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Kate Reisinger | 5 years ago
My 15 Month Old Pitbull Golden Retriever Is Currently On Purina Pro Plan & Always Has Been. …

My 15 month old pitbull golden retriever is currently on Purina Pro Plan & always has been. Recently I have heard many people & Facebook groups compare Pro Plan to “feeding them McDonald’s”. I do everything in my power to make sure my little guy eats the best & stays in the best shape but this scares me.. is this really something that he should not be eating? This food brand was recommended by his vet but recently I’ve heard more bad than good. I would never forgive myself if this food led to future health issues. Is there another brand that we could switch to? Is Purina actually that bad? Should a homemade raw diet be an option? I could use some help

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  1. Sarah

    I would trust your vet. Your vet is the person with the degree and the one who actually went to school that possesses a good education on this subject, not a Facebook group. If you’re concerned and want more information, start at your vet’s office. I can tell you that we have always used Purina with all of our dogs and they have always been quite healthy. In fact one of our German shepherds is almost 15 and that is rare for this breed. Again, I would talk to your vet since they are the one who would know best. Good luck!!????????

  2. Laura

    Pro Plan isn’t Beneful (which actually is trash), and is the most common food fed to show and sport dogs. If your dog does well on it, don’t change it.

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Kate Reisinger | 5 years ago
I Have A 14 Month Old Pit Mix That Has Terrible Anxiety. He Is Terrified Of Being …

I have a 14 month old pit mix that has terrible anxiety. He is terrified of being by himself, even if we are just behind the closed door using the bathroom. He cries terribly & will pace the house until we’re done. If I take a shower or bath I leave the door open so he feels a little better, but he then cries & tries to grab my arm to pull me out (not in an aggressive way). When people come into the house he paces, jumps, & whines for them. He also does this outside when he sees people or other dogs. He is told “down” when he jumps & warned with the beeping noise on his training collar. He will sit but it is very hard for him to stay still, as he continues to whine, shakes, & then rolls into the ground. It’s like he knows to listen & tries very hard but literally can not stay still. He also is terrified of thunder & the sound the trash truck makes. When those sounds are occurring he runs right under the table & won’t come out. We are in the process of training & we were told by them that they also think he has anxiety. They think he would be able to comprehend better if it was under control. I have been researching non stop for things to help with this major issue. I don’t want him on prescription anxiety meds that cause him to seem “sedated” & not like himself (that happened with my family dog). I have come across a tablet to help with separation anxiety & the behaviors that come with it. It is called clomicalm & every review or story I have read about it was positive. I really do think this could be a successful choice for him IF I know this is something that is not harmful. There are possible side effects that could occur but that could happen with pretty much any medication humans or pets. This tablet does not cause dogs to seem drowsy from what I’ve read from people’s experiences & has a high success rate to treat anxiety. We have tried natural treats, oils, thunder vests, etc. & nothing has helped him in the slightest bit. I just want to know if this something that would be okay for him to take daily or even okay to take at all?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It sounds like it is time to get help from a behaviorist. Please ask your vet for a referral and also ask them about medications to help bridge the gap as you start to help him overcome his fears and anxieties. Medications can help but they should not be used without also implementing training, socialization and behavior modification therapy. I hope this helps and I hope your pup gets help soon.

  2. Sarah

    I agree with Dr. Magnifico. A behaviorist will be money very well spent and will benefit ALL of you. Very best of luck. Don’t give up!!????????

  3. Laura

    I agree with the others – find a behaviorist. I’d also invest time in a sport of some sort. This can help build the confidence it sounds like he lacks.

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Kate Reisinger | 6 years ago
Two Days Ago My 8 Month Old Puppy Had Diarrhea & Little Pieces Of His…

Two days ago my 8 month old puppy had diarrhea & little pieces of his buffalo chew horn in it. I took away the horn & threw it away bc I didn’t like the fact that he was swallowing pieces. I assumed the diarrhea was from irritation of not being able to digest it. He had no diarrhea yesterday & was totally fine. This morning I woke up to diarrhea on our floor & later he threw up a small amount. His throw up had another little piece of the buffalo horn in it. He is still acting like his very hyper self & is drinking & eating like normal. My question is do you think his stomach is still just a little irritated & trying to get back to normal? Or is this something I should be really concerned about & get him seen?

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  1. Laura

    It’s very possible his stomach is irritated, but I’d be concerned about a partial blockage. Maybe give the vet a call since it’s still an issue?

  2. Sarah

    I agree. I would watch his stools very carefully. It may be irritation from earlier, but if there is partial blockage, you will need to see a vet and have an X-ray to Ben sure. If there is no more improvement, or it keeps recurring, a very visit is needed ASAP.

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Kate Reisinger | 6 years ago
My 6 Month Old Male Puppy Has Been Peeing On Our House Lately. It Seems…

My 6 month old male puppy has been peeing on our house lately. It seems like the past two weeks he has been doing it at least once a day. He didn’t used to do this, or at least not as much. He won’t really let us know he has to go, then will just release on the ground & look like he knows it was wrong. He will only sometimes let us know he has to go (usually for poops). I have recently started letting him have access to water at all times when not in the crate. (I feel like this is why he’s been peeing so much) but he needs to start letting us know in some way that he has to go. Should I start giving him less water in his bowl or start giving him after at certain times until he finally gets it.. I feel very stuck right now & would love to hear some opinions.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Start this discussion at the vets office. I see a lot of urinary tract infections in puppies. Never limit water intake. If your pet is thirsty there is a reason. Withholding water can do significant damage to kidneys. Let us know what happens

  2. Sarah

    Good morning….? along with dr. Magnifico’s advice, I would check your routine with him. Make sure you have a dependable schedule with definite walk times in place that your pup can depend on. Make sure as soon as he goes potty outside, you praise him. If there is a particular spot you prefer him to go, bring him directly there and when he goes praise him and use a treat too. I know it sounds back to the basics, but you may just need to reestablish things, especially if (hopefully) a uti is ruled out. When he goes inside the house, just say “no” and clean it up. No other attention. I hope this isn’t helpful. Good luck!

  3. Sarah

    ?sorry! I meant to type I hope this IS helpful. My apologies for the typo!!

  4. Laura

    In addition to the suggestions already give him, he should not have free access to the house. Leash him to you or confine him to the room you’re occupying, and take him out every 30 minutes. Once you’ve cleared him of any kidney or urinary issues, you’ll know whether this is health or training…if it proves to be training, you’ll want to SLOWLY increase time between visits outside. I would never restrict water unless you had a gulper.

Kate Reisinger

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