Question
Profile Image
Vivienne Barnes | 8 years ago
How Can I Make Life Easier For My Little Cocker Spaniel Who Is On Steroids…

How can I make life easier for my little Cocker Spaniel who is on steroids and a tablet for her immune system? She is absolutely ravenous yet I dont want to overfeed her. She was never a greedy dog yet she would eat the bowl at the minute. Those big brown eyes are so sad its breaking my heart. I understand to keep her alive we need to give her the drugs.

6 Responses

Comments

  1. Vivienne Barnes Post author

    Thank you very much. I have been bulking out with more veg than usual. She loves pasta. Would that be ok?

  2. Sarah

    We give our boys cold baby carrots, and canned or fresh bits of pumpkin as training treats. They absolutely live it, and I worry less about them getting fat from treats.?

  3. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    You can offer food that have bulk, and are therefore filling, without adding calories, like fiber. Pumpkin, and many other veggies can do this. Also I think that a nice distraction like a walk or play time (disease status permitting) also help. You can also break the meals into smaller meals.

  4. Dawn Ferara, DVM

    Pasta is not a good choice it’s high in calories and starches that turn to sugar.

Question
Profile Image
Vivienne Barnes | 8 years ago
My Dog Has Been Diagnosed With IMHA And Is On Steroids And Also A Tablet…

My dog has been diagnosed with IMHA and is on steroids and also a tablet for her immune system. She is absolutely ravenous and I feel so sorry for her because obviously I cannot overfeed her. Any tips please to make this easier?

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    This is a very serious disease that should be very closely monitored by your vet. It is asssumed that the prednisone is the cause of the polyphagia (increased consumption) but there is no “one dose fits all” so you should call your vet and ask for a recheck to make sure you aren’t giving too much or staying on it for too long. The polyphagia should rewsolve as the pred is tapered. For now inquire about low fat highly nutritious options like w/d or O/M foods.
    I hope he recovers quickly and without further complications.

  2. Vivienne Barnes Post author

    Thank you for your response. My vet sees Holly each week with a phone call also to check on her. She is doing really well and the steroid has been decreased in dosage this week. What are w/d and o/m foods? I have started her on a “make her feel full” food from my vet so hopefully this may help. I also try to bulk out with veg.

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 8 years ago
Hi My Dwarf Hamster Has Loss Abit Of Hair And Has Cuts On His Back…

Hi my dwarf hamster has loss abit of hair and has cuts on his back ! Lately he has been falling over ALOT and has been dragging his back legs along the ground ! He is eating and drinking normal but he won’t let me near the cuts to treat them what do I do ?

1 Response

Comments

  1. Dawn Ferara, DVM

    Best advice is to take him to a vet because this sounds more serious than just cuts/scratches on his back. His prognosis is going to depend on the hamster’s age and the ultimate cause of his problem.
    Good Luck!

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 8 years ago
Cat Keeps Peeing/pooping In The Basement; I Have A 12 Year Old Cat Who Has…

Cat keeps peeing/pooping in the basement; I have a 12 year old cat who has been peeing/pooping in our basement. She has done this before a while ago but stopped the habit after changing her litter. Then this past summer we took down our shed and much of its contents are currently in our garage where her litter box is. Soon after, she started refusing to use the litter box. My mother got tired of cleaning up after her and put her outside for the summer. (She is an indoor/outdoor cat)We’ve recently let her back in due to the cold weather (after 4-5 months I’d say) and us being out of town for Thanksgiving. It was easier to get someone to feed her that way if she’s in the house.At first she seemed fine and had no issue. We were more careful to clean her litter box more often. And coming back from Thanksgiving we found pee/ poo in the house again.We don’t want the litter box in the house because she is usually messy with it and there really isn’t any convenient space in the house for it. I don’t think it’s a urinary infection because she hadn’t gotten back into the habit until we tore down the shed. We aren’t going to get her checked out because it’s expensive and we are pretty positive its the stuff in the garage.I am just not sure what to do anymore to correct this. She’ll get put in the garage for the winter if she doesn’t stop this act. I think come this next summer we’ll put up a new shed but until then I’m not sure what I can do. But if this keeps up she’ll be kicked out of the house again.

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    First and foremost, I would make a vet appointment. Just to make sure there is nothing really wrong internally with your cat. I understand there is a cost, but it is important. If you really feel strongly that it is the shed remnants causing it, perhaps finding a better place to store them would help? Also, if you could try to keep her litter box area clean and free from other debris (I know my garage is full of all kinds of tools, bikes, and who knows what else gets stored in there) as well as making sure to change her litter regularly and keep her box cleaned, this may help out. Our routine is to go into the basement each morning where the litter box is and empty it out first thing. It has gotten so that now after time, our cat routinely goes in the morning around 6:30 and we clean it out shortly after. Every Sunday we change the litter and clean out the box. In all fairness, cleaning the litter box out each day is the least that should be done. Honestly, would you want to use a toilet that hasn’t been flushed? Me either. Good luck!

  2. Anonymous

    I agree – get her to the vet. Indoor/outdoor cats NEED more veterinary attention than indoor-only cats due to their exposure to the environment.

    Do keep in mind, ignoring her care IS neglect, and is a crime in most states. Don’t neglect your cat’s health because it’s inconvenient.

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 8 years ago
I Have A 11 Month Old Golden. We Have Built Her A Kennel Above…

I have a 11 month old Golden. We have built her a kennel above ground.. (To avoid digging and bugs) … My husband plans to keep her outdoors in the kennel during our work hours, (and inside all the rest of the time) no matter how cold it is. This is my first dog… He says it’s fine.. But I am worried about it. Opinions appreciated.

4 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    Our dogs have a lovely pen, that we do use. They go in it when the weather is nice, when we aren’t home. It does have a nice platform with a doghouse on top in case the weather changes before one of us can get home to them. It’s about 30 X 20, with a 6 foot high fence, and their house is 2 feet off of the ground- platform about 5X9 and the house on it about 3X9. (And if they want to be out when we are home but not outside with them during hunting season, we put them in there for safety.) If it is bad weather, they stay inside with me, or in our finished basement if I am working. I’m fortunate that I do not work full time and my mother also now lives with us, and can assist in caring for the boys on days that I do work. All told, the dogs are probably on their own about 3 or 4 hours each day Monday thru Friday. We make sure to follow our routine no matter the weather or how we feel. Morning walk, breakfast, afternoon walk, play, evening walk dinner. This is followed even if they have been outside playing with the kids all day- walks in my opinion are crucial. Anyway, what I guess I am saying is, a pen or kennel, in my opinion, is a good PART of your dog’s life, but should not be their entire life. They are part of your family/pack, and should be cared for accordingly. Good and proper training will make your dog a fantastic family member that will respect your home and your family. Please try to pursuade your husband to reconsider his thoughts on keeping the dog outside all of the time while you are at work…especially during bad weather. It doesn’t sound like a life where it would be part of your family, and pets should be.

  2. Anonymous

    I think your husband’s ideas are outdated and may very well put the dog’s health at risk…that’s not even touching on the risk of theft, poisoning, and abuse from other people.

  3. Krista Magnifico

    I think your dog deserves better. I cannot imagine this as a life I would ever wish for my kids.. and my kids are my dogs. I also think your husband got a dog for all the wrong reasons if he doesn’t care more about her than to provide a safer, happier and healthier environment than this.
    Who would ever want to live like this?
    I don’t know your local dog safety laws but it may not even be legal.
    Thank you for being worried. I hope you can convince him that this is a sad and unfair way to keep a pet.

  4. April Adams

    I’m not sure how to use this forum, but I will try. So, you all think it’s not okay for my dog to stay in her outdoor kennel while I am working from 715/115..? Would you say it would be better to keep her in her crate in the house? She loves it outdoors in the kennel, she watches the squirrels and birds… And when it snows I don’t work… Do you think maybe we should decide on a temperature to keep her in the house at? I just want to do what’s best for her well being. I also think it’s sad to stay cooped up in a crate… I don’t want her to be bored and get overweight. I know my husband loves her, and has had dogs for 50 years… but I do too. Lol

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 8 years ago
My Shihtzu Just Ate Spoiled Sardines.. They Went Off In 2014? Is He Going To…

My shihtzu just ate spoiled sardines.. they went off in 2014? is he going to be okay what do I do?

1 Response

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    If it just happened I would call your vet or the pet poison helpline. Simply because I am worried about the high salt content. They may recommend you induce vomiting. Or go to the ER. Start with one of these two for immediate advice.

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 8 years ago
Does Anyone Have Any Good Ideas On What To Get My Animals For Christmas??? Anything…

Does anyone have any good ideas on what to get my animals for christmas???
Anything will help thanks
P.s.
These are the list of my pets.
~Dog ~Cat~ Bird~Rabbits~ Fish
Thanks So Much

3 Responses

Comments

  1. Terra Wilson

    We usually do new beds, collars, toys, and treats for our pups.

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 8 years ago
Dear Sir, I Feed Some Rock Pigeons Everyday, One Of The Female Rock Pigeon Is…

Dear sir, I feed some rock pigeons everyday, one of the female rock pigeon is walking with crumpled leg, (no fracture, no visible fatal injury) which medicine do you suggest and what if the other healthy pigeon eats that medicated food meant for the unhealthy pigeon, please suggest dosage and frequency.

1 Response

Comments

  1. Anonymous

    Without knowing what, exactly, is wrong, no vet can give you a prescription. Please get your bird to the vet.

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 8 years ago
My 1 Year Old Staffy Started To Get Out Her Cage When We Go Out…

my 1 year old staffy started to get out her cage when we go out and chews everything in the roon she’s ruined the cage how can we sort this?

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Anne Springer

    It sounds as though she’s experiencing some separation distress. One helpful tool is Dr. Patricia McConnell’s book, I’ll Be Home Soon. If the problem is more severe, and you aren’t able to address it on your own, you may want to work with a trainer who is particularly experienced with this. I highly recommend Malena DeMartini or one of her grads. (http://malenademartini.com/)

  2. Anne Springer

    ProSelect makes extra heavy duty crates for dogs that are capable of escaping other crates (http://tinyurl.com/gux8xbq). However, it’s best to train the dog to ENJOY the crate versus be frightened and anxious in it. You can speak to a veterinarian behaviorist to see if temporary medication help is warranted. Or, your own vet can conduct a phone consultation with a VB for you if there isn’t a local one. http://www.dacvb.org

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 8 years ago
Hi My Cat Has Just Been Prescribed Metacam; Can You Please Advise For How Long…

Hi my cat has just been prescribed Metacam; can you please advise for how long he should take it before I take another urine sample back to the vets? He has a little blood in his urine and the vet has put him on this medication. Thanks.

1 Response

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello.
    No one but your vet can answer this appropriately. Too many variables like disease, diagnostics (or lack there of), and your cats physical health influence this answer.
    Please call your vet and ask for clarification on the duration and use of the medication they prescribed. It is part of the exam and office fee you paid for and they are the best source for your cats ideal care. Also ask about diet, exercise and supplements to help avoid future episodes.