[Anonymous]

delete/error

[Anonymous]

PS: It may not have been the prilosec that made the dog vomit, the nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may be related to an underlying condition that has not yet been diagnosed. The vet probably tried a band-aid approach to avoid the costs of additional testing which now appears might be indicated, unless the dog gets better spontaneously

Just my opinion.

[Anonymous]

Well, I would consider consulting a veterinarian that is a Internal Medicine Specialist….
Best of luck.

[Anonymous]

Please check with a veterinarian before adding supplements, or over the counter medication intended for humans.
Remember, only a veterinarian that has examined your pet can make a diagnosis (animals).

[Anonymous]

If you soak any kibble overnight in water in the fridg it is easier to digest and like wet food.

They hate it here when I recommend this site, but I can’t help it, as I have learned a lot!
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

If you are worried about the teeth, just brush the teeth every evening. The toothpaste should not be making him sick (only need a small amount). I use Petrodex 6.2oz size tube and a medium adult brush.
Believe it or not, my terrier is letting me use one of those throw away battery operated brushes.
See youtube for how to videos.

[Anonymous]

I like Wysong senior, or Nutrisca salmon and chickpea. I add a glucosamine supplement for dogs by GNC. But, I believe it’s not a good idea to add glucosamine if your dog is prone to bladder stones…so check with your vet first.

I soak the kibble in water overnight.

PS: I believe the Nutrisca salmon and chickpea has no chicken. Wysong has a variety of foods, some have no chicken. Check chewy.com for prices and delivery and compare.

[Anonymous]

I suspect that your vet will need to do some additional testing to properly diagnose and treat your dog. Might cost a few bucks, but it is what it is.

The symptoms you describe could be anything from a nervous habit, to a GI issue, to allergies, or even cancer. Just to name a few things.

See if you can negotiate with your vet, rule out one thing at a time?

[Anonymous]

“Most people I know have had poor luck going to a “specialist” and have spent way more than a little money upfront”.

Well, my pet had a very positive experience with traditional veterinary medicine, and I am familiar with biofeedback. I work in healthcare.
I view it as being under the umbrella of alternative therapy, like acupuncture and aromatherapy. Still can’t comprehend how it would be used for dogs though.
My pet had a serious condition, so I went to the best (imo) first. I would have considered alternative therapies in conjunction with traditional care…. but it wasn’t necessary.

I don’t believe blanket statements about anything are a good thing or helpful, there are always exceptions.

[Anonymous]

I hope Nemo is feeling better. It could be anything, I recently took my 3 year old terrier to the vet because he vomited 3X in 24 hours. Lab work was normal, negative for pancreatitis. The vet said he had a GI virus, he responded to prn Cerenia (the Pepcid did nothing). He got some sq fluids too. Whatever it was, it passed.

In my experience, dogs are more vulnerable after the age of 10. It sounds like you are giving him very good care. Try not to worry, sometimes less is better. Anything you give him has to go through the liver to get broken down and might make him more nauseous, that includes supplements.

[Anonymous]

“once he had that probiotic everything just exploded”..
Hopefully that was the problem and now that you have discontinued it he will stabilize.
I had a hypothyroid dog (small breed), she lived to be 12, no digestive issues. She did become lethargic toward the last year of her life and developed a cancerous growth on her neck.

[Anonymous]

Did your vet diagnose him with pancreatitis? If not, you are just guessing.
If it was my dog I would make an appointment with an Internal Medicine Specialist, I am assuming you have already had diagnostic testing and exam by your vet.
Get to the root of the problem. Diet is not medication. You need to make sure he is stable first before making diet changes, especially something as extreme as going to raw. Some info here http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

[Anonymous]

It is up to the individual consumer, don’t you think? Try this, that, and the other thing, change the diet multiple different ways, spend a few hundred over a period of months, years. Meanwhile the dog is suffering.

Or go to a specialist and spend some $ (initial testing) and get some answers right away, in example, a diagnosis, treatment, diet recommendations, follow up, and results!

[Anonymous]

What’s included in the Kit: • Sample sheet of assessed items that may be affecting your pet (200+ Food Items, 100+ Environmental triggers, and Beneficial Herbal and Holistic Remedies)
• Information Sheet (Must accompany the pet’s samples when sent)
• Small Comb
• 3 Organic Cotton Swabs
• Plastic Zip Bag (To place the hair and Saliva samples)
• Return Envelope

Above is an excerpt from the site of the test in question. Looks like a saliva test to me.
“biofeedback energy” What is that?
If you are into alternative therapies and against traditional veterinary medicine. I guess it’s an option.
I have never had good results with that sort of thing, but, who knows…

[Anonymous]

Sometimes the medications (especially antibiotics) they need to help them can also make them nauseous….so, I might mention it to the vet (have him call you back when he has a minute). He may want to make a change in the prescribed medication.
I would continue to work with your vet, but if you are not seeing improvement after a while, consider consulting an Internal Medicine Specialist.
It’s like our care nowadays, you go to your PCP, but if it’s serious you get a referral to a specialist.

BTW: Has the dog had a senior workup? Lab work including r/o pancreatitis? It’s important, something else could be going on….
I agree about adding water/soaking kibble. Adequate hydration is helpful in relieving nausea.

[Anonymous]

My dog that has a sensitive stomach does well on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea as a base, also, have you checked out what Wysong has to offer? Chewy. com is worth checking out for delivery and prices.

I’m leery of all kibble but I have had good luck with these two.

[Anonymous]

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]

He may need the steroids (prednisone) for a short period of time so that he doesn’t scratch himself bloody raw and get skin infections.
Once the treatment that is prescribed by a dermatologist kicks in, hopefully he won’t need them again. He may not even have any food sensitivities.
BTW: Hyposensitization, “allergy shots” are the most natural way to treat environmental allergies. Excerpt below from: http://www.allergydogcentral.com/2011/06/30/dog-allergy-testing-and-allergy-shots/

Hyposensitization/Allergy Shot Benefits:
•Hyposensitization works on 65-85% of dogs placed on this form of treatment.
•Often the only solution for dogs who do not respond to other allergy treatments.
•A more natural approach to allergy treatments than steroids – trains the body to heal itself and not respond to allergens.

Hyposensization/Allergy Shot Drawbacks:
•May not work for 15-32% of dogs who are placed on this form of treatment.
•May not see significant results for four months to a year.
•Initial test and first round of vaccine costs roughly $500. Ongoing vaccines run roughly $300 per year.
•Lifetime commitment – injections are given every couple of weeks for the lifetime of your dog.
http://www.allergydogcentral.com/category/allergy-stories/

[Anonymous]

@ Jennifer R
http://www.grandavevetclinic.com/assets/library/apoquel.pdf
Please consider having your dog seen a dermatologist/specialist for an evaluation and testing.
The medications are band-aids, just treating the symptoms, not getting to the root of the problem.
http://www.allergydogcentral.com/2011/06/30/dog-allergy-testing-and-allergy-shots/
Please don’t give over the counter medications without consulting with a veterinarian that has examined your dog, first.

[Anonymous]

What you describe sounds like environmental allergies, I would suggest that you make an appointment with a dermatologist/specialist as soon as possible. /forums/search/allergies/

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

Most allergens are airborne, impossible to avoid. http://www.allergydogcentral.com/2014/04/07/just-moved-our-allergic-dog-to-a-new-state/

[Anonymous]

Thanks, for the correction. It depends on the dog. My dog is 15 years old and has had no difficulty urinating (since emergency surgery 4 years ago)…it’s all good.
I recently took him in for a senior checkup, his blood work was normal. I asked the vet if should I check his urine ph? Have x-rays done?
The vet said due to his age, we are not going to go there unless he is having symptoms.
Odds are at his age he wouldn’t be able to tolerate any type of aggressive treatment.
So, it’s important to find a vet that you trust and go by his recommendations.

[Anonymous]

I would think long walks would be fine. I might avoid anything too strenuous like running for now. He may be feeling a little run down due to the weight loss and all.
I avoid dog parks, havens for germs and diseases like parvo, imo. When your immune system isn’t up to par, you are more vulnerable to pick up things.

Found a nice article about IBD at Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education, when I try to post the link my comment gets deleted.

[Anonymous]

Sounds good, I just wanted to make sure that you are seeing an internal medicine specialist.
Hope the IBS is acute vs chronic. Wait and see if he stabilizes.

The University of Georgia Veterinary School is out your way, if you ever need a second opinion.

[Anonymous]

Regarding the Prednisone, it is perfectly safe for a young dog that is healthy otherwise.
Go by the way your vet prescribed it, 10 days? 2 weeks? I am just saying it is a necessary but temporary solution. Sometimes the dog will stabilize after a trial, then if the symptoms return…. That’s why I think it’s worth going to a specialist, they can advise about diet too.
What state are you located in?

[Anonymous]

PS: Look at Nutrisca (no grains or potato) or what Wysong has to offer, they have a prescription food your vet might approve of.

[Anonymous]

I would ask your vet for a referral to a specialist or call the veterinary school in your area. What is causing the IBS, allergies?
Prednisone is a steroid, good for short term to get things under control, then taper off. Not good for long term, bad side effects and other health issues could occur.
Best to get to the root of the problem, now.

I would keep his diet simple, feed him as usual (twice a day) or whatever your vet is recommending. You don’t want rapid weight gain.

[Anonymous]

You might find some helpful information at this site:
http://www.allergydogcentral.com/2014/04/07/just-moved-our-allergic-dog-to-a-new-state/

And here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

[Anonymous]

Consider making an appointment with a dermatologist for skin testing IDT, maybe your vet can refer you to a specialist .
Environmental allergies are more common than food sensitivities/allergies.
If you use the search engine you will find many posts on this subject. /forums/search/allergies/

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]

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

Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

“I don’t know what’s causing my poor puppy to be sick like this constantly. I want to find the cause and get him treated ASAP. I heard from a vet tech friend of mine that raw diet will cause bladder and UTI problems. I asked my current vet and they said it is possible. Is this true? Why can other dogs thrive on it but not mine?”

If it’s not the diet…his problems may have a genetic component. We can’t control genetic, but we can make changes regarding diet, exercise (external things) and see if that makes a difference.
I would consider asking your vet for a referral to a specialist, if he can’t get to the bottom of it.
BTW: Maybe you know this already, but corgis are high energy working dogs (herding). They love to eat and tend to put weight on easily. I had to walk mine 5 miles a day to keep her in shape. Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

My 15 year old small breed did well on Wysong senior, he just looked better and had regular bowel movements. He’s getting Nutrisca salmon and chickpea now which also agrees with him. I soak the kibble in water overnight in the fridg…..he doesn’t have much left for teeth, plus he needs the added water. I often add a bite of cooked chicken or lean meat. I guess I lean toward high protein unless there is a medical reason not too.

[Anonymous]

I noticed only a subtle improvement with the desensitization treatment at first, but at about 1 and 1/2 years we saw a dramatic improvement, she is doing so well that she only needs the shot about every 25 days! They can still have flareups…it is what it is.
I’m glad I stuck it out. The dermatologist worked closely with us, sometimes the solution needs to be tweaked a little. Best of luck.

[Anonymous]

You didn’t mention the age of the dog? Has the dog been tested by a dermatologist for environmental allergies? Because, environmental allergies are more common than food allergies/intolerances and tend to wax and wane.
If this has been going on for more than a year (4 seasons) without significant improvement I would take the dog to a specialist. The food/diet may only be a small part of it….that has been my experience with an allergic dog that is now stable.

My allergic dog does best on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea (no potato, no grains) but since receiving immunotherapy for 2 years, she can eat a variety of foods, chicken included.

[Anonymous]

Regarding The SkeptVet, that is not true and if you read through his blogs you may even learn something.

It is really frustrating to see incorrect information being posted all over the internet. I have to ignore opinions all the time.
Opinions are like noses…. everyone has one 🙂

The SkeptVet backs up his opinions with scientific evidence.

[Anonymous]

Your puppy is too young to be having all these problems. It’s obvious his diet does not agree with him.
If it was my dog I would ask the veterinarian for advice as to what would be best to feed him. Then I would take his advice.

PS: I had a corgi, they are beautiful dogs.

• This reply was modified 10 years ago by Anonymous.

[Anonymous]

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

Whatever you decide to feed him, add water to meals and offer frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate. Keep the bladder flushed.

[Anonymous]

I suspect the lake. Look at what’s going on in my neck of the woods: http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/07/21/jamaica-pond-water-activities-shut-down-after-algae-bloom/ (excerpt from article below)

BOSTON (AP) — Jamaica Pond has been temporarily closed to water activities because of a suspected algae bloom.

The Boston Public Health Commission said Monday that the blue-green algae, known as cyanobacteria, can produce toxins that make people and pets sick.

Park visitors are urged to avoid contact with the water and any areas where the algae is concentrated, even on shore.

[Anonymous]

http://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/sorbitol

Sorbitol is a plant-based sugar alcohol that’s used as a sweetener in many products, including sugar-free foods, laxatives and other medications. Due to its laxative capabilities, loose stools or diarrhea can occur if consumed in large doses. However, the amount of sorbitol in pet toothpaste used for brushing your pooch’s teeth is not likely to be an issue.

[Anonymous]

If it is a lake that people swim in and you are pretty sure the dogs got an infection due to the bacteria level in the water, I would report it to the Board of Health in that town, after all if it was a child they might do something. Good luck.

PS: Maybe they consumed some of the lake water when swimming, try to hose them down at the end of the day, that should help.

[Anonymous]

I would call the vet and tell him what happened regarding the antibiotic. It’s important that they take antibiotics for the prescribed length of time. Sometimes they use a broad spectrum antibiotic to be on the safe side and eliminate potential problems, such as bacterial infections that may be developing.
There are many antibiotics he can choose from, he should be able to find something that is milder on their systems.

[Anonymous]

Did you ask the vet to change the antibiotic to a different one? Sometimes a dog can tolerate one antibiotic but not another. I assume the dog was unable to complete the course of treatment.
What about boiled hamburger and rice for a few days?

[Anonymous]

Thanks for speaking up. I was always under the impression that these meds were for short term, prn use, and given with the guidance of a veterinarian.
Also, a lot of these meds can have interactions with other meds/supplements.
In reference to losul’s comment (excerpt below)

“Weezerweeks, please use much caution about giving a dog human antacids/PPI’s/ acid , especially for any prolonged length of time, beyond occasional usage, without carefully regulated dosage, without guidance from a good vet, and without knowing the actual cause of acid reflux symptoms, if that’s even what it is (acid reflux). As said above, hypochlorhydria can cause the exact same symptoms. I cringe every time I hear of someone self medicating., and it could be creating worse problems, especially in the longer term, if the cause is low stomach acid, or even if the problem does not originate from excessive acid production.. Even, if the underlying cause were to be excessive acid production, if you cut a pill that was designed for a 160lb human in quarters and give to a 10 lb dog, that dosage seems way too much anyway. It’s too easy to intuitively assume these sort of symptoms (reflux or indigestion) stems from excessive stomach acid. It could be excess stomach acid production or refluxing for numerous reasons, but I feel that way too often it may be caused by just the opposite, probably both in dogs as in humans. If antacids are given to a dog in wrong dosage or if the dog really suffers from low stomach acid and antacids are given, it could lead to achlorydria (no stomach acid)”

[Anonymous]

Nutrition in Large Breed Puppies

Hope this helps

[Anonymous]

My dogs like it too, I only use canned foods as a standby. But I like that I can find this in the supermarket and it’s reasonably priced.
I have not tried the dry, I have a dog with allergies that does well on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea and don’t want to switch around too much.

[Anonymous]

Coconut Oil for Pets?

Hope this helps.

Is he a wire haired jack russell? The coats on these dogs will appear dry no matter what. Do some research as to grooming, the right combs/brushes to use, it makes a big difference http://www.therealjackrussell.com/advice/grooming2.php

Ps: I add a fish oil capsule daily to my dogs diet, not sure if it actually helps.
I have never used coconut oil for anything.
Be careful about adding a lot of stuff, it can make a dog nauseous.

[Anonymous]

I have never used those PH test strips, for one thing, it takes several months after making a diet change to see a difference.
PH levels fluctuate…..so the strips may not give an accurate picture of what is going on.

If you must test, it might be better to take the dog to the vet every 3 or 4 months and let them do it.

In my opinion it is more important to offer frequent bathroom breaks and observe urination habits, in example: normal flow and amount.

If your vet advises differently, ignore me 🙂

[Anonymous]

Above is an excerpt, for complete article go to the link provided. http://dalmatianrescue.org/info/feeding.htm

[Anonymous]

I am not familiar with the foods you mentioned, I would go with the prescription food recommended by the veterinarian that is treating your dog. I thought the article below made sense. Hope this helps.

http://dalmatianrescue.org/info/feeding.htm
By Beth White, Melody Kennels
We generically recommend for most Dalmatians foods with the protein source of chicken and turkey, with protein levels in the range of 20-24%. No one food is good for all dogs, but with this range it should cover most dogs. Rather than the protein level, the source of the protein is what is important. Chicken and turkey are the lowest in purines.

If a Dalmatian has urinary problems then it usually means that he can’t break down purines in his diet. Beef is highest in purines so we recommend the other protein sources. We also suggest that Dalmatians (again, most dogs) be fed scraps as a healthy addition to their “balanced” diet. It is interesting to note that all foods, from Walmart’s Old Roy to the most expensive foods on the market state “nutritionally complete” or “balanced”. Ever wonder why pet foods are considered balanced but human food isn’t?

Scraps help make the dog’s diet more complete. One of the worst things that has happened to modern pets is modern dog food….but that is another story. When we used to slop the hogs and slop the dogs, we didn’t have hip dysplasia or many of the other more modern structural problems. Our convenient dog foods are an improvement in many ways, but they are not complete or balanced. Scraps are also “tasty” and fun for the dog.

Veterinarians began recommending not feeding human food when the average pet was found to be too fat., Moving from the farm to the city and from work to retirement caused many pets to loose their shape. Feeding too many scraps isn’t good if it adds weight to dog, but there are just too many nutrients that go down the drain or in the trash that are helpful and useful to our pets. Modern dog foods are not always the best source of nutrients (from a source of diseased livestock possibly, etc.). The foods are also shipped long distances and sit on the shelf sometimes for months, are exposed to heat, etc. All this contributes to reduction in the quality and quantity of nutrients within the food fed to our pets.

There is a growing movement of feeding dogs raw diets, with great health results. For more information, search for Bones and Raw Food diet (BARF), or authors Billingshurst or Pitcairn, who have excellent books on the subject, on the web. Another great resource for dog owners is The Whole Dog Journal. Call 1-800-829-9165 for a trial copy.

Some dogs (Dalmatians included) can’t tolerate ethoxyquin. It is best to feed a food without this preservative. Dalmatians (all dogs even) should always be fed with water added to their food. It need not be soaked, but served like milk on a bowl of cereal. Ask yourself why we add milk to a bowl of grain. It is easier to eat that way. But, with a Dalmatian, there is the added benefit of the dog taking in a larger quantity of water than normal (in order to get to his food) and he flushes his kidneys twice a day. This is good for the kidneys.

All dogs should be fed twice a day. Fortunately, most people have gotten away from feeding only once a day. Livestock is fed twice a day and we eat three times. Once a day simply isn’t enough. We don’t recommend free feeding because it isn’t practical if water is added to the food. If not eaten immediately, it becomes soggy and then either spoils or is wasted. Besides, food exposed to the air loses more of its nutritional potency.

When a Dalmatian has urinary stones the old method, prior to modern commercial kidney diets, was to feed rice and vegetables (cooked with oil, bacon grease, salt, herbs of all sorts for flavor, etc.). Cottage cheese can also be added. Commercial kidney foods are fine, but they are usually not very palatable and often expensive.

Rice and vegetables are healthy and any Dalmatian can live on them and look great. Nothing gets fat on rice! When I prepared this diet for a dog that I once kept, I cooked the rice with various types of oils (Olive, safflower, corn, etc.) and threw in whatever herbs and seasonings I had on the shelf. I also added potatoes, green beans, and many other vegetables. The rice concoction was quite tasty and I usually sampled it too! A vitamin/mineral supplement was also added.

Dogs fed rice and vegetables usually hold their weight quite well. The owner, however, must remember to feed more than he would feed commercial dog food. The good thing is that most dogs actually love rice and vegetables, when herbs and spices and oils are added during cooking. Most of the time this method only requires cooking twice a week. Cook large batches and refrigerate what isn’t fed. Warm cold rice concoction and water in the microwave slowly. When traveling, obviously, it would be better to take commercial kidney foods.
For non-chronic stone formers, but dogs with gravel or sediment in need of veterinary treatment, it is always best to follow your veterinarians advice. But, once the urine has attained a normal pH, attempt to start the dog back onto a quality commercial food. Often a dog’s system has been corrected and by feeding low purines and lots of water, he can return to commercial foods. Make sure that the food is WELL WATERED.

[Anonymous]

Spam? That’s why I decided not to comment.

[Anonymous]

Whatever you decide to feed him, add water (a lot, not a little) 4 small meals per day instead of 2 regular meals.
Frequent bathroom breaks, keep the bladder flushed. That is what has worked for my dog that had emergency surgery 4 years ago.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 1 month ago by Anonymous.

[Anonymous]

edit/no comment

[Author]

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