[Anonymous]

For more information on this topic, check the search engine here: /forums/search/struvite/

[Anonymous]

I am so sorry for your heartbreak. What does your vet think caused his death? Did he have a liver anomaly?

Sometimes there is no explanation for these things…..
The only thing I can think of is, next time, wait till the dog is in perfect health before you give any vaccinations, and then only give what is required by law (rabies)

I lost a beautiful dog to hemangiosarcoma, she had the best diet, exercise, I will never know what caused it, some things are genetic.

Peace

[Anonymous]

Check with your local Petco, Petsmart, Especially for Pets and other pet supply stores.
Often they will mark down or donate foods that are approaching their expiration dates.

Also, check your local supermarket, reduced price section, sometimes you can find good things there.

[Anonymous]

If your dog eats about 1 cup of food per day, then a 14 pound bag of kibble should last about 28-30 days. Most people add something to the kibble to make it interesting, which means the kibble may last a few days longer.
Often the recommendations on the bags are on the high side…..and calories, I don’t get that. Most calorie charts/estimates are inaccurate.
I’d rather take a more casual approach.
Depends on activity level, metabolism and the general health of the dog. Inclination to put on weight or lose weight.

[Anonymous]

I like Nutrisca salmon and chickpea or anything by Wysong. Check Chewy.com

[Anonymous]

The puppy is a small breed, Pomeranian and something. Full grown the dog will probably be between 12 and 20 pounds….. if he is 4 months old now.
I agree with the OP, get the pup stable first. Plus, even though the dna test sounds like a fun thing to do, I have heard complaints that it is not always accurate.
As he matures it will become clearer what you have 🙂

[Anonymous]

Why not? I give my dogs 1 fish oil capsule a day, maybe it helps.

Latest Review Finds Fish Oils Don’t Help Dementia

Read the comments, you may find some helpful information.
PS: It is a food supplement, not a medication….not sure how accurate the dosages listed would be anyway.

[Anonymous]

Homemade diet recipe and tips
http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

[Anonymous]

GNC Pets Ultra Mega Hip & Joint Health for Senior Dogs – Beef Flavor

I don’t see brewers yeast listed as an ingredient.
Life Stage: 3- Senior Dogs
•Supports joint cushioning & mobility
•750 mg glucosamine + 600 mg chondroitin + 500 mg MSM
•Added omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric & boswellia for healthy joints

[Anonymous]

“So what I’m wondering is what can I do to improve all my puppies health? Should I start making homemade puppy food? What supplements and flea medicines should I be giving them? They have to be on a leash outside so do you have any fun exercises I can do with them? Any other advice you want to give me, especially towards the new puppy”?

I think you should ask your vet these questions when you see him. He looks like he may be a small breed mix, dachshund? There is a dog dna test you could try when things get settled, if you must know.
Puppies do well with 3 or 4 small meals a day, soft and dry mixed with water. They sleep, play and eat…..see if he will play fetch? Carry him to the area you would like him to use as the bathroom every 2 hours so he will get the idea.

[Anonymous]

If I remember correctly, 1 pound equals approximately 2 cups of kibble (dry weight)
The recommended amounts to feed are merely a guide, through trial and error you will find what works for an individual dog.

For example, my 10 pound dog eats just a little bit less than my 20 pound dog.
Metabolisms differ…just like with people. Start with the lowest recommended and see how that works…and if you are adding a topper, factor that in.

[Anonymous]

Regarding the accident, was the dog off leash in an area that requires pets to be leashed?
Unfortunately, that makes a difference. Otherwise, if you can talk to a lawyer for free, I would…maybe they (whoever caused the accident) have some responsibility toward the vet bills.

[Anonymous]

Don’t be afraid to ask your vet for pain medication to keep your dog comfortable….something like Tramadol, maybe? Doesn’t cost much.
Just call him, and swing by to pick up.
PS: Talk to the vet, even if you have to wait for a call back, I have better results this way rather than talking to a vet tech.

[Anonymous]

If you decide the dog needs surgery. There are always payment plans.
And there is usually something you can give up, cable, eating out…. I gave up cable about 3 years ago, between Netflix and the local library DVDs, I don’t miss it.

It is what it is.

[Anonymous]

Some organizations offer assistance, make some phone calls, see what is available in your neck of the woods.

for example, in the Boston area,
http://www.mspca.org/vet-services/angell-boston/patient-information.html

Angell offers financial assistance through the MSPCA’s Pet Care Assistance. Pet Care Assistance (PCA) was established in 1990 to support the medical care of sick or injured animals being treated at the MSPCA-Angell whose families have limited financial resources. PCA also defrays the cost of treating animals that are victims of cruelty and abuse. In 2006, the fund distributed over $363,000 to support the treatment of thousands of animals. Annual contributions, special events, and endowment income sustain the fund. For more information or to apply for financial assistance, please contact our Financial Office at (617) 541-5028 or 5030. Please note: Pet Care Assistance benefits patients and clients treated at the MSPCA-Angell only.

[Anonymous]

I am so sorry that you have had a bad experience, I have had both….(good and bad)
Don’t give up, there are good veterinarians out there that really do care and will work with you and understand your financial constraints.
Be careful with the homeopathic stuff, some of it is fairy dust (imo)

PS: Did you contact the local media? Maybe people will donate to help with your dog’s veterinary costs? The surgery may be necessary, have you consulted a specialist?

[Anonymous]

http://whatstheharm.net/

http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/altbelief.html

Natural does not mean benign……

[Anonymous]

You could add a dog multivit, I like GNC products. Not sure that the dog really needs it….but you will feel better.
I was adding it every day, now every other day, as they are all in good health at present.

[Anonymous]

My senior small breed who tends to be constipated has regular bms on Wysong Senior (soaked in water with a little cooked chicken) maybe there is more fiber in it….

[Anonymous]

Did you check Chewy.com for prices? They carry Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea. I find them to be reasonable in comparison to other places.

[Anonymous]

My dog with allergies does best on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea (no grains, no potato). But since receiving care by a specialist/dermatologist she can tolerate a variety of foods as her allergies are environmental. She had IDT (Intra Dermal Testing) and has responded well to ASIT (Allergen Specific Immunotherapy)
Some info here: http://www.mspca.org/vet-services/angell-boston/dermatology/allergy-testing.html

PS: I sometimes bathe her twice a week (approved by the specialist) with Malaseb or Antifungal dog shampoo by GNC I like the lavender smell.

Check the search engine here /forums/search/allergies/
I don’t agree with all of the opinions expressed. Hope this helps.
More info here: http://www.allergydogcentral.com/category/symptoms/

[Anonymous]

NuVet Supplement=Same Old Snake Oil

below is an excerpt, click on link for full article and 111 comments, as of today.

Bottom Line
This product is a hodgepodge of nutrients, herbal ingredients, and nutraceuticals thrown together with no clear logic or rationale. The claims that many pet diseases are due to toxins or other deficiencies in commercial diets and to oxidative damage are unsupported by any real evidence. Only a few of the specific claims for the ingredients in the mixture are backed by research evidence, and the quality of this is generally poor and only available for humans. The advertising of the product contains many of the hallmarks of snake oil marketing, but it does not contain any research evidence at all concerning the safety or effectiveness of the product, because none appears to exist.While I have no reason to doubt the sincerity of the manufacturer of this product, I believe it is unethical to sell a product with no research establishing the safety or efficacy of the product for any disease and with little to no research even into the safety and efficacy of its constituents. Promoting the product with unproven or outright false claims about pet nutrition and disease designed to instill fear in pet owners and with wild and ridiculous claims about the effectiveness of the product for numerous unrelated diseases is wrong regardless of how sincerely the manufacturer believes in their own pseudoscientific theories. Any responsible manufacturer of a medical therapy should be expected to demonstrate their claims through rigorous science before profiting from the desperate need of people with sick pets.

[Anonymous]

/forums/search/allergies/

Above link found via the search engine here. I don’t necessarily agree with some of the opinions expressed.
Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

/forums/search/darwin/

If you click on forums, and go back to the home page you will see the search engine on the top of the page to the right. Anyway, that’s what works for me. I am not familiar with this product. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Did you check the search engine? Lots of information here. However, I don’t necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed. /forums/search/bladder+stones/
I have shared my experience, my dog had both types of stones, emergency surgery and follow up. I have posted what has been helpful. Please return if you have any more questions.

[Anonymous]

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

Have you checked out what Wysong has to offer? http://www.wysong.net/testimonials/?article=45&cat=cat1
My senior small breed does well on Wysong senior (carried by Chewey.com)
They also have a prescription food: http://www.wysong.net/veterinarian/rx-diets/organ.html
What about Nutrisca salmon and chickpea?

The search engine here: /forums/search/pancreatitis/
I do not necessarily agree with all of the opinions provided.
Hope this helps.

PS: Is your vet an Internal Medicine Specialist? It makes a difference…

[Anonymous]

/forums/topic/vet-pushing-prescription-food-for-dalmatian/

Above link obtained via the search engine at this site. A variety of opinions are expressed on this topic. I don’t necessarily agree with all of them.
Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

“Red, I realize that you are all about skeptvet. HOWEVER, I really am not happy with how he dismisses alternative treatments”.

Inaccurate, on both counts.
Whoever reads my posts can see that I refer to several reliable sources for information.
I often provide links to this forum using the search engine, so that the OP can see similar threads, responses and different opinions…including ones that I don’t necessarily agree with.

[Anonymous]

Please check the search engine here: /forums/search/allergies/
Lots of information that you may find helpful, come back if you have more questions.

This is from one of the SkeptVet’s blogs, an excerpt from a response to a comment about allergies. Hope this helps.

“In general, diet trial involve picking a new primary protein source and strictly eliminating all others for 2-3 months before any change is likely to be seen. And there are many sources of allergies besides food proteins, so diet change may not dramatically improve symptoms, in which case other causes have to be investigated. I would strongly suggest working closely with your regular veterinarian or, if it is possible for you, with a board-certified veterinary dermatologist. Allergies require lifelong management tailored to the individual needs of the particular patient, and there is no simple or quick solution”.

NuVet Supplement=Same Old Snake Oil

Anther site: http://www.allergydogcentral.com/category/symptoms/

Integrating Myths and Nonsense with Standard Advice for Allergic Pets

excerpt is from above link (click for full blog and comments)
“There is no research to suggest that the saliva testing is useful for identifying food allergies. It is sold based on questionable theory and anecdotes, which have little evidentiary value. And as far as uncontrolled testing, at least one dermatologist has run the test in dogs with confirmed food allergies responsive to diet change, and the test results were highly inaccurate”.
Other blogs that you might find helpful: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2015/07/no-vet-for-my-pet-veterinary-nurses-can-sell-woo-too/

Canine Nutrigenomics by Dr. Jean Dodds: Science as Windowdressing

[Anonymous]

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2011/09/integrating-myths-and-nonsense-with-standard-advice-for-allergic-pets/ (excerpt below)
Bottom Line
Allergies are a serious medical problem that causes a great deal of suffering for pets and their owners. Causes are complex and involve both genetic, developmental, and environmental factors, and symptoms tend to come and go unpredictably, which makes evaluating the effects of any particular intervention challenging. While there are many safe and effective therapies that can help manage allergy symptoms, there is no cure. Only complete avoidance of the antigens the individual is allergic to can eliminate symptoms entirely, and this is often not possible. No treatment that has any benefit is completely without risks, and the risks and benefits must always be carefully and rationally weighed.

The variability and chronicity of the symptoms and the complexity of the causation create fertile ground in which to sow myths and misconceptions about causes and treatments, as this article does vigorously. Providing treatments based on sound scientific understanding of the physiology of allergies and supported by reliable scientific evidence of safety and efficacy is the best way to help patients with this serious condition. Myths about allergy causes and treatments that are without a rational, scientific foundation or any real evidence of safety and efficacy are not legitimate “choices” or “options” to offer pet owners looking for real help. Integrating unproven methods and outright nonsense with established allergy therapies doesn’t add value or reduce risks, it diminishes our ability to help these patients and their human families.

[Anonymous]

@Kevin R, and anyone else that has a pet that is suffering from allergies:

Integrating Myths and Nonsense with Standard Advice for Allergic Pets

excerpt is from above link (click for full blog and comments)
“There is no research to suggest that the saliva testing is useful for identifying food allergies. It is sold based on questionable theory and anecdotes, which have little evidentiary value. And as far as uncontrolled testing, at least one dermatologist has run the test in dogs with confirmed food allergies responsive to diet change, and the test results were highly inaccurate”.
Other blogs that you might find helpful: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2015/07/no-vet-for-my-pet-veterinary-nurses-can-sell-woo-too/

Canine Nutrigenomics by Dr. Jean Dodds: Science as Windowdressing

[Anonymous]

It can take up to a year to see results. My dog only needs an injection every 3 weeks now.
It is what it is. At least she is comfortable..

PS: A fish oil capsule a day may help with dry skin. I give all my dogs 1 a day, same stuff I take.

[Anonymous]

Corgis are the best dogs ever! Don’t let them fool you, they are BIG dogs with short legs 🙂
Mine had a German Shepherd personality, very protective.

[Anonymous]

My dog with allergies does best on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea. But since receiving care by a specialist/dermatologist she can tolerate a variety of foods as her allergies are environmental. She had IDT (Intra Dermal Testing) and has responded well to ASIT (Allergen Specific Immunotherapy)
Some info here: http://www.mspca.org/vet-services/angell-boston/dermatology/allergy-testing.html

PS: I sometimes bathe her twice a week (approved by the specialist) with Malaseb or Antifungal dog shampoo by GNC I like the lavender smell.

Check the search engine here for more info: allergies.
Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

I add cooked lean meat or chicken to quality kibble (Nutrisca salmon and chickpea).
Is that a corgi in your avatar? I had one for 9+ years. Very healthy diet, exercise, never sick…..got cancer (hemangiosarcoma).
Another dog we had when I was a kid lived to be 18 years old, ate nothing but 1 can of Calo (cheap stuff) a day. Roamed outside free.

Both dogs had minimal vaccinations.

Some things are genetic and there is no explanation. We all do the best that we can.

[Anonymous]

I tried homemade, I have the time…but it’s just too much work.
I think if you find a kibble that agrees with your dog and add water or presoak (if needed) it’s fine as a base. You can always add to it.

Some info here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

PS: Now that my dog’s allergies (treated by a specialist/dermatologist) are under control, she can eat a variety of foods without any problems.

If you want to tackle homemade: http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

[Anonymous]

Some of the comments are interesting too 🙂

[Anonymous]

May I suggest you use the search engine, this topic has been discussed many times:
/forums/search/allergies/
/forums/search/struvite/

Hope this helps

[Anonymous]

@Tyler G
“Some animals have anal glands that are placed deep and low inside of the rectum. In this case, even though there is healthy stool being passed out of the rectum, there’s not enough pressure to the wayward anal glands to effectively empty their contents during a bowel movement. Very rarely in those situations, those animals have to have anal gland expression performed because they’re not capable of doing it on their own”.
This is from http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2009/12/23/your-pets-anal-glands.aspx

This condition is not unusual in small breeds.

Best to go by what a veterinarian that has examined your dog recommends.

[Anonymous]

Did you check the search engine? This topic comes up often. Example:
/forums/topic/more-anal-gland-issues/

“This problem is common in some small breeds, has something to do with their anatomy, also obesity and sedentary lifestyle can be factors”.

[Anonymous]

@Melisssa S.
This is from one of the SkeptVet’s blogs, an excerpt from a response to a comment about allergies, I think it encapsulates what I was trying to say. Hope this helps.

“In general, diet trial involve picking a new primary protein source and strictly eliminating all others for 2-3 months before any change is likely to be seen. And there are many sources of allergies besides food proteins, so diet change may not dramatically improve symptoms, in which case other causes have to be investigated. I would strongly suggest working closely with your regular veterinarian or, if it is possible for you, with a board-certified veterinary dermatologist. Allergies require lifelong management tailored to the individual needs of the particular patient, and there is no simple or quick solution”.

NuVet Supplement=Same Old Snake Oil

[Anonymous]

“I’ll be getting special shampoo and ear stuff to bathe and clean her with”.

If the ears are infected (red, inflamed, discharge) it may be best to leave them alone and have a vet examine. She may need prescription ear drops, over the counter stuff could cause more pain, irritation and infection.

A gentle homemade cleanser for weekly use once there is no infection: 1/2 organic apple cider mixed with 1/2 witch hazel, you only need a tiny amount (store leftover mixture in the fridg) if you use q-tips and most vets say not to…be gentle.

[Anonymous]

Misinterpreting the comments and opinions of other posters does not help anyone
And it reflects poorly upon the person doing it.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 11 months ago by Anonymous.

[Anonymous]

Dog Food Logic: Making Smart Decisions for Your Dog in an Age of Too Many Choices by Linda Case

This book has received good reviews. Check Amazon. Maybe you could read the book with your partner and discuss?

[Anonymous]

“I didn’t know there were dermatologists for dogs. I wonder if I can just go see one instead of a vet? They might know more than a vet would maybe”?

Yes, you can, and I was going to suggest that. What area are you in (state)? You can call the nearest veterinary school, often they have specialists or will know where to refer you.
Bring whatever records you have, negative heartworm test if you have it, proof of last rabies ( the only vaccination required by law). The only thing is…if they think the dog needs some lab work to rule out medical issues….but they probably have regular vets there too. Has the dog seen a vet in the last couple of years?

I wouldn’t worry too much about the food right now, the skin condition/allergies might not even be related to it. I would make seeing the dermatologist the #1 priority. One thing at a time.

I understand where your uncle is coming from, some dogs do okay on a low quality food, but some don’t. See what the vet says. Paying more doesn’t always mean it’s better!
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/ I have learned a lot from this site (link)

PS: I’d rather be an outdoor dog instead of an indoor dog that was crated all day 😉

[Anonymous]

Supplements, avoidance, and food are not medication or treatment.

A mild case is one thing…but to advise people not to seek professional help when an animal is clearly suffering is mind boggling to me.

PS: How does attacking someone’s comments help the OP?

[Anonymous]

Not according to the specialist that treats my dog, he said you have to let a dog be a dog, don’t stop them from rolling around in the grass! Avoidance doesn’t work, if it did, I wouldn’t have gone to the dermatologist.

I went to the dermatologist and complied with treatment for 3 years and saw the improvement. My dog can eat any foods she wants now too…..
Bathing a couple of times a week helps, among other things.
A common allergen is dander (people, dust, roaches, everything) It is in the air and on the skin of all living things.

My last post in this thread.

[Anonymous]

Most environmental allergens are airborne, doesn’t matter if the dog is inside or outside. You can’t avoid the allergens….but if the dog responds to ASIT…no worries.

I hope you do some research and read the stories of other pet owners that have gone through this. A lot of misinformation on the internet.

[Anonymous]

A lot of good information here. http://www.allergydogcentral.com/category/allergy-stories/

We only see the dermatologist once a year, haven’t needed to see the regular vet in a long time.
Regarding the cost, I gave up cable and eating out…that more than covered it.
I saw results right away, but it can take up to a year and some dogs don’t respond at all.
My pet had a positive experience and is doing well.

[Anonymous]

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

Did you try the search engine : /forums/search/allergies/

[Author]

Posts