[Melissaandcrew]

Hi T..I personally will not use an oral flea or tick preventative. Why circulate a flea product internally through the dog to get it to the skin level? I can not imagine it doesnt effect the organs. If I would not swallow pesticide myself to kill and repel mosquitos or ticks why should my dog? One of my boarders had a horrible reaction to their glea/tick collar. Not sure which brand but it was one of the two mentioned above.

[Melissaandcrew]

Charles…you could try dehydrated treats.

[Melissaandcrew]

Standards are not a huge mega e breed so that is probably not a huge concern as your vet said. They are however a huge bloat breed and I would be concerned about the belching. They can also have sensitive stomachs. Have you tried soaking his food to see if that helps? Sometimes smaller meals throughout the day can help as well. If he were mine I would try soaking it for a good 15min before feeding to see if that helps him digest. If not I would move on to a different form of food (he may have problems just digesting dry) You could get a a small bag of raw or dehydrated to try for a week My current standards have iron stomachs but some in the past had the same issue of vomitting undigested dry food if fed completely dry. Good luck

• This reply was modified 9 years, 7 months ago by Melissaandcrew.

[Melissaandcrew]

You are the best. Appreciate it!

[Melissaandcrew]

Lol. Yes I knew the conversation being referenced and I knew I had made no such comments..imaginary conversation..i was just waiting to see how a link to an imaginary conversation was going to be provided!

[Melissaandcrew]

Please let it know how it works. Many of us have old timers that may need similar someday!

[Melissaandcrew]

Never had a conversation about jerky treats with you-feel free to post a link to this liver jerky conversation we had.

[Melissaandcrew]

Btw Erin-Check out Dogaware.com for the articles on pancreatitis. Interestingly enough, it states that research has shown that LOW PROTEIN diets can PREDISPOSE dogs to pancreatitis. I love the dog aware site-lots of info on diets for many health conditions, feeding raw etc.

[Melissaandcrew]

Hi Sue-

I think you have misunderstood my post. As a mini schnauzer owner of well over 25 yrs, I am well aware of schnauzers, pancreatitis, and hyperlipidemia. I have never had a schnauzer who has needed restricted protein due to either of those conditions. I am not sure what you are referencing(study perhaps) that says dogs with chronic pancreatitis require lower protein, and I wholeheartedly disagree with that. Fat must be watched for schnauzers in general, and yes, its more important with those that have had a previous flare up, but levels of ANYTHING tolerated vary widely from dog to dog.

My dogs routinely live to be 16 plus years of age, so no, I have not “gotten lucky”. Its skill and knowledge, and access to state of the art vet care that they live so long. Its pretty ballsy to comment about someone else’s dog’s medical condition and what “might have occurred” without knowing the full facts of the dog. In Meg’s case, she had lupus as well as pancreatitis, which flared up when company would let her get ANYTHING even slightly fatty/greasy-ie meat trimmings, chips etc. One small item of forbidden food, and it was off and running. And yet, all blood work was COMPLETELY normal in between. Please do not think to lecture me on how I possibly could have prevented my deceased dogs medical condition. For the record, she died of LYMPHOMA with a 2 yr quality filled life after diagnosis which is typically unheard of.

Erin-I would not feed a food so low as 22 percent protein. Owning so many of our own schnauzers over the years, as well as dealing with pancreatitis dogs in the vet hospital I worked at, as well as running a rescue specializing in schnauzers, I can only tell you what works for us and the dogs in our care. IF protein were an issue, all my dogs would now be dead as they eat primarily a raw diet, as well as kibble that are all over 33% protein. My oldest are 14,14,15 and 16 yrs. All alive, healthy with perfectly normal blood work confirmed with recent testing. Take all the info every one offers, consult your vet and make a decision that you are comfortable with since you know your dog best. Good luck!

[Melissaandcrew]

I feed several feral/stray cats. Quite honestly I feed them whatever is reasonable that I find on sale. I figure they are not mine and damn lucky to get fed (and yes we trapped them and did full medical and apply frontline monthly lol) Usually they get a combo of various dry foods..the last two months it was cat chow, proplan and some top quality grain free that was short dated and reduced to clear. I still have two large bins full of the grain free and being added to that is two large bags of Iams I found on sale today. I figure 50 percent good 50 percent lower quality is better than nothing. For cans they get what ever is on sale.

[Melissaandcrew]

Nothing wrong with coupons and stretching the budget.

[Melissaandcrew]

Jan..google petbrosia reviews..it is very clear from those that there are several base formulas and one is choosen from those base formulas that most closely meet your pets needs. I thought it was fully customizable but it actually does not appear to be. One woman said her dog was allergic to fish and fish oil and she was told it was unable to be removed from the product. If truly customized for each pet it would be…

• This reply was modified 9 years, 8 months ago by Melissaandcrew.

[Melissaandcrew]

Just google Petbrosia. I am not impressed. Basically they have two flavors of food, one grain free and one not. Chicken or salmon. The salmon ingredient list starts with salmon, then several other things before getting to menhaden fish meal. Then several more pea, navy bean etc flours. And just what the hell is “Optimizer digest AFB?” AFB is a company that makes flavorings for dog foods, but what is “optimizer digest”?? It told me my 18 lb, moderately active dog would have to eat 1 1/4 cups of the grain inclusive(which their “algorithm” supposedly choose for him..not too hard when there are only two products, lol

[Melissaandcrew]

Weezer-lol..I do miss the days of owning one or two small ones only!! How is your little man doing??

[Melissaandcrew]

Weezer-its the quality of the canned however, and not all people are going to pay 3-4$ per can for the higher quality ones. A boxer could eat 3 or even 4 cans per day depending on activity level 🙂 At that rate it would probably be cheaper to go with aa commercial raw.

[Melissaandcrew]

Interesting..in the 30 something mini schnauzers I have owned, I have never had protein be an issue with this breed. Typically, higher protein foods are higher fat(or at least back in the day) Even my girl Meg who had horrible flareups routinely had no issues with the protein-she would eat 34% without issue.

[Melissaandcrew]

Jasmes- remember-any dry food can be softened by soaking it for 10mins or so in warm water 🙂

[Melissaandcrew]

Hi Erin- I just googled the dry food you feed, and on line it says it is only 12% fat..which is very low and should be fine. When giving beef or chicken, if not feeding raw. be sure to BOIL it, then drain well./.use 95% lean beef. My crew has less problems with beef when it is fed raw, but that is them. Eggs should be hard boiled, and my schnauzers get 1/2 of large egg each. no more than 2 twice a week. Anything more, and stomach issues. I do give them low fat shredded cheese on occasion, but more often I give them a dash of low fat kefir, or low fat/fat free yogurt. If it were my dog, I would feed a bland diet for a week, and then start the dry back..slowly over a week. . No “additives/toppers” for a few weeks. I am betting the cheese just built up her triglycerides and it was a matter of time.

[Melissaandcrew]

Things like that bother me. I want to know the cost right up front so that I can made a decision as to feed or not. Sigh..

[Melissaandcrew]

While its generally recommended to keep the fat in the lower ranges(10-12 percent) each tolerance level is different for different dogs. Schanuzers, btw, are notorious for having pancreatitis problems. Do you know what caused it? Different food? Treat maybe? Pigs ear? Its hard to find a bland canned diet that does not contain rice-most of them do. If she can’t have it, then I guess boiled chicken is your option, perhaps with some sweet potato. My schnauzers typically stay in the 16 percent fat max for dry, and one used to only be able to tolerate about 14%.

[Melissaandcrew]

Definitely check his weight. Her total weight gain was less then a lb but her body shape changed. She LOOKS like she gained several lbs but the scale doesnt lie. She was increased from 1/2 of a quarter grain twice a day to one full tablet twice a day just under a myth ago because her first reading said the blood level was low and she still seizures. She also takes zonisimide twice a day. With her, the pills can not be late or she will have a seizure. Good luck on level draws for you and Otis (Love that name..we lost our Otis a year ago) We repeat in 2 wks.

[Melissaandcrew]

Eric-yes, its not just a result of increased appetite. Gina eats the same amount of food as before, and yet has gained. We will not cut here food back any further as she seriously eats a very small amount. Oh, and she eats low carb foods and raw, and it still occurred. Interesting enough, after the small weight gain, she has not gained anything additional..

[Melissaandcrew]

Try feeding him a lower fat food. If I recall correctly, Zignature has high fat to meat ratio. No dog should be eating grass constantly, and in my experience its from an upset stomach.

[Melissaandcrew]

BTW..if you check the “get replies via email” it will send it to your private email so that at least you know someone responded to you!

[Melissaandcrew]

All replies are public and simply list under the original topic. just put the persons name at the beginning so they will know the reply is for them : )

[Melissaandcrew]

Eric-seizure meds can cause weight gain. Our doxie is on phenobarb(and she had a bout of pancreatitis BEFORE the phenol, lol) Since the PB, she has gotten a touch pudgy as well.

[Melissaandcrew]

Hi Lisa- What was the actual diagnosis? It honestly doesn’t sound like the vet gave one, rather treating the symptoms in general? ZD is the allergen free diet..so is she thinking a food allergy?

[Melissaandcrew]

HDM..poster said “Natures Recipe, not Natures Variety, so not sure if she “misspoke” or truly meant Natures Recipe..

[Melissaandcrew]

First thing is to neuter him. It takes 6-8 wks for the hormones to level out after. There is no fix that works for as ‘ll dogs as they are individuals. What works for one may escalate another. I dont know your family but given the breed and the tiny size I suspect he is spoiled, lol. While waiting to see the specialist restrict his privileges. Do not carry him around, do not allow him on furniture unless he is invited up. No bed sleeping. The idea is to reduce his “Pack status” He obviously has no respect for the humans in the house. He is still a baby and is very fixable at this age..he will escalate to push the limits of what h ed can get away with. The key is to find which method works for him. Some dogs do require physical restraint and intervention, while many simply require a change on behalf of the humans and their interaction.

[Melissaandcrew]

Hi Kristin-Rashes can be caused by anything, and seem to be more common place in the summer time. The fact that she has a rash and a hotspot would make me use the antibiotics in a heart beat. Hot spots can literally grow into weeping nasty messes in a matter of hours-Antibiotics will help alleviate that, and often a gentamycin spray is also recc for topical use. I have never had hotspots on any of my dogs-with that said, someone gave me two bags of iams fish-the higher line of the Iams. I figures what could it hurt? So, I fed it mixed with the raw for two days. On day number three one dog had a weeping hot spot on his neck, and 24 hrs later the hair had fallen out. Off to the vet. I literally walked in the door to see another dog come running over with a freaking hot spot in the middle of his back, that had no been there 1 hr before when we left for the vet with dog 1.

[Melissaandcrew]

what are you feeding your dogs? While some dogs do have gland issues, its not common place to have two in the same household with the same issue…

[Melissaandcrew]

A lot of people say the same thing about getting two pups at once, especisaally littermates. I personally think it was started by some one who failed miserably at raising two at once, and needed an excuse, besides it is their fault. I have had many siblings together, and never an issue. With that said, you need to practice obedience etc one on one. You and one pup. Do not walk them together until you know each one individually knows what is expected.

[Melissaandcrew]

Lol. Might have to name my next one Schwartz 🙂

[Melissaandcrew]

And, obviously that should be crap food, and chemicals, lol..

[Melissaandcrew]

I hate the stupid thing. I thought the same thing about not noticing before I hit send/reply and watched it one day/ My phone lets me type it correctly, and the minute I hit send, it changes it. I try not to use my phone for emails and posting, but sometimes I just don’t have the laptop handy. argh!

[Melissaandcrew]

I really hate my phones auto correct…make that schnauzers, not Schwartz..lol

[Melissaandcrew]

Hi Johnny. I have owned Schwartz for over 20 yrs and to date have never had a problem with stones. I feed higher quality kibble raw dehydrated etc. Avoid carp foods with lots of fillers dyes and chemic as last. They are more prone to pancreatitis so use caution with high fat foods.

[Melissaandcrew]

Susan-can you elaborate? When and how often does he vomit? Is that the only symptom? Seems like he is on a lot of meds for a dog with no diagnosis..

[Melissaandcrew]

Why not just use the scented doggie bags to scoop into, and then put them into a plastic bag? I guess I just don’t get wanting to keep animal feces in the house or rv for any longer than the 30 seconds to clean it up.

[Melissaandcrew]

Like Sandy, when I make a batch of homemade, I make it in bulk, and feed most of it before moving on. Last night we made a chicken bone, beef heart, ground beef blend, with sweet potato and kale. Mixed berries for the veggie, and pork liver and kidney. This will be the main stay of the raw until gone, with other things mixed in from day to day-tripe, ground duck, turkey etc.

[Melissaandcrew]

I have fed both Wilderness and the regular from time to time, and while not thrilled with the regular version, I can’t complain about the Wilderness. However, no matter the brand, one must be aware of complaints and take them into consideration.

[Melissaandcrew]

Hi Marlene- Some Wilderness was recalled for excess Vitamin D at one point in time.

[Melissaandcrew]

Teach them to “heel’ one on one before trying two together. Pups are not going to have perfection 100 percent of the time, but they are old enough to start with the basics.

[Melissaandcrew]

I have used both grain free and grain inclusive in our rotation. Never had any major concerns during use. They did get soft stool going from Arcana to the grain free the first time, so I simply moved it in the rotation to follow a more similar food. Good food at a reasonable price.

[Melissaandcrew]

Whole eggs-either raw, boiled or lightly boiled. Some of my crew vomits raw eggs, so I boil them.

[Melissaandcrew]

It would more depend on the color of the kibble. My crew has darker brown stool, but most of the foods we feed are a dark brown color, lol, and the raw seems to produce the same. If I recall from a boarder that ate that brand, its a lighter yellow/tan codlor, no?

[Melissaandcrew]

BTW-many pups get demodex flare ups as pups, especially during times of stree. The mite is a normal mite on the skin for dogs, and usually doesn’t cause a problem. Most stop flare ups by 1 yr of age, but those that do not, its typically viewed as an immune issue.

[Melissaandcrew]

It sounds like your pup is getting the telltale “raccoon eyes” that comes with localized demodex. The first step is to go to a vet and get medication for it. It WILL get worse the more he itches and rubs it, and then you run the risk of secondary bacterial/yeast infections springing up. If the area is small enough, they may be able to treat it with ointment-dips and ivermectin orally are also treatment methods used, Next, be sure you are feeding a really high quality dog food.

We took in a doxie that had localized demodex and the idiot breeder did nothing about it-until it was generalized and the poor thing stunk so bad it even made us gag. Her solution was to dump the dog on rescue and it took 6mths of daily meds plus dips to clear it.

[Melissaandcrew]

I think certain breeds tend to be gassier than others bulldogs, pugs etc have always seemed more so when they have been with is. Our bulldog can bring tears to your eyes when he eats turkey, and certain dry foods do it as well. When we find a problem with him we just avoid the food as gagging is not something I enjoy.

[Melissaandcrew]

Lol. Told you it was awesome! Love the quality, love the price even more. 🙂

[Author]

Posts