Healthy Pets

[Inuus]

I dont know about the rest of you but well, my Boxer Gouda gets the best food/toys/treats/supplements etc etc that I can afford(and sometimes I cant afford..lol). I do tons of research and belong to a few boards which are a wealth of information.

Just curious about a few things:

What food do you feed your dog(s) and why did you choose that food?

I feed Gouda Taste Of The Wild Pacific Salmon. I feed it because its grain free and is what I feel si the best food for the price.

What supplements if any do you give your dog?

Gouda is in remission from Cancer and has lived longer then any of the Vets including her oncologist said she would. I give her safflower oil daily because the oncologist suggested it and in some tests was shown to help dogs with Goudas specific type of cancer. I just ordered some coconut oil and will try that for the first time. She has terrible allergies and its suppose to have a lot of great benefits. One last thing I give her daily is Apple Cider Vinegar. It has some great health benefits as well. Just Google coconut oil and ACV

How many times a week do you buy something for your dog(food, treats, toys etc)

It seems I can not go to a store without buying her something!

Are you fanatical (like me) about making sure they get all their preventatives (heartworm fleas/tick etc) and do you make sure they get all their vaccinations and check ups?

I took Gouda in 1 month earlier for her annual check up just because I couldnt wait to see if any signs of the cancer was present, which it wasnt! I'm weird I know!

Bottom line for me I will sacrifice my own "extras" to make sure Gouda is taken care of properly. As far as her Cancer treatment...uumm lets just say I have never admitted out loud how much that cost me lol


Here she is with HER chicks she adopted

[DapperButch]

Me in bold black type.

Originally Posted by Inuus

Just curious about a few things:

What food do you feed your dog(s) and why did you choose that food?

I feed Gouda Taste Of The Wild Pacific Salmon. I feed it because its grain free and is what I feel si the best food for the price.

Until semi recently, I fed my dog, Innova. I changed from Innova because in June (July?) 2010 the company that makes Innova dog food (Natura Pet Products) were sold to Procter and Gamble. P & G were the ones who took over Eukanuba and changed their ingredients to what most in the "dog food world" would say are inferior ingredients to what they had prior to the sale. Since a dog food company has up to 6 months to change their ingredient label after changing the ingredients of the food that is actually in the bag, I was not waiting to find out my dog was eating crap for 6 months.

I spent A LOT of time researching the dog food I would chose, including looking at the 2011 Whole Dog Journal list of approved dog food.

I personally was looking for the standard quality ingredients that most dog owners are looking for. In addition, however, I was looking for fruits/veggies of the anti-oxidant variety and supplements that I am partial too.

It is ironic that you bring up cancer, Innus. The reason why I care about the anti-oxidants and certain supplements (Omega 3, for example), is because I am looking for a food that will help prevent my dog from getting cancer (you ever notice the high rate of cancer in dogs? higher than in humans). Since my own cancer, I am conscious of what veggies I eat for their anti-oxidant effect and what supplements I take. It makes sense to me that if I can get a dog food that has broccoli instead of cucumbers (a higher anti oxidant value) for example, all things being equal, I should choose that dog food.

After I stopped the Innova I was using Organix and was considering changing to Paul Newman's organic when I saw my vet for my dog's annual visit. My vet suggested Hills/Science Diet because she said that Hills and Purina (one of the Purina dog foods, specifically...can't remember which one) were the only two companies that did actual long term research with dogs on site for health. Vet told me all the vets at her clinic gave their dogs Hills/Science Diet. I didn't care as I wanted organic for my dog. Plus, I didn't need one of the Hills special diet ones and I didn't like the Science Diet's ingredients. (and the idea of Purina made me shudder...but that is my own issue).

A week later I had to take my dog to an emergency vet appointment (long story, but he is fine) at a different clinic. The vet there was this really bright, young, new vet. So, I figured hey, she would be good to ask...right out of school, so she is up to date on the latest information. What did she say? Hills/Science Diet. I told her that I really wanted to do organic with my dog and she made an excellent point. Organic dog food is not regulated the same way our organic food is. And we don't really have any way to know how old the food is. Some dog food sit on shelves for a while. How do I know if it is still fresh without preservatives. Plus, the whole issue of Hills/Science Diet and Purina being the only dog food out there to produce data on their products.

So, I figured I needed to look at Science Diet again. I went to Hills website and found that they now sell "nature's best". I was quite pleased with the ingredient list. It had the good stuff I would exepct from a quality food, PLUS the fruits/veggies/supplements I wanted my dog to have. So, I switched. (nature's best chicken and brown rice dinner, specifically).

One last comment. I am not anti-grain when it comes to do food, as long as it is brown rice. In fact, I prefer it in there.

Good topic. I was actually going to bring this one up when I was looking for dog food, but figured that no one would be interested enough to respond!



What supplements if any do you give your dog?

Gouda is in remission from Cancer and has lived longer then any of the Vets including her oncologist said she would.


None, but I would if I found his food to be lacking. Or, like you, if my dog had cancer in the past (I personally, take supplements!)

How many times a week do you buy something for your dog(food, treats, toys etc)

It seems I can not go to a store without buying her something!

I do pretty well with not buying stuff all the time. My issue is the amount of guilt I feel if I do not take him for a long walk every night and the guilt I feel if I go hiking/biking/anything outside, without him. THAT I cannot do!

Treats I give my dog are the treats from Wellness brand or Blue Buffalo.



Are you fanatical (like me) about making sure they get all their preventatives (heartworm fleas/tick etc) and do you make sure they get all their vaccinations and check ups?

Of course!

I took Gouda in 1 month earlier for her annual check up just because I couldnt wait to see if any signs of the cancer was present, which it wasnt! I'm weird I know!


Weirder - until this past year I took my dog in every 6 months...for no reason...just wanted an every 6 month check instead of a yearly check!

I am assuming I would be less insane if I had human children (well, less insane with my dog, is what I mean).

I'm impressed you waited 11 months! ha.

Also, I am very happy to hear that your pup is doing so well!

[Inuus]

DapperButch I'm sure we could have a lot of interesting conversations about our dogs and health. I might not take great care of myself but Gouda gets the best(I'm sure Freud would have a hay day with that).

I have always been against Hills Science diet but now you have me interested in reading more about the Natures Best

I too look very closely at the ingredients. I have no problem with Brown Rice either, and like you I make sure there are a lot of fruits an veggies as well.

I need to stop being so lazy and make her homemade treats. I used to do that a lot but now I usually just do it as Christmas presents for my friends dogs.

What kind of dog is yours? If you mentioned before I guess I missed it

[AtLast]

Question-

My lottle guy is positive and now symptomatic for hip dysplasia. Not as difficult to deal with in terms of pain and disability as it is with large breeds. But, when he is in pain, I am a mess.

I give him supplements including omegas and flax seed oil and glucosemine & condroitin with MSM. But I have heard that dogs can be given "people" supplements for the G & C and it is much less expensive. Does anyone know about this? My concern is the dosing and I always am concerned about additives and if they are things that dogs can digest. Yet, I am in for some vet bills along the way with this including surgeries later and saving a few bucks would help. He already is on a Rx diet for urinary issues (he can develop kidney stones) and that costs a mint. But, far better than developing stones.

Also- any ideas of where I can get a good deal on a lightweight ramp? I was able to build him an outdoor ramp for my backyard stairs, but I want to eliminate stairs anywhere, including up onto my bed. His "staircase" to slumberland has to become a ramp.

Thanks and blessings to all of our fur people!!!

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by AtLastHome

Question-

My lottle guy is positive and now symptomatic for hip dysplasia. Not as difficult to deal with in terms of pain and disability as it is with large breeds. But, when he is in pain, I am a mess.

I give him supplements including omegas and flax seed oil and glucosemine & condroitin with MSM. But I have heard that dogs can be given "people" supplements for the G & C and it is much less expensive. Does anyone know about this? My concern is the dosing and I always am concerned about additives and if they are things that dogs can digest. Yet, I am in for some vet bills along the way with this including surgeries later and saving a few bucks would help. He already is on a Rx diet for urinary issues (he can develop kidney stones) and that costs a mint. But, far better than developing stones.

Also- any ideas of where I can get a good deal on a lightweight ramp? I was able to build him an outdoor ramp for my backyard stairs, but I want to eliminate stairs anywhere, including up onto my bed. His "staircase" to slumberland has to become a ramp.

Thanks and blessings to all of our fur people!!!

Sorry to hear your guy is having trouble.

I would be hesitant to give my dog human supplements unless I was told by a vet it was safe to do so. You don't think your vet would be honest if you asked him/her this? I mean, since you are asking us I am assuming you think your vet would tell you it is not safe, even if it is? If you can't trust your vet to answer this question, I personally would get a new one!

[Inuus]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

If you can't trust your vet to answer this question, I personally would get a new one!

Yes exactly how I feel. I have been through SO many Vets. I actually interview them before I decide. I'm quite lucky now the Vet I have understands me very well and knows how to "handle" me so to speak. One day he said to me "Sue, there are people who treat their pets like pets nothing more. Then there are people who treat their pets as they would their own children....and we both know what category you fall into" He wasn't being condescending or patronizing, he just understands how to approach me if you can understand that.

I agree with DabberButch, I would he hesitant to do anything unless I asked my Vet. But then again I trust him so that makes a huge difference.

Do a search there are lots of forums and email groups that offer a wealth of information. It helps to talk to people who are going through or have gone through the same problem. I joined a canine liver disease email group when Gouda had severe problems with her liver following her chemo. It helped a lot.

[Inuus]

My sister had a Parsons Russell, boy that dog had loads of energy and wasnt afraid of anything! She now has a PR mix who isnt as wound up as her other dog was...but you can still see the typical terrier in her.

Terriers dont work well for me just because of what they were bred for. I hope one day to have my own little hobby farm and terriers although very useful on the farm for varmit control can be hard on chickens and other poultry. Plus by nature I'm fairly sedate and well they just wouldnt work as well for me. I would really like to have an Anatolian Shepard when I do get a hobby farm.

[*Anya*]

ALH- for a ramp, I would try eBay or Amazon. Probably could get a great deal.

[AtLast]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Sorry to hear your guy is having trouble.

I would be hesitant to give my dog human supplements unless I was told by a vet it was safe to do so. You don't think your vet would be honest if you asked him/her this? I mean, since you are asking us I am assuming you think your vet would tell you it is not safe, even if it is? If you can't trust your vet to answer this question, I personally would get a new one!

I asked because of being told by another person at the dog park and just thought I'd see if anyone hear has any knowledge about it. I am going to call the vet and ask her. Actually, I wouldn't give him anything "people" unless I checked it out.

She has prescribed "people" OTC things at times whic has cut down costs. I agree with you, however, if I could not ask due to feeling she would not be honest, I would change vets.

I am taking him to the specialist that originally diagnose the knee problem and explained about what could happen if and when the hip dysplashia became symptomatic. I want a second opinion from him about where my little guy really is in terms of how this will all go.

Making many adjustments with activity and what is OK for him to do. Going to go look at ramps tomorrow. But, Anya, you have a good idea about Ebay. I just want to get the bed thing taken care of right away as those are the stairs he uses the most.

Trying to catch him before he tears down them (going down stairs is the most difficult for our pooches) is quite a feat! When I am in the bedroom and know I will be there, I move the stairs away. But, he thinks he can do anything and I can just see him taking a jump off the bed!! So, I have to be right there id the stairs are moved away from the bed.

Ugh... I have to go to work now and move them out of the way and put his bed on the floor so he won't go up and down while I am out. Little goof!

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Inuus

DapperButch I'm sure we could have a lot of interesting conversations about our dogs and health. I might not take great care of myself but Gouda gets the best(I'm sure Freud would have a hay day with that).

I have always been against Hills Science diet but now you have me interested in reading more about the Natures Best

I too look very closely at the ingredients. I have no problem with Brown Rice either, and like you I make sure there are a lot of fruits an veggies as well.

I need to stop being so lazy and make her homemade treats. I used to do that a lot but now I usually just do it as Christmas presents for my friends dogs.

What kind of dog is yours? If you mentioned before I guess I missed it

What breed? That is an interesting question!

My dog is a shortie Jack Russell terrier. Some call this breed a English Jack Russell terrier, while others call this breed an Irish Jack Russell Terrier! Essentially, he is a Parson Russell Terrier who is short (10"-12" at the shoulders).

Some argue it is the original Parson Russell.

They are not yet recognized by the AKC, even though they have been around for years. They should be in the next couple of years, I suspect. They have fallen under the Foundation Stock Service as the Russell Terrier. They have been recognized by the UKC for many years and are very popular in England. Prince Charles typically has 2 at any given time for his fox hunting. He pops them on the back of his saddle and then drops them to the ground when he needs them to chase the foxes out from underground.

Although they originated in England, and many breeders seek out Irish born Jacks for their lines, the AKC has chosen to go with the "stylings" (sorry can't think of a better word) of the Australian born for breed standard (all about the same, but you know). It caused quite an uproar.

Anyway, THAT is why my guy is!

Damn, could have just done this:

http://www.akc.org/breeds/russell_terrier/

Anyway, he is the perfect breed for me. I love the big dog in the small dog body the terrier breeds encompass. He is a rough and tumble guy and has the stamina of the big dogs. He loves to hike for miles and miles and is afraid of nothing. He rocks.