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Jennie | 4 years ago
I Have A Question About Dog Food. Years Ago, We Had A German Shepherd Who Was …

I have a question about dog food. Years ago, we had a german shepherd who was allergic to chicken. We switched him (and our other 2 dogs) to grain free and they all did amazing on it. We mixed proteins and had no issues. Now, years later, we have a german shepherd pup (9 months old now). When he came to us at 8 weeks he was eating Victor grain free active dog and puppy. Our vet is anti-grain free and recommended Purina Pro Plan large breed puppy (chicken). We transitioned over a couple of weeks, but he had soft stools or diarrhea all the time and was itchy. He ended up having anal gland issues. We added pumpkin, bananas, yogurt and nothing helped.
We switched to the sslmon/sensitive skin and stomach puppy formula but it didn’t get better. We ended up adding Victor back in, and he got better. Now he is back on the Victor puppy grain free, mixed with the Victor grain included formula. No issues. But our Vet has us worried about heart issues, and I’m worried that we’re going to get a lecture because she only recommends Purina Pro Plan, Science Diet, RC, Ian’s – big companies with a vet on staff. Should we keep trying these, or stick with what’s working? (Our previous vet retired 🙁 ) We want to do the best thing for our puppy.

5 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I am anti grain free too. I have seen perfectly healthy dogs die, in some cases even multiple dogs in the same house die from grain free diets and heart disease. It has changed me and I won’t recommend grain free until we know exactly what is happening and why. Along with what we can do about it. For now I don’t feed or recomend grain free. I also do not believe the anal glands are associated with the diet. I’ve seen thousands of dogs over decades and they don’t correlate to diet and anal sac issues. Please don’t think that we lecture because we are influenced by anything other then our training, our individual experiences and our deep fondness for the animals we have dedicated our lives too. To say we are paid or influenced by the pet food companies Is both untrue and unkind. You should find a diet that works for all of you and is safe to feed. My best to you all. Be kind to your vet. They want what’s best for your dog.

    1. Jennie Post author

      Thank you! I definitely don’t think that our vet is influenced by anything. I just feel sort of lost – we’ve had many dogs but never one with a sensitive tummy. We want to do what’s best for him. We’ll keep trying!

  2. Sarah

    Hi- we have a household of german shepherds. We feed Purina One large breed with glucosamine. There is a sensitive stomach option as well as a senior option. At the moment our GSDs are loving the venison option. Our youngest did have an adjustment period of about 2 weeks from when we got him until his stools got back on track with our food. Other than that one instance, we have always been very happy with this food. I should add that their health and lifespan has been great on this diet as well. ..14 years and very healthy up until the end. I would say chat more with your vet and see what comes of it. They may be able to provide you with more information that you will find useful.????????

  3. Laura

    I feed the food the dog does best on. If that means Victor, or some other grain free brand, then that’s what it means. (Though I’m really not a fan of Victor.)

    I have been a fan of Merrick for a long time. Try them, or Castor + Pollux, their other brand. If you think your dog is allergic to chicken, make sure you read labels carefully – LOTS of brands use chicken fat in formulations which do not list chicken as a main ingredient, and even a little of it will make our girl break out in hives and have loose stool. I can feed grain-inclusive foods as long as they’re limited ingredient.

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Madison | 4 years ago
My Brother Has A Bulldog And Is Telling Me That The Dog Is Having Trouble Standing. …

My brother has a bulldog and is telling me that the dog is having trouble standing. He dosent eat or drink. When he tries to get up he walks for a few minutes then collapses. He also pants all day. Is there any thing we could do or does anyone know what it is. There isn’t a local vet where he lives but he will take her if that’s the only option.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Please get this dog to a vet immediately. Like now. I’m very worried about heart disease. Anemia. And about a hundred other conditions. All are emergencies.

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Shenagh | 4 years ago
My Dog Has A Seroma On Her Abdomen After Surgery 2 Weeks Ago For Hiatus Hernia. It …

My dog has a seroma on her abdomen after surgery 2 weeks ago for hiatus hernia. It is starting to reduce in size, now about tennis ball size and she is very well.
She is desperate to exercise, are we OK to take her on walks and for how long? We usually walk her 1-2 hours a day.
Thanks

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    This is a question for the vet you saw. Only they can (or should) advise you on this. If any of us say it’s ok and something happens to worsen the seroma it would be terrible. So please call your vet and ask for their help here. Good luck.

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Christine | 4 years ago
Hi Christine Remines Here. Sampson’s Ears Were Bothering Him So We Cleaned Them. They Were …

Hi Christine Remines here. Sampson’s ears were bothering him so we cleaned them. They were dry and itchy so I put some dog nose moisturizer on them. Now they are swollen like they may have hematoma. Emergency vets on your answering machine … one has an 8-9 hour wait and the other isn’t seeing patients what should I do?

2 Responses

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  1. Gloria

    I don’t know the answer but wanted to know how his ears are today. Better, I hope?

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry I just got this. I am happy to call tomorrow and assist with this. I hope things are ok. I am at rhe clinic tomorrow and I am happy to fit you in. I sorry I was having my own pet emergencies last night.

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Shells | 4 years ago
Hello!! I Found Dr Krista’s YT Vid (Stripes The Cat Re Nasal Polyps) While Researching …

Hello!! I found Dr Krista’s YT vid (Stripes the cat re nasal polyps) while researching my kitty’s condition. I have had Percy out to Pet ER w. initial thick mucus that became tinged w. a bit of blood. He was prescribed Doxy to treat the infection… it wasn’t until during the course of treatment that he began the “snoring” at which point I rushed him back to Pet ER. Having limited funds and no experience w. these issues ever before, I opted for Labs (figuring that would be a start). Unfortunately, the results did not “tell me anything unusual” and I am not a vet. It was then that I learned about these polyps … and I feel confident that this could be what Percy is suffering from (unless there may be a foreign object obstructing his airway). At this point I have no dx!! I’ve been on the veterinary roller-coaster ride trying to determine the best course of action between my local vet (Dundalk Animal Hosp), Pet ER or another vet altogether… at this point not knowing the cause of his breathing issue or how much the costs may be… I guess I can understand why “estimates” can’t be given … I am just trying to determine the LESS COSTLY route and there seems to be no clear answer. My head is spinning and I want the best for Percy and to NOT have to lose him, that’s the bottom line… my heart is hurting as this was so unexpected!! Would it be possible to fit Percy into the clinic’s busy schedule ASAP?? I called this morning and was told that Monday is already full. Emily advised to reach out on Pawbly … I also sent a pm on FB.
I really need help, I cared for 2 cats last year both former strays, one Main Coon mix w. Hypercardiomyopathy and the other cancer of his paw which was eating away. Both these babies tore my heart in 2 but I did what I had to until it was time to journey on RIP… we had a family of 6 at that time along w. my deceased uncle’s dog. My Care Credit card was easily almost maxed out… my boys and I are pitching in together as many ways as possible for Percy. He is the last of our most recent feline family and I do NOT EVER want to stop caring for animals!! Thank you for my restored faith in humanity!! ~Love~ Shelley & Percy

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I am happy to meet you and your cat at my clinic. If that would help. We work very hard to provide affordable options to help people with their pet care needs. I am at the clinic Sunday thorough Thursday.

    1. Shells Post author

      Thank You so much, you are a blessing to ALL pets and their humans!!

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Nicole | 4 years ago
Hi My 10 Year Old Rat Terrier Stomach Started To Get Big I Assumed That I Was …

Hi my 10 year old rat terrier stomach started to get big I assumed that I was feeding him to much, it just kept getting bigger I ended up taking him to the vet and the vet did an x ray. The mass she showed me on the x ray is pretty big. She said she would do exploratory surgery to see if I can be removed, but if not she just wants to put him to sleep. What are the complications and reasons she would not be able to remove mass?? My dog acts like he is fine he plays runs swims barks eats normal nothing about him seems sick except the giant mass in his stomach!!

2 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there- that is a discussion that you would have to have with your vet. I am guessing that it depends on what type of mass it is and how it is connected to the surrounding tissue…. then the type of surgery that would need to be done if it is possible to remove it. Again, I would talk to the vet about it and explain to them that putting the dog down is not something you are willing to do. Best of luck ????????

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It might be possible to have an ultrasound done to gain more information about the mass before doing the exploratory surgery. At my clinic the ultrasound is about $300 and the surgery is about $800 plus. So often many clients want to save their resources for the meaningful service (most imperative and important) which is the surgery. So don’t waste money (if you are on a budget) just do the surgery. You really aren’t ever sure until you go in. And lastly if it is a splenic mass it’s important to do the surgery ASAP. Waiting might allow bleeding and when that happens it becomes an emergency surgery and places your dog at a much greater risk.

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Michael | 4 years ago
My Name Is Gail Soth I Am Requesting Help For My 1 Year Old Puppy She Hasn…

My name is Gail soth i am requesting help for my 1 year old puppy she hasn’t been eating nor drinking throwing up. We had her to churchville vet thursday and Friday og this past week and the emergency hospital in belair Saturday she has had 2 x-rays with suspicion of a object lodged in her intestines. We are trying every way to keep her. We’ve put a lot og money up for her but we don’t have the financials to do the surgery. We love are dog and my youngest 2 grandchildren love her to pieces. We had been trying to feed her through a syringe with her medication the doctors have given us. We want to keep our pup and she means the world to us and shes family. Im pleading for help. This is critical and would appreciate it you could help us save our pup.

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m so sorry to hear about your puppy. Please call all family and friends asking for help. I would also call all of the local
    Shelters and rescues. Even some of the pet centered foundations. You can go to the jarrettsville vet website and look under resources for a list of places who might be able to help. If you cannot fins anyone to help I can seek help through a local rescue but she would have to be surrendered to them for further care. I wish you all the best.

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Taihina | 4 years ago
I Saw Your Video On How To Deal With An Abscess And I Tried It, And …

I saw your video on how to deal with an abscess and I tried it, and some little white stuff came out first, but with blood. Then, I squeezed more, but only blood comes out and the more I tried the more he was pulling away, and I figured it was just hurting him, so I stopped. I stopped also because the abscess didn’t seem to get that much smaller after I did it several times. I made an appointment with vet, but they seem to charge a lot more than what your video said, like over $200. Also, I don’t want him to have surgery if that’s what they suggest for two reasons, I don’t want him under and I don’t have the money. I have been unemployed and without unemployment benefits yet since March. What do I do if they say he needs surgery? The dog you had on the video, his abscess looked a lot worse than my dog’s; if that dog didn’t need surgery, why would mine?

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Why don’t you start with a vet appointment and ask for antibiotics. You hopefully won’t need surgery at all.

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Lou | 4 years ago
Please Could You Give Me Some Advise. I Got My Dog (1year Old) Castration Due To …

Please could you give me some advise. I got my dog (1year old) castration due to cryptorchidism. Day1 – After the surgery he was very bruised. Day2 – He was happy, eating, drinking but very sore. Day3- Abdomen started to swell. Day4- Abdomen was very swollen, bruised and slight clear weeping from incision. Visited the vet who said it was fine. Day5- Extreme swelling (see pic) so I took him to the vet again who give more pain/inflammation meds. Day6 -Swelling has ruptured leaving a whole in his abdomen (see pic) Visited the vet again who give 6 day supply off antibiotics and advised to clean twice daily. The vet didn’t clean the wound and advised it didn’t need stitched closed. Day7 – My dogs eaten and drank but has spent most of the day sleeping. I’m so worried that he has a large whole in his abdomen, how’s it ever going to close! Also why would this happen! Thanks for taking the time to read.

3 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Poor baby!! Definitely keep the area clean- flush with saline? Did your vet provide you with novasol? (The blue antiseptic) We use that to keep cuts clean often. Truly, I think I would call my vet back and voice my concerns to them and see what they say. I think I would ask to be seen again as well. If still not happy with things, I might call around for references to someone who I feel more comfortable with.

    1. Lou Post author

      Thanks for replying Sarah. Iv cleaned the outer area of the wound with antiseptic but don’t want to put anything inside! So stressful X

  2. Lou Post author

    Glad to say he’s much better. I took him back to the vet (again) and a honey dressing was applied. Few days later it was removed and the vet was able to staple the wound closed. Thank goodness X

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Jackie | 4 years ago
HELP!! I Have A 3yo Female Pom, Nomi, Who Is Bullying Our Newly Adopted Female Puppy, …

HELP!!
I have a 3yo female Pom, Nomi, who is bullying our newly adopted female puppy, Ali.
Backstory: We had a senior Beagle (who recently passed away) and our current 3yo Pom. They got along very well tho the beagle was not in to playing with toys, he would play “wrestle” with Nomi. Nomi never had any aggression toward him (other than don’t go after my food) but she did like to boss him around….stay out of the garbage, don’t lick the dishes when the dishwasher is open sort of stuff. As said, our Beagle recently passed and we just (like yesterday) adopted a puppy, wanting to give Nomi another companion. Nomi is bullying the new pup; will not allow her to play with the toys…(.and we did buy new toys as we knew not to just give Nomi’s toys up for grabs)….will not allow her play freely, nips at pup if she makes sudden movements around her. Normally, Nomi is a very social dog with humans but has never been around dogs other than her beagle brother who was already here when Nomi came to us at 12 weeks old.

I need to know how to calm Nomi down and teach her it is ok for the new pup to play both with toys and in general. I need to know how to effectively “discipline” Nomi when she is mean to the pup without using tactics such as striking her or yelling. I have been giving her lots of praise in the moments when she doesn’t nip or growl at the pup, even treats. We’ve been very cautious to make sure we show Nomi affection right along with the new girl and we do not leave them alone together, and do not feed them together.

ANY help/advice would be so welcome as we want these two girls to get along and be pals for their sake and ours!

2 Responses

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  1. Laura

    How did you introduce them? Have you talked to Nomi’s obedience trainer for ideas? This sounds like it COULD be generalized resource guarding, and it might mean she needs more confidence.

  2. Sarah

    Good morning-
    I think starting over from scratch might be helpful. Complete re-introduction for both dogs. A trainer will be helpful as well- even if your dogs already have obedience training. It just helps establish some routine as well as pack order. I am a firm believer in walks. They are another fantastic tool that help keep things in order. And personal space vs. supervised play will be helpful also. Setting up a place for your 3 yo dog to go for a break (crate, bed, etc.) that they know is for them only can also be very helpful. When our senior dog was still with us, if he went to his bed- everyone dogs and humans alike- knew to let him be, he needed a break. Our younger dogs do the same thing, and it really helps keep things calm. I hope you find this helpful. Again, a trainer who can see things firsthand will probably be money well spent and prove very helpful. These are just some things that help in our house. Best of luck!!!