very well, and being able to convey symptom information in words”. http://vitalanimal.com/contact/

And, I think your veterinarian could refer you to a nutritionist, if you requested such.

Again, these are just treatment options, maybe someone else reading this will find the information helpful.
Peace

[Anonymous]

I would consider making an appointment with a homeopathic veterinarian or an animal nutritionist. Let a professional guide you.
A veterinarian that is board certified in small animal clinical nutrition, and can provide healthy pet and disease-specific homemade diet formulations
It may prove to be cost effective in the long run.

[Anonymous]

First, make sure there isn’t a medical reason. Decrease in appetite, refusal to eat, just as changes in behavior, can be red flags that something may be wrong. Time to see the veterinarian (imo).

Otherwise, I would consider a higher quality food, I like Nutrisca (for my allergy girl), Wysong for my senior. I have also used Wellness Simple. My neighbor likes Fromm for her picky eater. Maybe add a little water or homemade plain chicken broth to her food. Mix in a spoonful of canned or a bite of chicken…
Newman Organics is a reasonably priced quality food, I think.
Or consider homemade with kibble as a base. http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

[Anonymous]

“Lufenuron, a benzoylurea pesticide, inhibits the production of chitin in insects. Without chitin, a larval flea will never develop a hard outer shell (exoskeleton). With its inner organs exposed to air, the insect dies from dehydration soon after hatching or molting (shedding its old, smaller shell)”.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lufenuron

Just look up the ingredients of any flea/tick products or repellents, if you have any doubt about what they are.

[Anonymous]

I use k9Advantix II (topical monthly) on my dogs, but only during the summer. Heartworm pills every 6 weeks (not 4) during warm months, yearly testing, careful checking and avoidance of all tall grass, brush and woods.
I also use Brewers yeast/garlic supplements as they are supposed to deter bugs, plus natural spray repellents.
I would not use an oral agent, wish I didn’t have to use anything, but the ticks are bad in my area. They all are pesticides/poisons.

I have heard terrible things about this product http://vitalanimal.com/trifexis-hoax/

[Anonymous]

If you wet her serving of kibble with water and put it in the fridg overnight, and a few hours prior to her afternoon meal, it softens up nicely. I do this for my senior dog for 2 reasons, he doesn’t have much left for teeth and it gives him some more moisture in his food, as he rarely goes to the water dish. If you have homemade plain chicken or bone broth you can use this instead of H20.

I assume where she was a rescue she was seen by the vet prior to adoption, did they tell you the condition of her teeth? Anyone that has owned dogs for a while may be able to take a quick look and a sniff and tell you if they think she has a problem…..but it’s best to have a vet examine. If anything in her mouth hurts, she is likely to bite.

[Anonymous]

Find her a high quality kibble give her about 1/3 to 1/2 cup with a bite of cooked chicken (or canned food) mixed in. Offer it to her twice a day at the same times, for example 8a and 4p, if she does not eat it or show interest in it after 20 minutes pick it up and put it in the fridg, offer it at the next mealtime. It’s okay if she skips a meal here and there. Make sure she is drinking water, in fact, I would add a little water to her kibble to be sure. Good luck and remember you are the alpha, you are in charge!
Avoid table scraps, especially anything with onion, there is a list of foods that are toxic to dogs.

[Anonymous]

I forgot, obesity is another contributing factor, as is age (seniors). Also, it’s important to keep the backside well groomed.

[Anonymous]

Youtube has a whole bunch of “how to” videos, some dogs need this done about once a week, some may need it once a month, some may need it once in a great while…or not at all.

It’s not the food, although you do want to avoid a diet that will tend to give the dog loose stools, it has to do with their anatomy, especially small breeds (but not every dog has these issues). Sedentary lifestyle can contribute too.
Now that he has an infection/abscess, don’t try this. The vet will have to take care of it, it may even need to be lanced. The vet may put your dog on antibiotics for a few days.
Talk to your vet about how often your dog’s anal glands need to be expressed, if you can’t learn to do it yourself, you may have to bring him in, maybe the vet tech can do it or a groomer.
If routine anal expression doesn’t do the trick (it should), your vet may recommend anal gland removal if Blacky has a chronic problem.

PS: I have owned dogs for 30 years, out of about 7 small dogs, 3 needed their anal glands expressed routinely and I was able to avoid surgery. I would take your dog to a vet asap….the condition you describe is very painful, the longer it goes on the more likely he will have to be lanced or be put under anesthesia to open up the pus pocket.
I work in healthcare.

[Anonymous]

Some good info here, imo http://www.allergydogcentral.com/

[Anonymous]

http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf
“Natural Diet for Dogs: Guidelines for Optimal Nutrition”

I am leery of all bones, but I still give my dog a frozen raw beef marrow bone as a treat occasionally…with caution.
For dental, I brush their teeth every evening, it helps.

[Anonymous]

I even had a meat grinder, I recently donated it to the Goodwill. Way to much mess and cleaning (imo)
But some people like them…

[Anonymous]

From what I understand dogs should never be fed cooked bones of any kind.
You can get in enough trouble with the raw. I had to take my poodle to the emergency place a while back due to vomiting and abdominal pain. She would work on a frozen beef marrow bone and grind the bone into small particles and consume.
Well, the x-ray showed calcified material in her colon and stomach that had solidified and she was having difficulty passing. Luckily she did pass them on her own, had to take a pain med and Pepcid for a few days.
My point is, that raw bones are not a good idea for all dogs. I still let her enjoy a small frozen raw beef marrow bone occasionally, but I take it away from her before she gets to the nitty gritty. My other dogs, the same thing, I don’t give them as often as I used to.
But cooked bones, NEVER.
PS: I tried raw but quickly realized it would be best to use fresh killed organic meat…which I can’t afford.
So I slightly cook their food (minus the bone) and combine with a high grade kibble. I have posted a link to the natural diet (written by a vet) it is in some of my other posts, if you are interested.

[Anonymous]

Anytime you make a change in their diet they may have loose stools/diarrhea.
Unless it’s severe, I would give it a day or two, or three.

Some of those small breeds tend to develop bladder stones….so I would add water to her meals and choose her diet accordingly, high quality kibble, homemade, or a combination.
http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

I like Wysong or Nutrisca (fish) as a dry food base. I have used Wellness in the past, my neighbor likes Fromm’s for her picky eater….I’m sure there are other good brands too.

[Anonymous]

Plenty information at these websites.
http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

http://www.allergydogcentral.com/

Environmental allergies are more common than food allergies, often food sensitivities are referred to as allergies.
If the symptoms have been going on for more than a year, 4 seasons without significant relief I would consider seeing a specialist and having the skin testing done (if you haven’t done so already).

Have you considered consulting with a homeopathic veterinarian?
http://www.vitalanimal.com
for a list of homeopathic vets in your area http://theavh.org/ Make sure the vet has at least 75% homeopathic cases in their practice, or you might just get the same old same old.

My dog with allergies receives immunotherapy and seems to do best with Nutrisca dry (fish) as a base food. A daily fish oil capsule. Frequent baths with Malaseb.

[Anonymous]

I’m glad you are finding things that work, all we can do is share what has been helpful for our pets and hope someone benefits.
This is the first dog I have ever had to take to a specialist….but I’m glad I did, so far so good.
I got frustrated with the elimination diets. I have found that frequent bathing with Malaseb or a gentle oatmeal shampoo helps too.

[Anonymous]

“Jean Dobbs Saliva Test, tests for food intolerances & food sensitivities”…

I have no interest in this test because it does not test for allergies. I want my pet physically examined by a veterinarian as part of the diagnostic process.

I can figure out food sensitivities myself just by trying and eliminating different things.
Also, if the animal is reacting to environmental allergies, you can change the diet all you want and it won’t make a difference.

Once my dog had the skin testing (I never got the food testing) and started treatment, she now tolerates a variety of foods.

BTW: Food sensitivities change, that test you mentioned recommends getting them retested every year or so. If people find this helpful great. Different things work for different dogs.

[Anonymous]

My dog with allergies is doing very well, she only needs the injection every 3 weeks now.
We see the specialist once a year and pick up the solution every 6 months, he is available for questions by phone.
Haven’t been to the regular vet in 3 years, no need, this dog will not be receiving any more vaccinations.
Initially the testing is expensive but the maintenance isn’t bad at all. It is what it is.

Not all dogs need immunotherapy, the allergies may only be seasonal, or related to food sensitivities.
But seeing a specialist and trying simple foods should help, for some reason my allergy girl does well on Nutrisca (fish), or Wysong. I tried eliminating this and that, no chicken, no potato……. she has a delicate stomach, but now I give her a little chicken or lean meat (cooked) with her dry, a fish oil capsule every day, it’s supposed to help pruritis.
Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I forgot to mention, my neighbor’s dog that has GI issues and is a picky eater does well on Fromm’s dry. I have not tried it though.

[Anonymous]

I like Wysong, but my dog that has a sensitive stomach seems to do the best on Nutrisca dry (fish) with a little water added and a bite of cooked chicken or lean meat.
She has never been diagnosed with pancreatitis, however, she has allergies and can’t tolerate frozen beef marrow bones either. Consider what the homeopathic vets have to say too. http://www.vitalanimal.com

[Anonymous]

I apologize if I came on too strong. I can see why one would have concerns about putting a senior dog with health issues through any type of surgery.
Peace

[Anonymous]

The test results (ph levels) will fluctuate, I find 4 small meals with water added, instead of 2 regular meals is helpful.
Potassium citrate/cranberry tablets (if your vet approves), as I mentioned before, I give my 15 pound dog 4 tabs per day. This is what I use. http://www.entirelypets.com/k-plus-potassium-citrate-plus-cranberry-300-tabs.html?cmp=nextag&mr:referralID=2b34b4bd-6c95-11e2-b779-001b2166c62d

Offer frequent bathroom breaks, keep things flowing, you don’t want urine to stay in the bladder longer than it has to. Stones form in stagnant conditions.
These things have worked for my dog, I make sure he doesn’t have difficulty urinating, good amount and normal flow.

I keep his diet simple, grain free kibble, he likes Wysong, with a little cooked chicken or lean meat added. I soak his kibble in water overnight in the fridg so it is like wet food.

I have not complied with the recommended testing and x-rays (this may be an error on my part). But he looks comfortable to me. He is 14+ years old so I’m not sure he could tolerate another surgery anyway.
Good luck.

[Anonymous]

The vet that helped in my situation just did the subq fluids, not IV, it’s easy and not expensive….she said take her home and see if it helps. So, I never did any additional testing at that time. The subq fluids not only hydrates the dog and relieves the nausea but it also flushes out the toxins.
I was amazed at the effect……have it done in the morning and if she is not better by the afternoon, go along with the blood work. It won’t show poisoning anyway, that would be a specific test. It will show her kidney function and liver function tests, if she is sick they will be a little off anyway.
Here is what it looks like, but of course have the vet do it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxAAyISHRk8
If your vet advises differently, ignore me.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, I am sometimes afraid that I am annoying people. Your dog reminds me of a similar situation I had with a poodle mix years ago, the vet thought she got into something. My neighbor at the time was using rat poison to eradicate the mice in her home.
Anyway, the vet wanted to run a GI series, this test and that test. I went to another vet instead (the same day) who gave the dog subq fluids and she perked right up!
So, consider asking your vet if that would help, if she isn’t better by tomorrow. It seems to relieve the nausea and they start eating.

[Anonymous]

Well, I would consider a dog not being able to eat, vomiting and diarrhea for 3 days a medical emergency and proceed accordingly.
Again, I am not there, I am not a vet, and maybe the situation isn’t as dire as you describe, I hope.

[Anonymous]

All these food/diet ideas are great, for when she is stable…..

She may be dehydrated? No way will she be able to tolerate fluid being forced down her throat. If it was my dog and she had the symptoms you described I would get her help now.

[Anonymous]

What area are you in? There has to be an emergency veterinary clinic within a 20 mile radius, they may not be affiliated with your vet.
I am in the Boston area, we have several places.

PS: If you call your local police dept. non-emergency number, I bet they could tell you where the closest emergency veterinary clinic is.

[Anonymous]

I was just sharing my experience, I have actually had better luck as far as getting an accurate diagnosis for my dogs at the 24 hour emergency veterinary clinic located 10 minutes from my home (in comparison to going to the regular vet).
I have only had to use them a handful of times over the years. The bill is a tough pill to swallow…..but what are you going to do on a Sunday afternoon when you have an emergency?
Sometimes the administering of subq fluids can make a world of difference in a dog that is sick and nauseous. I have found that a fresh pair of eyes assessing the situation is helpful too.
Again, only a vet that has examined your pet can make a diagnosis.

[Anonymous]

I’m not there, I can’t see your dog….and only a vet can diagnose.
Regarding my dogs, I have a 72 hour rule, if they are sick, refuse to eat, appear to be in discomfort and don’t show any signs of improvement, I take them to the 24 hour emergency veterinary clinic. Sure, it costs a few bucks, but they will run tests and I’ll be in and out of there within a couple of hours with a diagnosis and treatment regimen in place.
Stuff happens, they have payment plans.
I have owned dogs for over 30 years, I am an RN.

[Anonymous]

You mentioned she recently received vaccinations, could this be a reaction? Vaccinosis?
Dogs under 20 pounds are the most likely to have adverse effects.
http://vitalanimal.com/waiver/

[Anonymous]

I would consider making an appointment with or asking your vet for a referral to a specialist, seeing as she has not responded to current treatment.
You said she has had these issues for 2 years plus, might be time for another opinion.

[Anonymous]

My dog with allergies and a sensitive stomach does well on Nutrisca dry (fish), my other dogs like Wysong, both combined with a homemade diet.

PS: Are you leaving the food down, free feeding? If so, not a good idea (imo) offer the food twice a day or 4 small meals per day, if she doesn’t eat it after 10-15 minutes pick it up and put it in the fridg, offer it at the next mealtime. Add water to the food, most dogs don’t drink enough. How about plain homemade chicken broth added to the food? Ask your vet if this would be okay.

[Author]

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