Hello,
So I talk more about muscle condition score with these breeds versus body condition score. I’m not sure how they fare in either. Can you post photos from the side and above? Or we can set up a FaceTime chat. And I try to stick to the weight guidelines in the packages. If you bought them from us we will happily exchange for the correct size. Unless you think you will put the extra few pounds on and have them at the correct dose. Let me know what works for you. ???? krista.

Hello,
I know that food is hard. It is hard because the labeling parameters are essentially a joke and the manufacturers make it confusing. There are lots of good articles in the AAHA guide or you cab go to the veterinary nutritional college specialist page and see if they lost anyone locally. I know Virginia tech vet school has a few nutritionists on staff. Some do phone consults too. I am happy to tell you that I do the purina EN, it is very similar to science diet I/D and add deli fresh to it. I also do strict portion control and they get lots of exercise. I wish I could say I am an expert but I am not. And I do not trust or beleive many of the labels. With the small boutique brands I think they are trying to provide an exceptional product but they have a tough time with oversight of outsourced ingredients. In general I like Fromme, Royal Canin and Wellness. I hope this helps.
Hugs to the pups. Krista

Hello!
I am happy to help as their veterinarian but I am not a nutritionist so these questions make me a little uneasy. First I have to admit that I am not a raw food fan. There are a lot of studies about how dangerous it can be and how high the contaminated samples are often found to be in these studies. I get so much flack for this opinion, but it is sincerely based on science. As far as switching to the new food I also have to admit that I am not familiar with them so I cannot advocate for that food either. If you are comfortable with the food change, it isn’t a raw food, and, it isn’t grain free (cardio concerns with them), then the advice about how to transition is often as follows;
Do a very gradual transition. Ideally 1/4 new with 3/4 old for a few days (maybe 3-5), then 1/2 and 1/2 for the same period and then 3/4 new with 1/4 old for the last 3-5 days. This is done to help slowly transition the gi system and not overwhelm it with a sudden change that might cause vomiting, diarrhea or even pancreatitis.
I hope this helps.

Take care. Ty for the question.

Hello,
Thanks for clarifying. I can’t really tell you what to do but I can explain the scenarios either way. The reason we test is to check Heartworm status of the patient. For new patients starting the medication we want to make sure they are negative before starting meds so we don’t miss a patient harboring adults in the heart. Over time Heartworms In The heart can be fatal. Your dogs were tested in feb (Sampson) and April (penny) and clear. We test yearly if they stay on meds year around. The advantage is that we will catch a dog in the earliest stages if we monitor yearly. This way we hopefully avoid the dangers of many adults in the heart. A missed dose is cause for retesting so we know they are always negative while always on prevention. If a pet on preventatives comes up positive AND if the test and prevention was bought at our clinic the hw rx manufacturer will pay for treatment which is about $1000. Realistically it is unlikely your dogs will test pos now as you just missed a dose. It takes 6 months for the test to show pos after exposure. I know that’s a lot of info. But to boil it down. There’s a low chance of infection in our area. A low chance they will test pos now. And they need to be on hw meds year around. So if your budget is tight just keep them on it. Give a dose now. And then another on Nov 1. And each first of the month there after. Retest in feb and April and go from there. If you want 100% peace of mind bring them in ASAP and have them tested. And retest in 6 months. There is not a cut and dry answer. Sorry. .

Hello,
These are the questions that are best decided by a phone call to your vet. I don’t know where you live and I don’t know the degree of Heartworm disease you have there. Here, in N Md late Sunner I would say to my clients to start now and work back toward the beginning of the month. Some vets will prefer to test and restart the pills from there. It’s definitely a question of exposure, environment and risk of disease. I hope this helps. Thank you for having your pets on Heartworm prevention. Take care.

Well that’s one I haven’t gotten before. Now I’m not a metallurgist. But I am fairly certain brass and stainless steel are considered the safest. So I think you are good!!
Thanks for asking. ????
Krista .

Hello,
It sounds like it might be time to see a veterinary dermatologist. I would also ask about cytopoint and a medicated shampoo. Also make sure your pets are on a flea preventative ansibquire about a culture for yeast. Lots still to do and ask about.