[Patricia A]

Hi Aimee,
I would have been fine if Stella’s explanation ended with “Sodium selenite, when used in appropriate amounts, is safe and widely used in the pet food industry. We’ve included it in our food minimally – just to ensure we’re reaching proper selenium levels. We are well below any dangerous limits for this ingredient.” But really annoyed me adding “chosen to avoid selenium yeast due to the fact that yeast in any form can be a high allergy trigger for many pets.”
I asked for ANY study to back up claim. Maybe I’m wrong about this but my understanding is a yeast infection in dogs ears, paws etc. is other issue that is weakening the skin’s defense mechanisms to allow the yeast to grow in higher numbers than normal. Am I the stupid one to believe that the necessary added nutrient in the form of selenium yeast would NOT be the cause ever of an overproduction of yeast symptoms in dogs??
Oh well. I’ll continue to feed . Would prefer a kibble with no red flag ingredient though. Nature’s Logic?
Aimee why don’t you like Small Batch?

[Patricia A]

Hi Aimee,
I tried sample of Small Batch after overlooking the garlic in ingredient list. Small dogs so just don’t want to take a chance. However, I do like to rotate between at least two freeze dried toppers. They did well on Primal and I trusted the company. I only use the turkey/sardine, venison and rabbit. The latter two being lean and lower in fat. I use especially when they don’t get their walks in in winter.
Now I can’t afford to transition to complete freeze dried. Have the three and maybe I’m imagining but I think they enjoy the crunch. I also have everything worked out with how much to feed when base is their kibble.
Now I’m questioning again another ingredient in their Stella n Chewy’s kibble. As far as kibble goes I felt comfortable with the brand and trusted ingredients. I also added Vital Essentials turkey to rotation with primal. They love it and no tummy trouble . So being that I feel their primary nutrition is coming from their raw didn’t worry about a little kibble with their meals.
This was my answer from Stella n chewys regarding ingredient I’m concerned about.

Good morning Pat,

“Thank you for your email. Please know that selenium is a required nutrient, and specific levels are necessary per AAFCO guidelines. I understand your concern regarding the sodium selenite, specifically. In most of our products, we have chosen to avoid selenium yeast due to the fact that yeast in any form can be a high allergy trigger for many pets. Sodium selenite, when used in appropriate amounts, is safe and widely used in the pet food industry. We’ve included it in our food minimally – just to ensure we’re reaching proper selenium levels. We are well below any dangerous limits for this ingredient.”

So wondering why Open Farm and Rawbbles use Selenium yeast if causes allergies. I use both for a treat.

What to believe and who to believe is always the questions. Wondering your opinion on this .
I think I’ve decided to just stick to this kibble and my toppers since it’s working. You really could go nuts . I think their diet is better then mine anyway. lol

[Patricia A]

Aimee I subscribe to her “list” every year. I trust that she does a thorough job in Making sure the companies are transparent n where ingredients are sourced, transparent in inspection of facilities, humanely sourced etc. etc. I just wish she would also explain why a company was taken off her list as trusted. As in Primal. Always made her list and then not. What changed? She does work with nutrionalists however I wasn’t comfortable with Small Batch which made her list. Garlic way down in ingredients but never found reliable source one way or the other to say if it’s safe. So I have a starting point at least with foods/companies she recommends and then I maybe will alternate with one checks boxes for me.
DCM is still a mystery I feel that still has not been solved. I would however be much more concerned if my dogs fell into the breed MOST susceptible.
If you find any website you came across that explains why Primal was taken off her list and share with me I’d appreciate it. A lot of those who feed where asking same question since it’s a very popular brand.

[Patricia A]

I follow Susan Thixton. Her mission: Susan Thixton and others like her are determined to empower pet food consumers. By fighting for industry transparency and putting an end to negligence and deception, more companion animals will stay healthier longer.
The reason she started her campaign:
I couldn’t believe what my veterinarian, Dr. Bruce Catlett, was telling me. This dog food was the number one pet food in the U.S.; it was a ‘trusted’ company. What I did next, changed me forever.

Dr. Catlett told me that these chemical preservatives were (and still are) added to pet foods to extend their ‘shelf life’; to keep them fresh for longer periods of time for retail purposes. In 1991 I made my first phone call to a pet food company; I asked them what the shelf life was on this food. I’ll never forget it – they proudly told me the dog food would “stay fresh for 25 years”. That’s more than three times as long as my dog lived.

The chemical that killed Sam – was ethoxyquin; it is still commonly used in many dog foods, cat foods, and pet treats. The pet food company that killed her, is still one of the top pet food companies; although they no longer use ethoxyquin in their foods, they use many disease causing ingredients including dangerous chemicals.

Sam’s death changed me forever. From that day forward, I have studied pet foods, pet food ingredients, and the regulations that govern them. In 2006 I started TruthaboutPetFood.com hoping to share information I learn about pet food with others.

And how did the ‘Caped Crusader for Safe Pet Food’ get started? A few years into advocating for safe pet food, a dear friend gave me that name and it stuck. My youngest daughter drew the Caped Crusader image.

But TruthaboutPetFood.com isn’t just one person – it’s thousands of people who work together helping to make pet food safe. The brightest veterinarians and scientists, along side of thousands of determined petsumers – we are all part of the TruthaboutPetFood.com team.
Aimee you can read about “her List”. She does hard work for us pet owners . https://truthaboutpetfood.com/the-list/

[Patricia A]

I’m sorry Aimee but I believe this “industry forum” you found is likely a kibble company which is losing money to non kibble raw brands.
Please do not believe that said companies, which you fail to list, is using a microwave vs an HPP process for a kill step.
If you are having success with kibble and your fur baby is healthy and happy then great. But add a little freeze dried at least as a treat. You just might start adding to your kibble when you see how much your pup not only loves the fresh taste once hydrated but also the nutritional benefits.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 5 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Hi Aimee,
I have no idea where you found this information regarding ANY company which produces freeze dried for dogs is EVER microwaved. They DO use HPP in some brands which I”m fine with. Vital Essentials I believe do not use HPP. Handling raw food for your meals off course would require you to wash all counters well and your hands. Same as non HPP raw food.

Prior to entering the vessel, all products are between 0-38 degrees F. Once the product is inside, the vessel fills with water at 36-40 degrees F. When the vessel is pressurized, the water temperature never exceeds 70 degrees F. The product temperature never increases more than 2-3 degrees F. The product is held in the vessel for two to three minutes at pressures up to 72K psi. When the pressure and water are evacuated from the vessel, product temperature is virtually the same as when it entered the vessel. Because of this, HPP is a non-thermal process that is beneficial for heat-sensitive products, like meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Hope this helps in understanding . Kibble is only fed for owners convenience. Remember growing up and being brain washed into thinking human food is BAD for dogs. How silly now that we didn’t realize this was to keep public ignornant and keep feeding their product. Don’t know how dogs would have survived if kibble wasn’t invented. lol

[Patricia A]

Thank’s for further understanding .I agree that kibble should always have synthetic vitamins/minerals since Pet food manufacturers know their food is devoid of nutrition … so they add synthetic premixes. And pet owners know kibble isn’t as good as real food, so they add supplements.
I have to stretch my freeze dried with three dogs. Stella and Chewys is a good kibble as far kibble is goes. I even alternate that between the chicken and whitefish. Just a tiny part of their diet . It does have peas, however they add taurine. Synthetic vitamins of course again necessary in all since it is not a whole food.
Their primary nutrition comes from their divided boiled egg for breakfast. I feel safe with Primal being a good way to get their protein along with their vitamin and minerals naturally. Brand has a good track record . Happy to say I reintroduced Sophie to the Turkey/Salmon protein and good stools as of yesterday and today. So now I can add all three in rotation along with Venison which is a lean protein for dogs .
I give Bixbi rawbble chicken/salmon freeze dried treat . Going to try Vital Essentials turkey inn rotation and see how they do.
“REAL” food is also given when appropriate of course .Think I have it covered. All blood work is good and all three energetic .
You can really go crazy with so much conflicting info. The more I read the more confusing. . Vet checkups and yearly blood work always perfect and they are all energetic. They go crazy when I put their dinner down also. So time for me to stop obsessing and stick with what works.

[Patricia A]

Just wanted to add (didn’t allow me to go back and edit) any suggestions for a freeze dried that stands out as worth the money I would appreciate reply.

[Patricia A]

Hi Aimee. Just confusing to me that all these studies led pet owners to believe grain free was primary causation of DCM in pets. Possibly legumes in grain free causing enzyme inhibitions and interfering with digestion causing taurine and other amino acid deficiencies .
I personally don’t trust how much protein comes from meat and how much is from pea protein on grain free. However, I also don’t trust grain inclusive. Due to below.

A recall on pet food has been expanded after 70 dogs have died and another 80 or more were sickened due to mold in a popular pet and cat food brand.
Midwestern Pet Foods is expanding an earlier recall of some of its Sportmix products to other dry dog and cat foods with an expiration date on or before July 9, 2022 that were manufactured in its Oklahoma kitchen. The recall includes all dog and cat pet food products made with corn products because they might contain elevated levels of aflatoxin, which is produce from a mold that can grow on corn and other ingredients used in pet food.

So below is the food that Science Diet grain free. Why if it’s so bad?
Ingredients in Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Chicken & Potato Recipe dog food are peas second ingredient.

I like Stella n Chewys however they use synthetic vitamin pack. Freeze dried should be getting all necessary minerals and vitamins from natural sources. Synthetic vitamin packs are always added to highly processed dog food because nutrients are cooked out due to the high heat. My dogs do well with most of their proteins but if mistakes are made with amount in pack the results are lethal . As in below.

The FDA has become aware of reports of vitamin D toxicity in dogs that ate certain canned dog foods manufactured by Hill’s Pet Nutrition and marketed under the Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet brands. This is a developing situation, and the FDA will update this page with additional information as it becomes available.

I can only HOPE I’m making an educated choice in feeding my dogs a diet of good nutrition and food that is not slowly poisoning them. I have inherited my mom’s dog now that she is living with me after my dad passed. So I have three now. My Tia always gains weight easily even with exercise and string beans as treats. Loli gets growling stomach if given too much fat. If I have lean steak as treat one day I only give for that day. Two days in row and loose stools. Then there is my mom’s . Can’t eat the Primal Turkey n Salmon but the others do fine with it. UHHH I recently tried Small Batch turkey freeze dried. Trust company and love all the ingredients but ONE. They have garlic. Now way down on list of ingredients. Some say natural flea repellent. Great stools and none had stomach trouble. Been on the bag of the small sliders for a week. But I can’t continue not trusting that the garlic could build up to cause red blood cell destruction. They are all Chihuahuas’. Just would like to make it easy for me and get a brand I trust to be healthy and all three do well with. Guess for now I’ll stick to primal freeze dried. However, I do like to rotate between at least two brands just in case. Sorry for this being so long, Just hard to trust what’s in your dog food when I have to keep up with all the human food recalls making people sick. lol

• This reply was modified 1 year, 5 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Don’t feed that brand Aimee. Post just peaked my interest in the DCM controversy again. I feed freeze dried .I rotate brands and proteins. Kibble is given occasionally . That being Stella n Chewys. This about sums up what is known about DCM.
Myth: DCM is caused by diet
Fact: Multiple factors contribute to DCM in pets, particularly genetic predisposition, weight, size, gender and pre-existing illnesses.

Myth: Grain-Free foods cause DCM
Fact:The FDA found no science directly linking ingredients in grain-free foods to the onset of DCM.
Myth: The FDA recommended pet owners change their pet’s diet
Fact: FDA recommended to NOT change a pet’s diet based solely on the information in the report…and has not changed its perspective in the past 2 years.
Myth: DCM is a new disease caused by grain-free pet food
Fact: Studies in 1988, 1995 and 1997 all pointed toward genetic predisposition and/or size as contributing factors to DCM in pets – well before grain-free diets were prominent.

Myth: Grain-free foods have no taurine

Fact: Taurine comes from meat, particularly high quality meat used in specialty pet food as opposed to animal by-products used in lower grade pet foods.
Myth: The FDA report listed only 16 pet food brands
Fact: Purina One and Hill’s Pet Nutrition were reported in DCM cases to the FDA.In fact, MARS (make of Royal Canin and Iams) had the 5th most reported brands.

Myth: Only well-known pet foods are safe for pets to eat.
Fact: The majority of brands named in the FDA report can be found in large pet, grocery or mass market stores.

Myth: Only WSAVA-approved foods are safe for pets to eat
Fact: WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) does not ‘approve’ foods, it provides health considerations for pet owners.

Myth: WSAVA recommends select brands over others
Fact: No. But Purina, Hills (Science Diet) and MARS (Royal Canin and Iams) all have paid partnerships with WSAVA so they actively promote these brands on their web site.
Myth: DCM is the biggest health concern for dogs
Fact: The leading causes of canine death are cancer, obesity, kidney disease, diabetes
Myth: Grain-inclusive pet food has more taurine than grain-free options
Fact: The FDA found that average %’s of total taurine, cysteine and methionine-cysteine – amino acids benefiting heart health – were similar for grain free and grain based products.
Myth: The FDA reported “exotic”meat proteins as the big problem in dog food
Fact: 75% of the cases reported to the FDA were feeding common proteins such as chicken, lamb and fish.

Myth: All dogs are equally susceptible to DCM
Fact: Certain breeds –particularly Golden Retrievers –have a higher risk of acquiring DCM. And purebred dogs are at much higher risk than mixed-breeds. In addition dogs with health issues such as obesity, age,GI issues, allergies, etc. may also be at higher risk for DCM due to the inability to absorb nutrients as efficiently as dogs without underlying health issues.

[Patricia A]

Why is Science Diet still selling grain free food with peas’ as second ingredient?

[Patricia A]

What are symptoms that he is displaying? If it is digestive, such as diarrhea, then possibility of too much fat in diet. If skin issue then first look into irritants such as flea bites or even something as overlooked as bedding washed with scented detergent?
I never found any validation that allergy tests work . Hope link works below.

Research Update: Testing for Food Allergies

So hard to actually do elimination diet. There are so many ingredients in dog food that might cause sensitivity other then just the protein. If you take a look at the ingredient list on the average kibble you’ll see what I mean.
Possibly try a one protein food without added supplements. Freeze dried such as Vital Essentials just the protein/flavor with no extras’ I believe. Very expensive to feed however. I believe it also comes in frozen which is more cost saving. I use Primal, small batch, Bixbi Rawbbles, and at times Stella Chewys.
Just go VERY, VERY, VERY slowly with switch. Also if you look at reviews on DA you’ll see the 5* rated foods in these brands. I ONLY use the proteins DA rates in the brand with 5*’s. The ones that rate lower are too much fat to protein. This can cause loose stools and stomach upset all the way to pancreatitis in some dogs.
I use a SMALL amount of kibble as base to stretch the freeze dried. This being Stella Chewys raw coated grain free.. If you look at their f/b page there are many who had trouble with diet and most do well on this kibble.
Hope this helps. Again any change in diet much go so slowly.

[Patricia A]

So glad to hear your Yorkie is recovered from pancreatitis. My understanding the cause is high fat in diet. Just wondering why the vet put him on the prescription digestive enzyme if he does NOT have EPI. I believe the side effects are what he is experiencing now being drinking and peeing. However, please bring to vet and see if this is the cause with explanation of why it’s necessary to be on this med without having EPI. Also this could be a more serious reason for her symptoms such as renal .
Please keep updated.

[Patricia A]

I’ve been feeding Primal Freeze Dried for many years. My starting point in choosing the brand and then the proteins/flavors was star ratings by DFA. I know I never fed the beef because of lower star ratings. I believe too much fat to protein ratio. I don’t believe the change was recent since I come to site often to see if any of the brands/proteins changed ratings. I notice in most brands of freeze dried the beef is always rated low.
I think Primal freeze Dried Turkey/Sardine should be lowered. I have fed this for years. Had to keep taking back bags to my pet supply store because dogs threw up and then noticed the odd smell. Pet supply store said many bags have come back because it smells like chemicals or gasoline.
I believe Vital Essentials freeze dried has a 5* reviews for their beef . Hope this helps.

[Patricia A]

Hope she’s better. There are MANY grain free foods. Many are rated 5* by the DFA. I use Stella Chewy’s chicken Grain free with freeze dried Primal and freeze Dried Stellas. My dogs have all done very well regarding formed stools and excellent blood work on this diet. If you switch foods, just go VERY, VERY, VERY slowly.
Hope this helps.

[Patricia A]

I give Bixbi Rawbble freeze dried for treats. No reason a treat shouldn’t be nutritional. My Chihuahuas’ love them.

[Patricia A]

Thank you for bringing this discrepancy to light regarding reviews rated by DFA. I have been using DFA ratings as a starting point to make choices on diets for my dogs. I do my best to incorporate variety as tolerated as well as home cooked. My choices are based on his 5* reviews in a brand as well as various proteins.
That being said, I’m trusting that my food of choice being Stella Chewy’s grain free raw coated kibble (small amount to stretch cost of freeze dried), Primal freeze dried, Stella’s freeze dried and Bixbi Rawbble freeze dried are some of the better brands. As stated I only use the 5* ratings in the protein selection . I believe the lower ratings in the same brand but different flavor/protein are due to higher fat to protein ratio. Was thinking of adding Vital Essentials slowly also.
Just curious of your opinion on these brands. Do you see these brands as being rated correctly regarding nutrition and quality of ingredients. I visit site every so often to see if any new reviews have been added or a change of ratings for what I’m feeding now. Sometimes DFA’s ratings go lower from possibly a change of recipe but not sure.

• This reply was modified 2 years ago by Patricia A.
• This reply was modified 2 years ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Maybe a vet visit to make sure there is she doesn’t have an abscessed anal gland. .Very painful for her. . The change in diet might have led to constipation and she was unable to express her anal glands with bowel movements. Hence the impaction of glands.
Here’s a site which explains better then me. Hope it helps.
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/anal-sac-disease-dogs

[Patricia A]

Treats for my dogs are freeze dried nuggets. Bixbi Rawbble is reviewed by DFA as 5* . My dogs love them and don’t know that their “treat” is packed with nutrition.

[Patricia A]

Being 14 she’s not feeling so great at times which inevitably comes with aging . It’s heartbreaking then to also have to suffer from this painful condition.
I’ve never thankfully had a dog suffer from pancreatitis .Hopefully others on this board can share their experiences and be of help.
I do know that my little Chihuahuas’ cannot tolerate too much fat in their diet. Dark meat of chicken will give them vomiting and diarrhea . A little boiled salmon they’ll do fine with. However, two days in a row and digestive issues. Their diet is generally freeze dried mixed with a little kibble. I use this site to only use the 5* proteins/flavors of primal and Stella Chewy’s. I believe his lower scores are higher in fat to protein ratio.
Could your little Yorkie have eaten something you’re not aware of off the floor? My elderly mom “accidentally” dropped some beef lomein on floor while eating. Saw Sophie chewing something under table. Next day didn’t want to eat and tail tucked under, stomach gurgling. Finally right before I was going to go to emergency vet (late at night Sunday)after looking like she was in pain I got her to eat a little boiled chicken n rice. Seemed to start acting like herself.
I hope your little Yorkie is feeling better. Maybe you can try a little boiled white meat chicken. A little boiled egg might also fill her up. Could the medication be causing side effects?
Hope this helps.

[Patricia A]

Jane my one Chihuahua does that also. However, she is a food hog and gets so excited whenI put her bowl down and then eats way to fast. She does the honking sound. After a few seconds she calms down and goes back to eating.

[Patricia A]

LOl! I try hard to find humor myself at this point with taking care of mom AND sometimes her angry little dog. lol

[Patricia A]

I looked at the Glandex reviews. I always start with the negative ones. So some dogs had adverse reactions to the supplement. But doesn’t hurt to try.
I find there is sometimes no rhyme or reason to why some of my dogs over the years had the scooting and others never had to have the expression of the glands.
Had a Doxie when kids were little and probably not on the best diet with all the table scraps and not knowing back then about kibble quality etc. But he never had soft stool, or anal problems. Lived a long life of over 17 for our Pookie. Had Chloe our first Chihuahua and even though stool was never loose, had the scooting and always needed expression.
My mom came to live with us and hence we also have added to our already two Chihuahuas’. I know my mom was giving her table scraps and even found her dog bowl filled with Pepperidge Farm gold fish due to start of dementia.
So now living with us, she has lost a few needed pounds and on and loose stool has totally stopped with diet I give our other two. So living with my mom she was getting too much fat in diet which also causes my two to have Diarrhea.
I feed a combination of freeze dried in Primal and Stella Chewy’s. Their treat is one Bixbi Rawbble nugget. They get a little Stella Chewy’s Raw coated chicken kibble to stretch the freeze dried since now it’s getting expensive with having three.
I always go by the DFA reviews and only get the 5* proteins because I believe less fat.
Treats are high fiber raw baby carrots and string beans being canned low salt or raw.
I went REALLY, REALLY, REALLY slow when introducing these different brands and proteins. This way I can tell which doesn’t agree and also it takes a few days for digestion to get used to. Maybe stick switch SLOWLY with a few Stella’s kibble. See how she does. Then if want and all good add a little freeze dried in one brand and protein. Stella’s also comes with the freeze dried in the kibble.
Hope this helps her but sometimes it isn’t even the diet .

[Patricia A]

I have Chihuahuas’ also. Maybe she is not getting enough fiber to bulk up stool. Notice how her stool is as opposed to your other Chi who does not have to have anal expressed. I feed Stella and Chewy’s . Now have my elderly mom’s Chihuahua also. She had loose stool when I would walk her . Since her diet change to what I have been feeding my two, her stools are normal. Hope this might help.

[Patricia A]

This is some informative information regarding bloat. https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diet-nutrition/does-food-cause-bloat

[Patricia A]

I feed Stellas with freeze dried Primal. Just switch VERY, VERY slowly. You can select protein grain vs grain free and also what protein you do not want. Just scroll down a little on site. Hope this helps.
https://www.stellaandchewys.com/dog-food/

• This reply was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Uhhh So sorry to hear about all these digestive issues in your pup. No expert but maybe a few suggestions I have from experience . Find ONE quality food to feed. I go by this sites 5*. I believe the brands/proteins which are 5* has less fat to cause digestive issues. Then start feeding a FEW kibbles at a time at MANY times of day to keep stomach full and to get USED to kibble. SLOWLY increase. A LITTLE plain boiled WHITE MEAT only chicken breast with NO broth added. Maybe a string bean or two. Bile vomit is usually from empty stomach.

The trick is MANY SMALL meals several times a day. But introduce the new kibble SLOWLY. New food will usually cause loose stools at first. But switching again will start the digestive problem over again. So give the new kibble a chance. Just go SLOWLY. If after a week or so he does well then divide feeding to three times a day. Stick to only the kibble.
After several weeks you can add in other food as topper. Tiny pieces of lean steak, again boiled WHITE MEAT chicken breasts, canned no salt string bean or two. Keep the tummy full.
Just stick to ONE kibble in the begin and give a chance to get used to. Hope I was of help a little .

[Patricia A]

Hi Alex,
There is a post under this topic (Diet and Health) started by KC . Just scroll down until you find topicI under (IS there dog food low in protein AND low in fat 4 renal failure AND pancreatitis). Many posted on their experience with their much loved dogs also suffering from these health issues and diets which helped.
Hope maybe suggestions in feeding work with your pup.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Is it possible that the groomer is using a shampoo or conditioner which irritates her skin? Perfumes in these can be causing this. Also my groomer had put a powder perfumed scented after her cut. She scratched like crazy after that. I request NO powder now and I always shampoo her myself before grooming with a mild shampoo which contain NO perfumes.
Don’t forget to investigate any cleaners/shampoos you use on floors and rugs. Flea bites my also be causing the chewing of her tail.
Please let us know if you find any solutions.

[Patricia A]

James again my bad when just scanned your post . Trying to do my best in caring for my elderly mom with dementia. Just not doing a thorough job of reading between lines and replying in what I always hoped was some tidbit of helpful advice from my past experiences in having owned and cared for dogs since my kids were little.
It’s obvious from your post that you are a VERY responsible dog owner . Should never judge since been there ourselves with spending $1000 and two weeks later another problem which we would resolve when we waited a few days. Can write a book on serious health issues which the vet actually caused. Autoimmune issues from a shot which dog needed bone marrow test to detererimen it was response from a lepto shot. Chloe in for x-rays at 13 because of labored breathing. Showed Pneumonia . Sent home with meds and told she’ll be fine. Middle of the night gasping for air. Passed in car. Healthy puppy given kennel cough immunization before being spayed and came down with a VERY BAD COLD from the intranasal . Then given to my immune compromised(the one with the lepto shot). UHHH VETS: Do no harm but not always the case.

Never considered looking into supplements. So when have time will educate myself . Always prefer more holistic solutions then strong meds which cause more serious side effects then the problem itself.
So having had a Doxie own us. lol my only advice s weight and back issues. I’m sure you’re aware of this though. The yelping when touched could be disc related that is so common in the long backed Doxies. No jumping off couch . Also the pain would cause the panting .
Orthopedic bedding . Sometimes the bottom of the dog beds have no support and they lay on floor.
Wishing Dalilah many more years of a happy healthy life.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

James I’m sorry you feel my answer was condescending. Given your list of symptoms your 14 year old dog was suffering it would have been misguided for anyone on this forum to give you advice on causation and cure.
I’m with you on vets at times causing more problems with strong meds that at times are overkill and cause more harm then good. My dog has loose stool, I don’t run to vet for pills to cure. I look into their diet. I didn’t possibly phrase the question regarding supplements correctly. I was questioning actually the supplements and the reason for them. Just because they are “supplements” it does not mean they do not come without side effects which may effect each dog differently. So possibly I was thinking maybe a new supplement might be causing all those symptoms. https://www.parakeethome.com/dog-vitamins-side-effects/
If you read someone else write all these worrying symptoms in an elderly dog I believe you would be alarmed that this dog can be on a downward spiral and also is suffering.
You wrote: my 14 year old dachshund named Dalilah had puffy upper lip folds. They were both equally visibly puffy.
That same night, she was frantically walking around whining and excessively licking the carpet.
The face puffiness is gone and the carpet licking has stopped, however, for the past day or 2 since this happened, she has been lethargic, and also very nervous and scared. If I touch her with the slightest pressure, she yelps loudly and nips at me.
She also has bouts of quick labored breathing and what appears to be disorientation.
Sorry again for not reading about the cash part. Just stood out that symptoms seemed very serious and I felt for your dog especially since my Doxie Pookie who lived to 17 years still is a legend around our home for his antics.
Very happy to hear your pup is herself again.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

“She also has bouts of quick labored breathing and what appears to be disorientation.”
Sorry, but a responsible owner would take their very elderly dog to the vet with these symptoms. Please don’t let her suffer. This could be heart related.
Face puffiness, yes could be an allergy or got stung. Acting scared could be in pain or the side effect of the sting ? But you wrote that has cleared up. Carpet licking could be dropped food? No cleaners on carpet that could have caused lip swelling?
Hope you had time to bring your Doxie to the vet by now. Also why all of these supplements? Any one of these can cause side effects.

[Patricia A]

Maybe stick to one food without the lamb or beef. Might be too high in fat. Stick with ONLY the food and no other supplements. Any change in food will give diarrhea for mine. So maybe just boiled white meat chicken with skin cut off before boiling and some white rice. Mix in a high quality kibble with only a few kibbles in bowl to get used to. Mine do well with Stella Chewy’s grain free chicken with no stomach problems. Or look here on DFA for 5* proteins/flavors/brands because I believe those are lower in fat. But I think key at least for mine is give new kibble a chance for her digestive system to get used to so you don’t start over and switch again thinking it’s the food each time . This way you can get up to a full bowl in maybe a week or so and if diarrhea again then start process over until find one that agrees with him.
Hope this helps for your pup.

[Patricia A]

My elderly mom has recently moved into our home after my dad passed. I have two Chihuahuas’ and now three with her Chihuahua Sophie. We lived close by and I would be going over to walk her dog and with meals before moving in. Her dog came to use overweight, however refused to eat from bowl. She would stand at table and bark and scratch leg for our food. Then I would see my mom feeding her from her plate. Having the start of dementia she did not remember request to PLEASE do not feed from plate because she is not eating her dog food from bowl because so used to being fed all day .
My two get a little hard boiled egg in morning. Dinner is various brands of freeze dried in different proteins/flavors they got introduced to SLOWLY. This being primal, Stella Chewy’s and Bixbi Rawbble and Open Farm for a snack of one or two little round nugget. Also just introduced Small Batch Beef which they love. Always moistened with a little warm water and a little Stella Chewy’s Grain free Chicken kibble on top. In between they get boiled chicken , string beans, carrots. Boiled salmon or if they are lucky some lean steak when we have.
Well I made SURE to watch my mom carefully not to give dog her scrambled egg , toast, pizza etc. from her plate. If she didn’t want her very tasty and nutritional I give to my two then I would take away bowl. After doing this for a few days she now got out of the habit of thinking she rather eat my moms food and now eats her own and enjoys it. Her stools are better and she is losing weight from all constant feeding she was getting all day from her.
So please NO in-between from your husband. Stick to what you were giving her if her stools are good and no stomach upset. She will start to enjoy her meals if knows holding out for bits of husbands dinner. As I wrote, same exact scenario with Sophie and problem solved if you stick to it. Introduce slowly if you give other flavors of freeze dried also. They all LOVE Primal Turkey/Sardine by the way .
Hope this helps.

[Patricia A]

Get her off the flea/tick . Make sure there is no cleaners on floors or carpets that could cause reaction. Go natural. Wash body/paws if you do pesticides on your lawn after applying. Next SLOWLY, SLOWLY change her food. A little boiled chicken and string beans maybe mixed in with VERY LITTLE of a new kibble until she gets used to.
Give oatmeal/aloe shampoo baths with no PERFUMES/scents added to soothe skin.
Hope she feels better.

[Patricia A]

With some dogs prone to pancreatitis it’s necessary to watch the amount of fat in hamburger meat. Better to go with lean.

[Patricia A]

Liz I’m so sorry if she has this disease because from what I read it will be very painful. This usually presents itself at a young age. (The condition occurs in males and females, with an average age of onset of 3 years, though puppies as young as 4 months have been affected. Fortunately, if MMM is diagnosed early, dogs can be treated to increase the likelihood of a full recovery. Research of this disease at the University of California-San Diego led to the development of a blood test in 2004 that detects the presence of 2M antibodies and accurately identifies affected dogs.)
Does she fall into this age group? Also mostly effects jaw but you said jaw is not as bad. It causes extreme pain when trying to eat?
Was allergies and dental issues ruled out? I know scented candles or even bedding or carpet cleaners can be extremely toxic to dogs and exhibit severe allergic reactions.
Keep updating and hope she ends up not being diagnosed with this.

[Patricia A]

Just be careful of feeding nuts to a dog prone to pancreatitis. A lot of fat in most nuts.
Nuts Have High Fat Content That Can Cause Pancreatitis
Symptoms can include decreased or no appetite, vomiting, lethargy, and sometimes diarrhea. Some breeds, like Schnauzers, are prone to this condition, and a high-fat diet in sensitive dogs can sometimes trigger the irritation.
Could try to add in diet VERY SLOWLY freeze dried food. I prefer Primal. Turkey/Sardine being their favorite. Just add some warm water to rehydrate and it becomes a nutritional meal that most dogs love.

[Patricia A]

Elihu L so happy for you and especially your pup that you found relief for him. Would always like to look hard into alternative solutions before meds. Especially the antacid route. I don’t know if it works the same for dogs but I had gastritis and was given antacids. The more I took the worse I felt. Finally stopped taking and watched my diet and stress. Mentioned to my primary doctor and he said got to be very careful with antacids since there is a rebound effect. https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/news/20090702/stopping-ppis-causes-acid-reflux-symptoms
Like any medication, whether it be for us humans or our pets, there are side effects. Again, hope your pups disgestion discomfort is over for good.

[Patricia A]

Ryan glad to hear you found causation of those gulping attacks. Also good article on reflux. Raising dogs food bowls. Also maybe less big meals and more smaller ones a fewer times a day. https://familypet.com/how-can-i-prevent-my-dog-from-getting-acid-reflux/

[Patricia A]

I agree with cG. I use non scent, perfume free detergent. Even cleansers on flooring or rug can cause reaction. Those scented plug in are horrible to be breathing in all day.

[Patricia A]

Make sure you give small meals a few times a day as not to have an empty stomach. Also it’s very hard on a dogs stomach to keep switching foods. I believe there has been several studies which state allergy testing for digestive disturbances are a waste of time. https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/adverse-food-reactions-february-2019/ Just like people you will know if when you feed your dog a certain food and he vomits or has diarrhea. You just have to isolate what food you gave is the culprit. For instance I can give my dog a raw carrot for first time and also the next day maybe a piece of boiled plane salmon from my meal. Then my dog throws up or has diarrhea several hours later or next day. So which is the culprit ? Try again with just the raw carrot and if same thing happens you know dog has digestive disturbance from carrot and I will not feed again. So make sure you start any new food VERY, VERY, VERY slowly and not feed anything else. If after a few days she has upset then the food is not for her. Don’t want to be an endorsement for any particular brand but when I do feed kibble I give Stella chewys raw coated chicken grain free. Reason for this is because there were so many on their f/b forum that had dogs with sensitive stomachs and their dogs do very well on this kibble. AGAin VERY slow change over. Even three kibbles at a time a day and see how she does when introducing a new food.

[Patricia A]

Jude you’re welcome. Been through everything you’re going through. Yes..it was EXHAUSTING. But you’re doing the best you can for your dog you love and needs you now. So did I so I can sleep knowing that we were trying our hardest to make her comfortable and keep her going as long as she can without any suffering.
I laughed when you wrote “Have to keep some on my nightstand for her. Isn’t that crazy?” Yes and so is my husband and I making believe we’re eating her food and going om om om om mmmm so she would then eat. lol “This is getting ridiculous” lol our exact words then too.
Try a little scrambled egg Jude. Hannah seemed to eat that for a longer stretch. Thoughts with you and glad I helped by at least relating.

[Patricia A]

Clair have you looked into Freeze dried food. Many brands with single proteins. Also no need to look for grain in food if enough meat protein and nutritional ingredients are in the food naturally. Freeze dried is rehydrated to a soft consistently with warm water. Just look on top of DFA “BEST DOG FOOD” and select raw. I always stick to 5* reviews. Primal, Stella Chewy, Small batch, Bixbi Rawbbles, Open Farm are to name a few. Just go SLOWLY when transitioning. VERY Slowly. Good luck hope this helps. Also forgot to say most use HPP process as a kill process to kill bacteria in food. Still keeps the nutrients in food unlike kibble or canned..

• This reply was modified 3 years, 1 month ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Jude with the 19 year old I could relate not eating. My 17 year old Chihuahua who was put to rest had Mitral Valve disease . Was active and fine the year before and enjoyed her food. This being only Uhh Fromm kibble. My journey of her not eating that anymore led me to several different canned food. No luck with that either for her. I started to cook everything for her. One day she would eat boiled chicken and the next not. Shredded steak then would walk away. I was virtually at her all day just getting some nutrition in her. Oatmeal, eggs, salmon etc. Also would have to hide her heart pill in food. She would taste pill and spit out. Got to the point I thought I found the trick with a ltttle ice cream with pill smashed up in it. That didn’t last either. So many reasons I’m sure your 19 year old is not eating as she did.
My journey with Hannah opened my mind to nutrition for my other two dogs. That led me to freeze dried. Wasn’t ready to give up kibble so switched to Stella chewy’s which I trust to be very good for a kibble. But researched the best freeze dried along with a small portion of kibble and also home cooked.
With your 3 year old what was she eating before you fed fresh frozen? Maybe just not appealing to her. Does she even try to taste it and then turn away. If she doesn’t even do that then leave out a bit and refrigerate and try again later. If healthy she’ll eat eventually.
I feed my 11 year old Chihuahua ( she lover all food) and my 5 year old freeze dried. Doesn’t break the bank since they are small. Also home cooked that we eat when appropriate. They always get pieces of boiled egg in morning for breakfast. I also stretch the freeze dried with Stella chewys raw coated chicken kibble grain free. Most picky dogs LOVE their food. So I rated with Primal freeze dried. Only 5* ratings for the lower fat. Also Stella chewys freeze dried patties 5* proteins/flavor also. They also love Bixbi Rawwble and Open farm freeze dried. I give this as treats.
So all of these were introduced VERY, VERY, VERY slowly. They both gobble up their freeze dried soaked in a little warm water to hydrate and a little Stella’s kibble.
My trick with my pickle 5 year old was to put down and take away. She knew I meant business and ate her much better quality food then just kibble. Now she drools before I put bowl down.As I said kibble is a VERY small portion of their diet but they just love the Stella’s so I still give a little mixed in. I like variety. All healthy blood work also. Hope this helps.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Stephanie no expert but I believe the avoidance of copper is only for dogs with liver shunts. More common in Yorkies. This is some of the symptoms you can be on the look out for and let your vet know of your concerns. This way he/she can alleviate your fears. So sorry to hear of your Shepherd’s passing. You’re being proactive in your Yorkies health. So just relax and enjoy your new puppy. . http://www.yorkiesunited.com/liver-shunts-portosystemic.html

• This reply was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Stephanie Yorkie puppies are very prone to hypoglycemia episodes. Please feed small meals several times a day. https://www.yorkiepassion.com/what-is-yorkie-hypoglycemia/

[Patricia A]

BellaBea if you require a food that is limited ingredients and grain free dry there are many. One example is Open Farm. Here is a link which lets you look at chart to pick one for your dogs needs. I believe their Salmon is grain free/chicken free. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0016/2509/6305/files/highlights-premium-nutrition-dietary-sensitivities-chart.pdf?152945
I also suggest Stella Chewy’s grain free limited ingredients or Natures Logic. You also can’t go wrong with store brought raw or freeze dried for convenience. You pick the protein and contains no peas or extra fillers or grains. To name a few there’s Primal, Open Farm, Vital Essentials, Small Batch, Bixbi Rawwbles. All 5* reviews. Just make sure ANY new food is introduced VERY, VERY, VERY slowly.

[Patricia A]

Mary when i read your post this part really stuck out for me. .(. Well now, 2 1/2 years later, we had episodes of vomiting. ( this giy eats so much junk in our yard..rabbit poo for on..as Im right there with him..he finds it..hes tiny and low to the ground and finds whatever..before I can grab him).
It sounds too easy, but is it possible that his foraging habits are at least contributing to his gastro distress ? My one will eat anything off the ground in the backyard. Whether from birds dropping food, found her scraping up kibble that I imagine a squirrel got and buried from strays being fed outside etc. Got her out of the habit of eating her own pooh. These habits would always cause vomiting and diarrhea. I keep a close eye on her in our backyard now.
Maybe a walk instead of letting giving her even a chance to eat from the ground. See if that makes any difference in her gastro distress.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by Patricia A.

[Patricia A]

Hi..Diane has your vet ruled out what possibly is causing these high ALT”s from puppyhood? Glad to hear ultrasound is normal . Below are some common causes of the high ALT levels. ALT is an enzyme that may be released with any source of damage to the liver. Blunt trauma, anaphylactic reaction, systemic illness such as thyroid disorders, and other problems that have nothing to do with the liver can cause an elevation of ALT in the blood. Just because ALT is elevated doesn’t mean the liver is failing, however. This result is interpreted in conjunction with clinical signs and other bloodwork and imaging changes.
Increased ALT

Common Causes
• Inflammatory
o Infectious causes
 Bacterial cholangiohepatitis
 Leptospirosis
 Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)  Histoplasmosis
 Infectious canine hepatitis
o Noninfectious causes

 Chronic hepatitis
 Cirrhosis
 Pancreatitis
• Toxic
o NSAIDS
o Phenobarbital
o Corticosteroids
o Methimazole/carbimazole
• Liver hypoxia or hypoperfusion o Anemia
o Congestive heart failure
o Shock
• Metabolic disorders
o Hyperthyroidism (cats)
o Hepatic lipidosis (cats)
o Cushing’s disease
o Diabetes mellitus/diabetic ketoacidosis
• Neoplasia
• Trauma
Generated by VetConnect® PLUS: Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) Page 1 of 3

Uncommon Causes
• Portosystemic shunts (usually mild elevations if any)
• Toxic
o Mushroom
o Sago palm
o Aflatoxin
o Ragwort (horses) o Xylitol
o Tetracycyline
o Idiosyncratic drug reactions
• Inherited
o Copper storage disease (certain dog breeds, but particularly severe in Bedlington Terriers)
o Lysosomal storage disorders
• Severe skeletal myopathy, usually mild to moderate increases
• Nutritional hepatopathies
• Gastroenteritis
Related Findings
• Inflammatory
o Increased AST, ALP, GGT, total bilirubin
o Decreased albumin, cholesterol, glucose, BUN in severe cases
o Increased bile acids and ammonia
o Positive titers or PCR for leptospirosis, feline coronavirus (FIP), histoplasmosis o Positive bacterial or fungal culture of liver/bile
o Histopathology/cytology findings consistent with inflammatory hepatic diseases o Increased Spec cPL® or Spec fPL® with pancreatitis
• Metabolic
o Hyperthyroidism
 Increased T4, free T4, free T4 by equilibrium dialysis
o Hepatic Lipidosis
 Increased ALP
 GGT usually normal unless concurrent inflammatory disease is present  Enlarged liver on radiographs, hyperechoic liver on ultrasound
 Cytology/histopathology consistent with hepatic lipidosis
o Cushing’s Disease
 Increased ALP
 Decreased urine specific gravity
 Stress leukogram: increased neutrophils and monocytes, decreased lymphocytes and/or eosinophils  Adrenal function tests consistent with Cushing’s disease
o Diabetes Mellitus
 Increased serum glucose and glucosuria  Increased fructosamine
 Ketonuria (in severe cases)
• Neoplasia
o Enlarged/irregular liver on radiographs and/or ultrasound o Cytology/histopathology findings consistent with neoplasia

• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by Patricia A.
• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by Patricia A.

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