Ask the Vet, with Dr. Pat:What's Safe for Fido?

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
Tanner and Oliver
 Love Carrots for Snacks

Dear Dr. Pat:


We use different human foods to supplement our dogs' kibble, like chicken, turkey, pasta, cheese and rice. No bones or fruit or vegetables. My friend told me about All Things Dog Blog and I see there that sometimes dogs are given carrots and green beans and broccoli. No onions or garlic? What else? I would be able to give Angel and Skippy vegetables but I want to make sure I do not feed anything that is dangerous. I know about chocolate and read here about grapes and raisins. Can you tell me what else to avoid.


Thanks,
Penny T.

---------------------------------------

Believe it or not, Penny, this is not as straightforward a question as it sounds.  So I’ve grouped problem foods into "scientific" categories to help make it easier.

Category I: “If you know it’s not good for your baby, for goodness’ sake, don’t give it to your dog!”

Alcohol, coffee, candy, chocolate, tea, colas (especially sugar-free), fruit pits, any food that is moldy or nasty, or your prescription medicines. 

Category II: “You can’t believe how bad these can be for your dog!”

Avocadoes, macadamia nuts, persimmons

Category III: “Hysterical reactions in the news lately for causing toxicity in small quantities in a small percentage of dogs”

Onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, mushrooms

Category IV:  “Most dogs enjoy and tolerate well in moderation (if introduced slowly, or given  with digestive enzymes):

Milk, cheese, pasta, meat fats, eggs, cooked broccoli

Category V: “Some dogs have had bad reactions to in small quantities:

Everything else

Category VI:  “Foods that can be toxic in large quantities”:

See Category V, including water

So my advice is to memorize and avoid the items in Categories I and II. And even if Angel and Skippy get some by accident, chances are they’ll be OK.  

People have given beer and chocolate and grapes to dogs for as long as I’ve been around. And dogs have been getting into garbage and stealing food off the counters since…well, even before there were kitchen counters.  And probably 99% of them were OK.

Most dogs, like most humans, can tolerate moderate amounts of most things without long-term consequences.  But we all know people who are so sensitive to things like shellfish or nuts or MSG that even one bite can be life-threatening. 

I think it’s likely that the items in Category III are like that.  While I’ve never seen a bad reaction to grapes or garlic -- in fact, I recommended giving them for decades – individual dogs can be so susceptible that even a little can be life-threatening.  

A wonderful book to have as a resource for nutrition is Dr. Richard Pitcairn’s Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. And just in case…keep the number for the Poison Control Center handy:  888.426.4435*

For a visual aid on dangerous foods for your dog, check out the slideshow by WebMD, posted here at Doggie No-No's at Snacktime. 

* Check the Pet Emergency Resources page, here on All Things Dog Blog, to look for other poison control numbers, as well as many different types of emergency help.

Thanks for writing!

Dr. Pat

(c) courtesy P. Bradley

Have a question for Dr. Pat? You can reach us at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. For a personal consultation about your pet's needs, visit Holistic Veterinary Services.


Dr. Pat's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian

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Ask the Vet, with Dr. Pat: Circling and Pacing Have Many Possible Causes

by Pat Bradley, DVM

Dearest Dr. Pat,

My bird dog/hunting dog, is about 10. I got her from a friend whose hunting dog had pups; she was the runt and did not sell.  

I think she was about 6 months old when I got her and she has been a good all around dog for me.  Now she is starting to behave a little strange. She doesn't sleep much and circles the yard or the house, pacing all the time. I would think she is tired and would drop but she hardly does till late at nite. 

She runs all day behind me on the tractor and goes with me to town in the truck. She seems better when she is busy with me. Is she just bored or nervous at home? I don't know what to think. 

We don't have a vet within driving distance. She had a rabies shot and does not have any obvious health problems that I can see. What should I do to help her? Is there a way to tell if a dog is in pain?

Yours truly,

 Adley

---------------------------------------------------------

Gosh, Adley. 

Your dog sounds like a wonderful working companion for you on the farm.  Fortunately, it seems that Rabies has been ruled out, not only because she’s had a vaccine, but because it only takes a couple of weeks for a dog to die after it starts to show symptoms like pacing.  

From your description, there are no obvious signs of pain such as limping, yelping, or decreased activity or appetite.  She might also just pant a lot and have a worried expression on her face. But those signs can also just mean she’s feeling nervous.

A few other questions come to mind:

• Are there any signs of a new animal, wild or domestic, coming close to the farm?  If so, she might be feeling the need to patrol her territory more often.
• Is there any reason she might feel more protective of you?  Dogs will sometimes get anxious and patrol more when they sense their human is feeling weak.
• Has she ever had a seizure, even snapping at invisible flies?  Animals with epilepsy often get more restless as the years go by. 

The bottom line is: find a way to get her to a vet for an exam as soon as you can. Lots of other things, including toxicities, thyroid and brain problems, may cause this kind of pacing and restlessness.

If your vet doesn’t find anything that’s treatable, you might try one or more of these :

• Anxiety in dogs can just melt away when they’re guided by an excellent pack leader. Watch the Dog Whisperer and double check your alpha dog skills. 
• Try a flower essence, such as the Bach brand one called Rescue Remedy: Put a few drops into food twice daily for a couple of weeks.
• The homeopathic medicine Arsenicum album, 6X: Give one pellet twice daily for a week.
• Spend 30 minutes or so every day massaging her all over. Soft lighting and soft soothing music in the background can also help. 
  
  Good luck! A great companion like your dog is worth extra attention.

Pat

(c) courtesy P. Bradley

Have a question for Dr. Pat? You can reach us at 
LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com.

For a personal consultation about your pet's needs, visit Holistic Veterinary Services. To read Dr. Pat's other articles, visit her Archives page.

Dr. Pat's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian

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Ask the Vet, with Dr. Pat: The South Bark Diet for Dogs

by Pat Bradley, DVM

Is Your Toy-Sized Dog Overweight?

Here's Help

Hello Dr Pat: 

My little Chi mix is a real porker; he is a lot overweight. Does the green been diet really work for dogs and if it does how much do I give him and how much food with it? My friend told me half and half. Is this right? 

Thank you sincerely, Gen

---------------------------------------------------------

Dear Gen,

I commend you for your desire to help your overweight friend. We all want our dogs to be their healthy, happy best, but for many of our dogs, especially small breeds, “happiness” has become equivalent to “eating when I’m bored or upset”.  Let’s change that! 

The green bean diet can really work. They are low in calories, easy to use, and most dogs like them.  But since the appetites, preferences and metabolism of all dogs are not alike, it’s great that we have lots of choices when it comes to weight loss, and lots of information to help us make good decisions.  Here are the main strategies:

1. Decrease overall calories:  (a) Decrease the total amount of food by a quarter or a third. (b) Feed the same amount of a lower calorie pet food. (c) Feed the same amount of a grain-free pet food. You know, the “South Bark Diet”. 
2. Increase fiber. Fiber helps dieting tummies feel comfortably full. This is where the green beans come in. Substitute one or more of these for an equal amount of commercial food. I’d start at no more than 1/3, especially in small dogs that tend to need a higher protein level. And add a balanced multivitamin to ensure that all the basics are covered. (a) Green beans: their positive attributes are mentioned above, but to keep them from feeling too self-important, let’s mention some of the other veggies. (b)Yellow squash, zucchini, cucumber, carrots, pumpkin, winter squash, or green peas. (c) Oat or wheat bran: ¼ to ½ tsp per day for a small dog.
3. Increase play and walks and exercise with him. We know it burns calories, but it will also increase the “feel good” chemicals in his brain, making him less likely to give you those gut-wrenching, guilt-inducing stares. 
4. Snacks. Substitute snacks that are high in nutrition and low in calories, such as dried liver, raw carrot slices, or even our go-to friend, the green bean.

Good luck, Gen.  You’ll be delighted when you see how much better he feels!

Dr. Pat

(c) courtesy P. Bradley

Have a question for Dr. Pat? Write to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com.

For a personal consultation about your pet's needs, visit Holistic Veterinary Services.

Dr. Pat's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian

Don't miss Tanner's commentary over dog diets at 5 Minutes for Fido. He's quite disturbed!

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First Alert Xena Retires after Nearly 14 Years of Loyal Canine Service

by Carrie Boyko, C.E.B.

(c) Carrie Boyko

Xena's Last Photo

After many a long day of writing, with Xena at my feet, she and I would sometimes take time for a cat nap. Patches often joined us, just as we used to do when I had a migraine headache. As I dozed in and out, I would be vaguely aware of Xena's soothing snoring--a cute, soft sound that I have always found endearing.


The time for Xena to rest eternally came yesterday. There will be no more snoring, no more sock frolics, no more happy Xena greetings at the door. She is now resting peacefully, and I am glad of that only because the pain had begun for her. This is the one thing I could not bear for her to experience; I always promised her that I would not let her suffer. 


With Xena gone I will cry, mourn, remember and sob enough for 10 dogs, I am sure.  But afterwards two things came to me in another snuggle, this time with Tanner and Oliver joining me. 


Just recently when my father passed away, he did it exactly the same way as Xena. We went to sleep side by side--I in the fold out bed at hospice--while he snored like a chain saw in need of a good oiling. That oiling had been the best bath he had received in his two weeks of care at the hospital. His gruff, dominant nurse that I immediately took offense to, had encouraged me out of the room, assuring me that I would find him sleeping peacefully after her skillful and soothing bath.


Was she ever right! I returned to find my father swaddled like an infant, a sight that sent a shudder down my spine and at the same time made me feel warm and secure, just as he apparently did. When he awoke for pain medicine, it was the last time I was able to speak with him. He gave me a loving kiss, even as his lips did not quite pucker the way they used to. Then he slipped once again into a slumber that will last for an eternity.


Xena has now joined him in that place where all beloved family members go. It gives me a small amount of peace to think of them together, Dad rubbing her belly and head, while she wags her tail appreciatively. They will have each other to keep company with, even if only a fantasy of mine. I guess this is my way of dealing with a painful situation. Losing two treasured family members in a few short months is more than anyone should have to bear. But both went peacefully to sleep, ceasing their signature snoring to signal their permanent retirement.


I will miss you my sweet, loyal Xena. Thank you for giving me nearly 14 years of service as a weather alert dog. And thank you for keeping an eye on Dad. You two will make a good team.


Our whole family will always remember the day she came to live with us as if it were yesterday. The recollections of trips to the park, walks through the neighborhood, squirrel chases and tag games will never go away. These and many more will be the memories that will keep her alive in our hearts.


As Xena slipped into her permanent slumber I whispered to my sweet puppy, "Dad is a Packers fan; be sure to wear your green and yellow bandanna when you see him at the Rainbow Bridge." I must have imagined it, but I could swear I saw a slight nod of her head.

(c) Carrie Boyko

Xena at Age 2

Woof and Meow: Can They Coexist Happily?

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko

Patches Lives Peacefully
 Among 3 Dogs

The answer to that question is yes, but some of you may be asking "How?" With a poll that just wrapped up on my blog asking how many of each type of pets you have, I've learned a great deal about my readers. You guys don't just love dogs; you loves cats, rabbits, ferrets, and more. I’m impressed! I find myself among a group of truly animal-loving folks.

© Carrie Boyko
Our Rabbit, Robby, Lounges in the Kitchen

In my house, we have integrated cats and a rabbit into our pack-family with success. This series of posts, beginning with this intro, is going to share some tips with you to help your whole furry family get along better. Our aim is to help you bring your whole pack-family into a cohesive unit. 

There’s one more thing. We'll be giving away some amazing prizes, hand picked to help you make things run more smoothly. One piece of advice:

Don’t miss the entry for this. You’ll regret it!

If you don't want to miss any of these posts, now is the time to subscribe. It's FREE! Just type your email address into the box at the top right sidebar, prove you’re a human, and be sure to activate your subscription in your email box. Don’t miss that last part, or you’ll miss the posts.

Here's the line up, not necessarily in order; hope you'll join us for the whole series--should be about one a week: 

• Dogs and Cat’s Stuff: Stop the Treasure Hunt (health info, and a prize package announcement you don’t want to miss) 
• Tools to Impede the Treasure Hunt
• Patches’ Product Review of a new green, sustainable, biodegradable cat litter.
• Strategies for Keeping Dogs out of Kitty’s Food and Litter (Training Tips)
• Review of the Litter-Robot: a New Automatic Cleaning Litterbox (don’t miss the free giveaway…) This thing will amaze you!
• Helping Your Cat and Dog Move Toward Living Harmoniously
• Socializing Your Dog to a New Cat
• Socializing Your Cat to a New Dog
• Finally, we'll wrap up with prizes, prizes and prizes. Three lucky winners will receive a reusable tote bag of cat and dog goodies, including a bag of World’s Best Cat Litter. The Grand Prize will include a Litter Robot, valued at $329-349. Entry rules will be posted in each article in this series.

Entries may begin with the next post, so get your subscription rolling now. Your entries at 5 Minutes for Fido will count as well, so you might want to visit there and do the same; you can enter as often as you wish, following the instructions in the next post. You don't want to miss this great giveaway. 

Meanwhile, you can also keep tabs on us through other social media:

All Things Dog Blog on Facebook  and  All Things Dog Blog on Twitter

Litter-Robot on Facebook   and   Litter-Robot on Twitter

And finally, don't miss my pack's commentary on all of this kitty hoopla. Today Tanner is up with some tips on remaining calm. Hope to see you soon for our next post. Thanks for joining us.

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Holistic Pet Care 101, by Dr. Pat Bradley

by Pat Bradley, DVM

Our Ask the Vet columnist is really on fire. She's launched a video series, beginning with this one, to help educate pet owners in holistic pet care. This is a much needed service, and I, for one, will be panting until each is released. Keep 'em coming, Dr. Pat.


To check out Dr. Pat's Archives of answers to our readers' questions, you can visit them anytime via the link at the top of the blog, or here. And, of course, don't miss my packs' commentary on Dr. Pat's new video at 5 Minutes for Fido.

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Meet Dr. Pat: Our New Staff Veterinarian

by Carrie Boyko

Dr. Pat Bradley, our new "ASK THE VET" Columnist, is here to meet you today. She and I are thrilled to share her 25+ years of veterinary experience with you. I would like to give you a taste of her journey where it started, at LSU. After graduating from LSU as a conventional veterinarian, Dr. Pat practiced in Arkansas for 10 years, gaining valuable insight and experience into the issues of dog owners and their furry friends.

With this experience came a growing understanding of the challenges of conventional veterinary medicine, as well as the natural methods that were available, yet less well-known. Dr. Bradley's interests peaked in this area and she began studying, feverishly learning and absorbing the techniques of holistic veterinary medicine, homeopathy, and even mental health counseling, a field in which she earned an additional masters' degree.

You may ask, "Why mental health counseling?", and this is a very good question. Dr Bradley's practice has often found her assisting owners with "end of life" concerns for their pets. With her mental health training, she began studying and devising  numerous strategies for helping owners get through this decision-making process, feeling comfortable with their decisions.

This experience led Dr. Bradley to write her book, More Than a Pet, which details the many options available for owners. Her book is particularly useful for those owners that linger over such decisions, second guessing themselves and never feeling quite comfortable with any route.

Dr. Pat's practice now has turned to telephone consultations, generally focusing on how best to naturally treat a pet's health issues. By answering your general dog health questions, Dr. Pat hopes to open a door to better understanding of the possibilities with alternative medicine. Realizing that there will always be a need for conventional veterinary medicine, Dr. Pat's extensive experience in both areas of medicine will give you more options to choose from. 

Dr. Pat helps pet guardians from around the world to sort through treatment options so they can make a decision in line with their values. Readers can contact her directly for  holistic veterinary services. She lives in Arkansas, with her husband and pets Smudge, Lady and Otis. 

We look forward to hearing your questions. Send your letters to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com, placing "Ask the Vet" in the subject line. We'll be sure to dig you up an answer as quick as possible. Happy tails!

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