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 All Rights Reserved, The Pets Perspective, Inc., 2012.  DISCLAIMER:  All of the information and material presented in this website is based upon the opinions of Kelly Bebak, unless otherwise stated.  Any articles or newsletters (or website links) included are based upon the opinions of the presenting authors, who retain copyright as marked.  Any information or opinions presented on this website are not intended to replace a relationship with a veterinarian and are given only to provide information to the reader.  Further, the information presented in this website is not intended as medical advice, rather it is to share information based on the experience and research of Kelly Bebak and other well-versed pet professionals.  Kelly Bebak encourages you to formulate your own opinions and sound decisions for your pets based on your own research and with the assistance of your veterinarian(s) and other qualified and experienced pet health care providers.

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105 Responses to Welcome

  1. avatar Patricia says:

    Firstly, I would like to express how proud I am of you and the work you do for our furry friends. You have a heart as big as the knowledge you share with your following.

    I would also like to let your readers know I am your sister and that Kelly is one of a kind. She has loved animals since she has been able to walk. I also call and ask for advise for my two rescue kittys, two Ragdolls, and even my husband when necessary LOL. The reason I am writing is for a little issue that you may be able to help me with. My two Tabby’s ( Loki & Lexi) were rescued first. They have 3-ish yrs before we got Puff Puff. Then we got Baby Bleu 8-ish mon later. The challenge is that Puff is deaf. We developed a way to communicate with her right away, no problems. We have never treated any of our babies differently special but, lately, I notice the other baby’s “snubbing” Puff when they are all playing together. One on one interaction is civil but not lovie. Is there something I could try to do to get the 4 more “together”. I see Puff desperately trying to play with the group but then she gets to rough (shes just over 2 yrs) and they all run and hide. Any ideas? Love you sister…Great site,

  2. all my pets have their vaccinations every year and they have a regular visit to their vet..i do love my pet and i don’t want to lose them..

    • avatar KellyB says:

      It is very important to take your beloved pets to the vet annually…kudos to you. However, you really should do your research and use reputable and informed sources when it comes to determining proper vaccination schedules for your pets. Most often only using the recommended CORE vaccines is appropriate. Just do a search on Dr. Ronald Schultz (University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine) who is a world renowned Veterinary Immunologist and who has over 40 years of research and experience with canine vaccines.

  3. avatar Katie says:

    Hi Kelly-
    Thank you so much for all of the information you provide on this blog, I find myself here at least once a week searching for an answer about something. I have four cats, they normally have dry (grain free) food out all day long and I feed them wet twice a day. I have been hearing more and more stories about health complications due to dry food. I am trying my best to move them to all wet but I’m not sure how much to feed them. I have also been advised to try and start mixing the raw patties into their wet food and try to move in that direction because it would be better health wise and cheaper in the long run. I feed them Wellness Core and if I follow the directions for feeding I’m going to end up broke. Can you offer any guidance?

    Thanks!

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hello Katie… I must admit now that I no longer own a natural pet food store feeding five cats and a dog (and two humans) has gotten much more expensive…so I feel your pain!! As I’ve always said, just do your best and don’t stress too much. The fact that you do grain free dry food, canned and some raw is fantastic.

      Here is what I do for my five felines… All of my cats are in fairly good “ideal” weight (around 10-11 lbs). I feed measured meals three times per day to reduce the hunger feelings and for better/easier digestion and blood sugar levels. Meals are comprised of: two dry food meals per day and canned food once per day. I have been very happy with the Pure Vita Grain free dry food (chicken and/or fish formulas). Pure Vita also has a frequent buyer program :-) .

      I rotate the canned food (usually grain free formulas) daily between Wellness, Natures Variety, and Weruva and a few other natural brands on occasion. I like the three brands I mentioned because they have 12-13 oz cans that are less expensive per ounce and larger size for feeding multiple cat households… Honestly bugs me that more cat food companies don’t offer larger cans as many people have more than one cat in the house!!

      I add L-Lysine to their canned food as all of the kitties were “former feral” older kittens and two had a brother who had Herpes Virus so bad in his eye that he had to have an eye enucleation (surgical removal)… FYI.. that kitty is very well, spoiled and living in a loving home. I also add a pinch of Prozyme or Animal Essentials Enzyme Probiotics to their dry food.

      One last thing… I give the kitties Answers Raw Goats Milk (1/2 Tablespoon per day) daily as it is so nutritious and they LOVE it… check out my separate post on Goats milk and included video of my kitties literally waiting in line for their serving!!

      So to summarize… As long as you provide the best natural and meat based foods for your kitties that includes plenty of moisture (canned, raw, goats milk, etc.) and digestive enzymes to break down their food and probiotics for gut balance… your doing GREAT! >^..^<

  4. avatar Stephanie says:

    Hi Kelly!!
    Just wondering if you might have a minute to provide some of your wise and useful advice…
    As you know, my German Shepherd mix, Cassie, can be quite a “nervous nelly” sometimes. And, I think she is becoming more anxious with age. She turned 14 in February and I’ve noticed some changes in her since last fall. For example, normal routine at our house involves one last trip outside before bedtime and a snack for all three dogs when they come in. Cassie must be able to tell time, because every night about 15 minutes before the dogs will be going outside, she begins to pant and pace and stare us down to let her out. This behavior I understand, however, after the bedtime routine is over, Cassie continues to pant and pace and make many trips to the water bowl. It seems difficult for her to settle down and find a place to lay. Especially if I stay up later, it seems to make her anxious and she goes upstairs, then back downstairs, gets on the couch, gets off the couch, makes a trip around the kitchen, gets back on the couch, and round and round we go for about an hour. Sorry for the long-winded story, but the bottom line is: Have you ever heard of or used the Springtime, Inc. product called “Stress Free Complex?” I have had GREAT results with some of their other products, and was wondering what you thought of this one and its ingredients and if it might be helpful for Cassie. She is otherwise very healthy for her age; she drinks quite a bit, but this has been a pretty usual habit for the last few years. Her appetite is decent as well. Below is a direct link to the “Stress Free Complex” page on Springtime, Inc.’s website. Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thanks Kelly, as always, you’re the best!

    http://www.springtimeinc.com/product/stress-free-calmplex

    • avatar KellyB says:

      The Springtime Stress Free Complex looks like a great product, especially after reviewing all of the customer testimonials. I particularly like the inclusion of PANAX GINGENG (not to be confused with American or Siberian form) as it helps in proper functioning of the nervous system. This in turn is very beneficial in relieving stress and tiredness.

      Per WebMD.com, “Some people use Panax Ginseng to help them cope with stress and as a general tonic for improving well-being. They sometimes call Panax ginseng an “adaptogen” when it’s used in this way. Panax ginseng is also used for depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), for boosting the immune system.” Looks like you found a great supplement worth trying!

  5. avatar Jessica says:

    Hi Kelly, I was wondering how your cat is doing? I noticed on Facebook that he was diagnosed with Lymphoma not too long ago and wondering what you are doing for him these days (medicine, vitamins, food, etc.). Thanks.

  6. avatar Marylisa Molan says:

    Hi what a great site this is!! I own Jakes Bakes wheat free dog treats made from all local farm fresh ingredients… This is the beginning of our 5th year in business and we are so excited to say we are now in 50 stores and continue doing the local farmers markets!! we have 4 adopted or rescued furry family members Jake and Dollie are beagles and Nelson and Blaze are Bernese Mt Dogs…our home is full of fur and love <3 we mostly use all natural methods when treating our "kids " for anything from an ear ache to an upset belly so Im thrilled to join…all of you :)

  7. avatar Marcia says:

    Hi Kelly,

    Do you have any recommendations of where I can get my long haired kitty groomed? My dog groomer is allergic to cats. My cat is not exactly a sweetie, so this is also a concern. Any help would be appreciated.

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Marcia… I know of a couple local Grooming Salons that groom cats. However, only for “Good/Perfect” kitties, so probably not appropriate for your kitty. A good friend who has several LH kitties has had good experiences at PETSmart as long as you request a “certified” and experienced cat groomer. She has gone to PETSmart on Walden Avenue & in Orchard Park, but OP has a longer waiting list. Good Luck! >^..^<

  8. avatar Tina Wiepert says:

    We’re looking for vendors, crafters, artists, etc to set up at our vendor expo in Hamburg May 18 and for donations for the silent auction that day and our on-line auction June. We hope that you will consider joining us and helping to get the word out for us. Thank you

  9. The issue of excessive vaccinations has been driving me nuts for 2 decades now. We started minimizing vaccines after a lecture by Dr. Jean Dodds in 1990. Our practice switched to every 3 year feline vaccines in 1995 and 3 year vaccines for dogs around 1997. Our practice now has a 5 year vaccine program for both cats and dogs for those clients electing the vaccine route and a well established vaccine titer program for clients preferring that option (it is a more expensive route compared to vaccinations).

    When Dr. Ford lectured in Buffalo a year or so ago I was stunned to find out that fully 60% of the veterinary practices across the US were still recommending yearly vaccinations.

    My associate veterinarian was at a local continuing education presentation last week and just had to shake her head when she heard 2 veterinarians talking behind her and heard one of them say “I guess there’s talk about going to three year vaccines. I told my wife about that and she said we couldn’t do it because we’d lose too much money.”

    How sad is it that something our practice has been doing for nearly 20 years is just now being considered by the majority of veterinary practices; that practice income is considered more important than the patient’s health?

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Oh Dr. Stein… Music to my ears!! As Dr. Schultz has said on numerous occasions, “Change is slow and painful but coming!” Many people know that I am right in the middle when it comes to treating my pets. I utilize both conventional and holistic veterinary medicine and modalities depending on the situation. I have been titering my pets for many years and all of my pets have shown “protective titer levels” (parvo, distemper, rabies) for over eight years now.

      I can’t wait until the results from the five year Rabies Challenge DOI Study is published… As you probably already know Dr. Dodds and Dr. Schultz are working together on the Rabies Challenge Study…they completed the five year study at the end of 2012 and are continuing year six and seven concurrently! Dr. Schultz is also working on establishing accepted Titer levels. All good.

      I am so grateful to doctors like you who are, sadly, pioneers with the safer vaccination protocols. You obviously have the health of your clients (pets) as a priority and that is very encouraging indeed. Keep up you great works! I’ve included your website for any readers who live in the Northtowns looking for a good veterinarian utilizing proper safe vaccination schedules. Amherst Small Animal Hospital: http://www.asah.net/ :-)

  10. avatar Aubrey Murphy says:

    Hi Kelly, Charlie has some weird skin issue. It looks like something sandy or grainy is at the hair follicle. It’s only in certain spots like a patch near his neck and on the outside of his ears. He had an ear infection that he is still on antobotics for so I am not sure if this is related. The hair is falling out at these spots. The ear infection has definately cleared up.
    Any insights??
    Thank you!!

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Aubrey… Hmmmmm?? Well, I know the “stuff” that was coming out of his ears had been leaking down his ears and neck, so it is possible that it irritated Charlie’s skin just as it had his ears. If it was a really bad yeast infection, same thing… perhaps the yeast settled onto certain parts of his skin and has gotten irritated too.

      Check out this previous post which includes several possibilities for skin irritations that you can think about and perhaps rule out: http://blogger.thepetsperspective.com/itchy-sensitive-skin-in-dogs/. Make sure to entertain all of the ideas as I recall many dogs coming up with Mange that you would never think it would even be a possibility! Hopefully, Charlie doesn’t have Sarcoptic Mange, but need to at least rule it out. I also had a previous post on Canine Ear Cleaning that you may want to look at for some additional ideas to keep the ears from getting infected again: http://blogger.thepetsperspective.com/easy-ear-cleaning/.

      I’m glad that the antibiotics seem to be helping his ear infection. Don’t forget to give him probiotics to stave off any further yeast infections that the antibiotics may cause. Please say hello to my favorite Sully and Charles!! :-)

  11. avatar Jean Kishbaugh says:

    Hi Kelly,

    Just wondering if you can help me with another doggy problem. I was all set to start Finnegan at a doggy daycare today but had taken a stool sample to my vets (the daycare requires this and I understand why). I had to take him to have nails trimmed and thought I would pick up the paperwork saying he was free of worms . Well he wasn’t. He had tapeworms right after I got him from Kentucky which I understand is common in dogs from the south. Well now he has roundworms. They gave me the medication to treat it (two syringes) one for now and one in two weeks. None of my dogs have ever had worms so this is new to me. The medication they gave me is Strongid. After I gave it to him I thought why did I do that I am trying to take care of things naturally. I looked up natural remedies for treating worms and these are some of the things I found but wanted to check with you and Emily too.
    The site I looked at said Wormwood or Artemisia, Eugenia Caryophyllata or cloves Granatum Vermifuge and finally Homeopet Worm Clear or Wormout.
    As I already gave him one treatment I wondered if it is still ok to use any of these treatments. I’m also thinking I should either take a sample in for McKenzie or just treat her naturally.
    I also found a good preventative was to add ground pumpkin seed to their food daily and add wheat bran.
    I’d love to hear your opinion on this. Needless to say we couldn’t go to Doggy Daycare today and can’t for a month as they said I shouldn’t give the second dose of Strongid for two weeks and then 2 weeks after that bring in another sample.
    I hope you are feeling better.
    Jean

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Jean… Check out my reply post entitled, “Round Worms” dated March 5, 2013. Here’s the direct link…http://blogger.thepetsperspective.com/round-worms/. Thanks!

  12. avatar Jacqui Tracy says:

    Wanting to transition my cat from this food to Non GMO and help is greatly appreciated.

    Jacqui Tracy Actually the brand is Royal Canin Adult,
    Monday at 1:35pm · Like
    Jacqui Tracy Ingredients, pork by-products,chicken, salmon, rice flour, natural flavors,wheat gluten, powdered cellulose, salt, guar gum,calcium sulphate, carrageenan, taurine, hydrolized yeast, potassium chloride,vitamins DL- alpha tocopherol, Source of Vit E ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate,Source of Vit C thiamine mononitrate (Vit B1), niacin supplement, biotin,D-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement(B2), pyridoxine hydrochloride(Vit B6), vitamin B-12 supplement, folic acid, Vit D3 supplement,sodium silico aluminate, marigold extract(Tagetes erecta L), trace minerals (zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, ferrous sulphate, managous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate.
    Monday at 1:49pm · Like
    Jacqui Tracy Thank you for such promptness. Makes me wish I paid more attention in chemistry class.
    Monday at 1:50pm · Like
    Jacqui Tracy Crude protein MIN 10%, Crude Fat MIN 2.5%,Crude fiber Max 2.0%,Mmoisture MAX 79%

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Tracy… Sorry for the delay… I reached out to a friend who is very knowledgeable when it comes to GMO foods, etc. I’ll try to contact her again. Thanks.

    • avatar KellyB says:

      If you are really trying to find a true non GMO food for your cat, the best thing to do is home prepare the diet using organic and locally grown produce and meat. Just be sure to that you are using a complete and balanced recipe from a very reputable source. Raw diet is a great idea for your cat too!

      I have been home preparing my dog’s food for almost two years now using The Honest Kitchen’s balanced mixes along with added meat and additional cooked veggies, herbs and cheese… I also joined a local crop share to obtain the organic fruits and veggies for the whole family. Probably the only sure way to get away from GMO. Good luck >^..^<

  13. avatar Jean Kishbaugh says:

    Kelly,

    I’m asking this question for a friend. Her pomerainian is about 11 years old and she has crystals in her urine. Her liver enzymes are high. The vet told her to use a specific type ( Royal Canin) of dog food but she is wondering what kind of treats she can give him. She said when she asked about treats the vet just said apples.

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Jean… Hard to answer this question as it is very important to know what type of crystals your friend’s Pomeranian has (two commonly occurring are: Struvite (most common) and Calcium Oxylate). Depending on the type of crystals found, will determine the type of diet (treats included) that the dog will require as certain diets/foods will promote a more acidic environment, while others will encourage more alkaline environments.

      Further, Struvite crystals are often seen in urine from clinically normal individuals. Though they can be found in urine of any pH, their formation is favored in neutral to alkaline urine. On the other hand, Calcium Oxalates, are most commonly precipitated in the acidic urine.

      So, you can see that is it important to know which type of crystals are present before determining what type of food and treats are provided. Apples are among the “Alkaline fruits” which cause the urine to have a more alkaline PH. There are other fruits like apricots, bananas, berries, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, cantaloupe, cherries, figs, kiwi, mangoes, watermelon, honeydew melon, nectarines, pineapples, pear and tangerines that also do this. Many vegetables are also Alkaline producing. The opposite is usually true for meat proteins which will generally cause a more Acidic PH.

      The dog is also 11 years old so there may be other age related conditions (i.e diabetes, hypo thyroid, and as mentioned liver compromise), so one must be very careful not to give treats that may be good for the crystals, but aggravate a liver condition.

      One suggestion may be to use pureed/finally chopped apple and unsweetened canned pumpkin in ice cube trays… make frozen treats. Both the apple and pumpkin are alkaline producers and low/no fat for the liver issue… Always good to check with the vet first as they have a full picture of the dog’s overall health.

  14. avatar Jean Kishbaugh says:

    Kelly,

    Just a quick question. Could my dogs be fine with one type of raw food such as turkey & chicken and then vomit after eating another ( beef)? that is what happened tonight . I think it was Finn. Hard to tell when you have multiple dogs. I am not sure if that is what caused it but just wondering if that is a possibility.

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Jean… Yes, your dog(s) can tolerate and digest certain proteins (chicken & turkey) with no problem, then vomit when a different protein, in this case beef, is introduced. Not sure if I mentioned this before, but typically with raw diet a dog or cat will vomit fairly soon after eating if they cannot tolerate that specific protein. Just so happens that Gus had the same intolerance with beef in the past, but raw chicken, turkey and venison were tolerated well. The beef definitely digests much differently than the poultry sources. Just give their bellies a little rest and reintroduce the chicken or turkey (smaller portion) in a day or so.

  15. avatar Beth says:

    I have a 13 year old female cat who has never had any real medical issues her whole life, who now has fibrosarcoma in her rear right leg due to a 3yr rabies vaccine she received this past summer. The tumor was removed but to insure it will not recur she will need to have her leg amputated. To make matters worse, she was found to have a large cyst on her liver upon presurgical examination. Now I have to make a very difficult decision. In spite of everything she is a very healthy cat (her liver enzymes are normal.). I don’t know what to do. I wish I could take the vaccine back. At the time of the injection I was told that the odds of developing the sarcoma was 1 in 10,000. I think vets are fooling themselves and misleading their clients with these statistics. I think we need to start questioning and researching before assuming the vets always know best. I like my vet’s office but I am not sure anymore if vets always have their patients best interest in mind.

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Beth…so sorry to hear of your kitty’s difficult situation. Check out my post entitled, Feline Injection Site Sarcoma, dated 1/18/13 (http://blogger.thepetsperspective.com/feline-injection-site-sarcoma). Thank you so much for sharing your story. Hopefully, your kitty’s situation will, at the very least, educate more pet owners on this very serious issue. Super Big Hugs & Slobbers from me and all of my furry family!

  16. avatar Leslie says:

    Hi Kelly,

    My 7 month old maltese has a mast cell tumor by his mouth. Have been reading some of your previous posts on dogs with cancer so I have a pretty good idea on where I am going with holistic treatment. It is quite similar to naturally treating cancer for people. Just wondering if there is anything different that you would suggest since my dog is a puppy-and only 5 lbs, and most of the posts I read seem to be about older, bigger dogs.
    Thanks!

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Leslie… Based on the very young age (and size) of your dog, I would suggest you seek the assistance of a holistic veterinarian in your area who would be able to guide you with such a delicate little guy. I would guess that the vet will probably go with many of the same suggestions (supplements, diet, etc.) that I have previously noted as well as some of the other blog followers. However, just based on a very immature immune system and the small size of your dog, you should proceed with the assistance of an experienced holistic vet. I do have a few names of holistic practitioners (in the WNY area) if you need any…just let me know. Good luck and I’ll send all positive energy your way.

  17. avatar Jean Kishbaugh says:

    Kelly,
    Just wondering if you could tell me where to begin if I think my 9 year old lab seems to be beginning to show some weakness or arthritis in her back legs. I know weight loss is important and we are beginning to show some progress with that. I’m really hoping the raw diet will help too. I have used NuPro on and off over the last 4 – 5 years. Is there anything else I can do such as supplements etc. I know exercise such as walking would probably help too.

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Jean… Great question. I actually posted on this very same question back on June 3, 2012…. check out this post: Joint-support-for-senior-dogs-cats.
      It may be time to try a different joint supplement, perhaps a bit more concentrated. Gus is 12 years young now and I currently use, Azmira Joint EzR and Azmira Yucca Intensive and the Pet Naturals of Vermont Joint Treats (and Prozyme or Animal Essentials Enzymes too)… along with meat based natural diet of course! Sounds like you have the diet and exercise covered. Thanks for the inquiry :-)

  18. avatar Steve Gerber says:

    Just heard about your Dr. Schultz vaccination seminar from Whole Dog Journal FB and can’t believe Dr. Schultz will be in WNY! This man is known all of the world for his work with dog and cat vaccinations and the Rabies Challenge Fund. Very Excited and I’m in for sure. Going to tell all my pet owner friends. Thanks for putting this together.

  19. Hello, everything is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one is sharing data,
    that’s in fact excellent, keep up writing.

  20. avatar Lisa G says:

    Hi Kelly!
    I really like my kitties, Pippa and Henry to have wet food mixed in with their dry food. I am concerned about dehydration in the cats. I have tried every kind of premium canned food out there. They won’t eat it. They will pick around to get to
    the dry food which kinda defeats the purpose. The problem is they only like….
    (wait for it!)… Friskies! Of course they like the cheapest and less
    nutritious food. I equate it to children. They could probably eat
    spaghetti o’s everyday for dinner. Super yummy but absolutely no nutritious
    value and filled with stuff you probably do not want to know. So…any
    ideas? Should I just give them Friskies? Is it better than nothing? Or
    just skip the canned? But then what do I do about dehydration? Or am I worried about nothing? Do you have any tricks to get picky kitties to eat? I am getting tired of spending money on canned food only to have them reject it again! But… I am willing to try anything. Also on a side note, have you had any luck with your cats
    or your client’s cats with the pet fountain? I have heard some cats are
    afraid of it! Thanks!

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Lisa… Check out my response to your questions entitled: “Friskies Canned Food vs. Dry Kibble…Help!” dated 12/3/12. here’s the direct link: http://blogger.thepetsperspective.com/friskies-canned-food-vs-dry-kibble-help/. Thanks for your questions and hope you have some luck with the food preferences! :-)

  21. avatar John S. says:

    Hi Kelly,

    I have a question re: the Grizzly Fish Oil. Currently I have had Cody on the Seameal Powder for 3 months and his ears have never been better. However, he has always had skin allergy issues and now is scratching more than ever. Can I supplement his meals with Grizzly Fish Oil and continue the Seameal Powder or would I need to stop the Seameal if I went to the Fish Oil. I would really like to help him with the itching and scratching. Do you have any other suggestions. I think I remember you told me that Gus had used the Fish Oil. Thanks again for any help you can provide — it is always appreciated!

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey John…Glad to hear Cody’s ears have greatly improved… may be the enzymes (Prozyme) contained in the Seameal. Fish oil is a great source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids and I do like including them in a dog’s daily protocol, especially with dry and/or itchy skin. Check out a post I did on itchy dogs for more information on possible causes of itchiness in dogs: http://blogger.thepetsperspective.com/itchy-sensitive-skin-in-dogs/.

      I would suggest continuing the Seameal and slowly introducing the fish oil into Cody’s diet. Give about half of the recommended dose of fish oil for about 10 days, then increase slowly to avoid any stomach upset. Look for subtle improvements over the six to eight weeks with the added fish oil. If the itching gets worse or continues like it was, remove the Seameal for about one month to see if there is improvement. Now that colder weather is upon us, outdoor airborn allergens will not be present in Cody’s environment so he may improve slightly if he is allergic to pollens, tree saps, grasses, etc. Hence, why you should wait to remove Seameal now… if there is improvement it may be due to seasonal climate change, not the removal of the supplement.

      You may want to consider having the airborne allergens blood tests done on Cody in the Spring to see what, if anything he is actually allergic to. Further, I would also consider doing Dr. Jean Dodds Nutriscan Salivary Food Allergy test (http://nutriscan.org/) done to see what, if any, foods he may be allergic too. I’ve seen so many dogs turn up allergic to something in there diet that didn’t not show up in the traditional Blood Test (Food Allergy Test), hence why I now prefer the Nutriscan test… It’s easy and you can retrieve the salivary sample on your own and send it off for analysis. Good luck!

  22. avatar Jean Kishbaugh says:

    Kelly,

    Just wondering if you or anyone else knows of any dog toys that are safe to leave for a long period in a crate with a dog ( 22 month old lab). I realize my dog probably sleeps most of the day but wanted to give him something safe to occupy him.
    Also do you know if there are many calories in Bully sticks?

    Jean

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Great questions Jean… I answered your questions in two separate posts as follows: http://blogger.thepetsperspective.com/calories-in-bully-sticks/ AND, http://blogger.thepetsperspective.com/crating-dog-with-toys/. Thanks for the inquiries!

    • avatar Jean Kishbaugh says:

      Kelly

      Can you get these products at Animal Kingdom?

      Jean

      • avatar KellyB says:

        Hey Jean…I think you’re referring to the joint products, correct? I imagine The Animal Kingdom still carries most of the joint products I mentioned, but you’ll have to check with them as it’s been well over a year since the store changed hands. They may still be able to special order certain things even if not stocked or maybe they stock a similar product …just ask and see what they are able to do. Though, I never carried the specific homepathic pillule remedies (like Arnica and Rhus Tox) and usually go to a human health food store for those. :-)

  23. avatar Kim says:

    Wondering if you can tell me anything you know about Chronic Renal Failure in cats and treating it? Thanks.

  24. Hi Kelly,

    Not a big blogger but it nice to try this out…… Got the news last week that my 13 yr old Am Staff “Beamer” X-Rays showed a tumor in his upper jaw has advanced to his lungs and has compromised his heart. He has always had a big strong heart and this came on very quickly so I want to too take aggressive action on giving him the best diet for his advancing cancer. Any input would be great for many of us have unfortunately been through and I’m going to do what it takes to keep him eating and wagging his tail as long as I can. Currently he is on a 23 12 high end kibble and supplemented with Grandma Lucy’s, and a senior suppliment pill. I’m thinking about going back to Raw with Grandma Lucy’s. I have been hearing about a gamma tea? Any input would be great!

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Sarah… There is hope for you and Beamer. You are correct in that diet and supplements can have positive impacts on Beamer’s cancer. Check out my post entitled, “Canine Cancer,” dated 10/28/12, http://blogger.thepetsperspective.com/canine-cancer/. All positive thoughts going your way. Super Big Hugs.

  25. avatar Cindy says:

    Hi Kelly,

    My daughter has a 6 yr old goldendoodle who is extremely high strung. He barks at everything. If they try to play with toys (anything that flies or can be thrown) with the children, he trys to grab the toys all the while barking and jumping. The same if the vaccuum comes out. If her husband goes into the water at their cottage, he goes bananas. Is there a homeopathic remedy that they can try to calm him in these situations? He’s a great dog, except for the nervousness and barking.

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Cindy…Thanks for the great question. Check out my post entitled, “High Energy Golden Doodle…Help!” dated 9/30/12. http://blogger.thepetsperspective.com/high-energy-golden-doodle-help/

  26. Thank you for a very informative website. Where else could I get that kind of information written in such a perfect approach? I have a venture that I am just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.

  27. avatar aluminum says:

    Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
    I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Cheers

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Not really sure how to get “listed” on Yahoo News… I know your position and listing is somewhat dependent on the number of hits, comments and traffic on your blog. My website developer/host is S&S Enteprises (check link on Website Portal Page. Good Luck.

  28. avatar Jean Kishbaugh says:

    Hi Kelly,

    I recently had a scare with my two dogs involving them getting into medicine. I walked into my dining room and found 3 ibuprofen laying on the floor. I assumed it was my younger 19 month chocolate lab as he has been with me only about 6 weeks and into everything. I was pretty sure that ibuprofen was harmful to dogs so I looked it up online and it is harmful to dogs. I could not find an empty bottle or any other pills anywhere so I had no idea how many if any he had consumed. I called Orchard Park Emergency Vet and they said to induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide and if that did not work to bring him in. The amount of peroxide I had to give was based on his weight. Well it didn’t work so I took him in. They gave him something to induce vomiting and it worked but no pills were found. The vet proceeded to tell me that didn’t mean it hadn’t gotten in his system. She recommended he be hospitalized for 48 – 72 hour ,given IV fluids and activated charcoal. I then told her I had another dog at home and I had no idea whether she ate any. So I brought her in too. The next day the vet called and said my younger dog was the culprit. His blood work showed slightly elevated levels in his liver and kidneys and my other dog had normal levels but there could be delayed results. So they stayed another night and everything was normal by the next night and they came home.
    All is fine now but it was a rather costly mistake. I am always so careful with medicine but this one mistake really scared me. I later realized that the younger dog had gotten an empty purse earlier in the evening and I had taken it from him. I went back to look at it and there were 2 ibuprofen at the bottom. Either a bottle had spilled or someone gave me a baggie with a small amount of ibuprofen in. I thought I would share it so others could learn from my mistake.
    Even though it was very costly I am so grateful to the vets & staff at Orchard Park Vet Hospital.

    • avatar KellyB says:

      So glad things worked out okay. Can’t imagine the bill for two dogs, but thankfully we have a 24 hour emergency vet hospital right in Orchard Park. It’s amazing how fast things can happen, no matter how careful we are! Thanks so much for sharing your experience…a reminder for all of us to be extra cautious with medications.

  29. avatar E says:

    My friend just bought a vacant house and there is a young Mom cat and a kitten. The kitten still has blue eyes, so I looked it up and it is probably less than 6 weeks old? I would guess between 4-6 weeks old. I left it there since the Mom is around, but I am worried for both of them since the neighbors say that the other kittens got run over in the street.

    I have been putting canned food out and put a big dog dish of water. The kitten is on the back deck and doesn’t seem to try to move off of it, but as it gets bigger I’m sure it may start going toward the street. I was able to pick the Mom up since she is social. They describe her as a “neighborhood cat”. She was sitting in the driveway while the neighbors were out talking, so she is comfortable around people.

    Do you have any place she could get fixed and when would this be since her tummy still felt full of milk?

    Is there anywhere that would take the Mom and the kitten? The street is very busy and it is not a safe situation for them. Plus cold weather is coming.

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey E… Check out my post entitled, “Neighborhood – Community Cats Question,” dated 9/17/12, for my reply: http://blogger.thepetsperspective.com/neighborhood-community-cat-question/. Keep up the great work!

  30. avatar Jenifer Dehrs says:

    So happy to see your blog. Great information. I was wondering what you currently feed your dog. You’ve always been so helpful when it comes to feeding our pets and know so much about pet nutrition. Looking forward to any feedback. Thanks.

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Jenifer… Check out my post entitled, “What’s Cooking…For Gus!” dated 9/21/12. http://blogger.thepetsperspective.com/whats-cooking-for-gus/. And, thanks for your question…keep them coming. :-)

  31. avatar John S. says:

    Hi Kelly,
    We have recently had a lot of problems with having our Basset Hound’s nails cut.
    Wherever we take him for nail trimming, he fights, squirms, barks and wants nothing to do with having the nails cut. Obviously it is a real problem — we don’t want to traumatize him any more by pinning him down and forcing the nail trimming. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!!

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey John…check out my post entitled, “Nail Trimming Options for Dogs” that addresses your question: http://blogger.thepetsperspective.com/nail-trimming-options-for-dogs/. Thanks for the inquiry.

  32. avatar Michelle Michalek says:

    Hi Kelly,

    I received an article today from rescue contacts in regards to an out break of the Dog Flu Virus in Lancaster, PA. The article along with other research says its like the Human Flu Virus, it can have severe complications, but other than that they get sick. It does state its regional but spreads quickly because of dogs traveling, showing, participating in events, and rescue. Like with us there is a Flu Vaccination. I Titer Test because because I want to limit the amount of vaccines my dogs receive, but I myself never ever get the Flu Vaccine. What is your opinion on this matter? They recommend it for dogs that of course show, compete or go frequently to place other dogs are, like parks. My dogs do not, and I am not doing rescue transport at this time.

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Michelle… Thanks for the information. I am of the same mind set as you are in that I Titer Test and I don’t subscribe to every vaccine on the planet for my pets. I do feel that CORE vaccines are necessary and all of my pets received them, but I Titer Test every few years to make sure they’re all still protected before I would even consider re-vaccination.

      As you said, the Canine Influenza Virus can present serious symptoms and complications in some dogs (typically very young puppies, elderly dogs or immuno-compromised dogs) so it should be taken seriously. This dilemma is similar to the recent Kennel Cough question posted (Mario & LouEnzo on August 13, 2012) because both illnesses are transmitted through “aerosolized” respiratory secretions and it’s rather challenging to prevent any contact between dogs unless they are quarantined! However, most dogs will be able to fight the virus off even if exposed. Supportive care and keeping the immune system strong are really important here. Not to mention, if there is known exposure to the CIV or an infected dog, measures should be taken to clean and disinfect all clothing, equipment, surfaces and hands after exposure.

      In conclusion, I have never received the (human) Flu vaccine, and Gus has never gotten the Canine Flu vaccine either, nor would I subject him to it at this point. It appears that your dog’s risk of contracting CIV is quite low based on his current address/environment, lifestyle and you’re not doing any out of state rescue transports at this time…so, why subject him to an unnecessary vaccine.

  33. avatar Jean Kishbaugh says:

    Kelly,

    I’m not sure if you can help me with this one as it is a multiple dog household question but you are so knowledgeable that I thought I’d try. My new dog (chocolate lab male 19 months old not neutered yet) and my other dog (black lab female 8 years old -spayed) are basically getting along well or at least tolerating each other. I’m not sure how to handle it when I’m trying to give my older dog attention and the new boy is constantly pushing his way in. He is a very sweet dog but always wants to be with me. My poor older dog backs off. I try to grab time with her when he leaves the room or I sit between them and pet them both. I feel bad for her as I think she is still missing my other dog that passed away 6 weeks ago. Some days I think maybe I made a mistake in getting another dogs so soon. Any ideas.
    Also not sure if I asked you the stair question yet. The new boys is afraid of stairs . He has made progress and will do small flights up and down but will not go down deck stairs (10 -12) into the yard or upstairs (hardwood not carpeted) where I sleep. If I leave him in a crate downstairs he barks so right now I am sleeping downstairs on the couch. I have tried a number of things and practice everyday. just wondering if you have any ideas as I’m tired of sleeping on the couch.

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Jean… I have some thoughts on this, but I reached out to a couple of very knowledgeable and experienced friends who have multi dog households and have also gone through the “stair anxiety” issue. Check back on this post (next two days) for more feedback. Thanks for the questions…keep them coming. :-)

    • avatar Stephanie says:

      Hi Jean!

      I can definitely relate to your situation, and I think it was absolutely the right decision to get another dog. As long as you felt you were ready and it was time, I give you a lot of credit for welcoming another four-legged friend into your home.

      You know Riley (6 years old) – who is quite an attention hog, and I’m sure I’ve told you about the rest of my pack…Cassie, a 13 1/2 year old German Shepherd mix & Rio, a 10 year old Aussie…So, giving everyone adequate attention individually can be difficult at times. Riley usually ends up pushing Cassie out of the way and truly believes that my life should revolve around her in all ways, all the time. :) I think you just need to get creative!

      For example, are either of your dogs comfortable being crated? Use this as a way to separate them, but don’t use it as punishment. Maybe give the crated dog a KONG treat with yummy goodies, a bully stick, or a new fun toy. What about taking a walk with just one dog? I frequently do this with Cassie to give us some time away from the Aussies, although we do love them both very much. Another “tactic” to try might be to practice sit or down stays while you pet the other dog. A very useful, practical, and educational way to interact and teach at the same time! Also, we have a gate on our deck which comes in handy for individual playtime in the yard.

      One last thought – if your dogs are anything like Rio and Riley, one might get a little jealous, anxious, or antsy when you’re spending time with the other. I usually just try to ignore (within reason) any negative behavior (whining, barking, pacing, etc.) and keep the individual playtime/petting sessions short so that it does not cause unnecessary stress to the other dog.

      And, as for the stairs…Cassie has always been nervous with our basement stairs (wood, no backing), and I have found it helpful to put down a carpet runner so that she wouldn’t be afraid of slipping. Make sure it’s tacked down so that with use it doesn’t move around. Also, make sure your dog’s nails are trimmed. Sometimes this is the cause of anxiety because long nails can slip on hardwood/tile/etc. surfaces.

      Hope this helps! :)
      -Stephanie

      • avatar Jean Kishbaugh says:

        Hi Stephanie,
        Thanks so much for your ideas and insights. They were most helpful. We are still working on the stairs everyday. Finnegan looks like he really wants to go down but is still afraid. I am working on the deck stairs first because he does go up those if I take him around the house into the yard. The stairs to the 2nd floor are hardwood, steep and narrow and even McKenzie has never been thrilled with those. I am trying to figure out if I can go ahead and sleep upstairs and leave him down. I’ve let him out of the crate at night and he is doing well. My only fear is that he will attempt to do the stairs to get to me and slip and fall. I am seriously considering having them carpeted.
        Thanks again,
        Jean

        • avatar KellyB says:

          Hey Jean…I have to agree with having the stairs carpeted. We have an old house with steep and narrow stairs and the carpeting was a God send years ago for Gus and our kitties… might be beneficial for the humans too. Did you ever try to walk down your stairs on all fours to simulate a dog (of course I did!!)? Sounds crazy, but you’ll get a real sense of how your dog’s experience is… just don’t tell anyone you did it LOL!

  34. avatar Corky says:

    Hey Kelly, Hope all is well with you. My 7 year old German Shepherd, Race Girl has just recently (last 7 days) lost control of her hind legs. I first thought she was just sore from too much fun but then I could see her drag her hind paws and start to act off balance & wobbly. I took her to my regular vet and then to a specialist. They did xrays & blood work which was all good. All the vet knows at this point is that there is something causing a problem for her in her mid to lower back, making her loose control and feeling in her hind legs. She has been on prednisone and rest for the last 6 days…no improvement, in fact she is worse. She is very bad when she first wakes up from resting. The thought was the prednisone would make any swelling on her spine go down & relieve any pressue. She now criss crosses her legs when she walks & falls. The next step is a MRI in Rochester. I have contacted a holistic vet for an appointment (for accupuncture) and also a vet that is new to me, just recommended who does gentle chiropratic work. My dilema, as I’m sure everyone’s is in a situations like this, is am I doing all I can, seeing the right vets and in the correct order! I feel I should do the MRI before attempting any chiropractic work on her, no matter how gentle…but it is a good option before surgery. I think accupunture would probably be okay at this point though. So…just thought I would run it all by you to see if you have encountered anything like this before. My biggest fear is that she may have degenerative myelopathy. I am worried since we have not seen any improvement. Thanks for listening! Corky

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Corky…check out my separate post entitled, “Sudden Hind Leg Lameness” on 8/22/12. Thanks.

      • avatar Corky says:

        Thank you so much for all the excellent information. It not only encompassed all the options but also gave me great peace of mind. The MRI showed a ruptured disc. We were advised to have surgery done immediately. Instead we took a ride to see Dr. Pat. We saw immediate improvement. We are hoping things continue to improve with more treatments. At this time we are not pursuing surgery for Race Girl. It is a very tough decision to go the alternative route when all the conventional vets tell you it can cause harm. It was great to read that you know other dogs with similar issues who were helped by Dr. Pat. Thanks so much for all the valuable informaiton and support!

    • avatar Stephanie says:

      Hi Corky!

      So sorry to hear about your dog’s issues! I think you’re doing all the right things, and importantly – in the right order! Kelly told me about your post & I thought I’d share my (semi)recent experience…

      About two years ago, my dog Rio (Aussie, then age 8) was very uncomfortable, would not sit or stand without whining from pain, couldn’t shake without yelping, and could only lean against the wall for support. With no injury or trauma we could think of as a possible cause, after two emergency vet visits, and a consultation with an orthopedic specialist, we decided to take him to Rochester for an MRI. The results were that there were two discs that could have been slightly displaced, but they couldn’t say for sure.

      Anyway, I know this is a much less severe case than your dog’s, but I just wanted to tell you about what we did for Rio, as he is completely healed now and back to his normal self….Elevated feeder/waterer, baby gates to keep stairs off-limits, walking on a harness to decrease any stress on his neck, no playing with his sisters, Riley and Cassie (VERY difficult, but totally worth it), very low-impact exercise, help getting onto/off of the bed….basically anything you can think of, all of these little things add up and help speed up recovery. I decided that I didn’t want to keep him on high doses of Novox for, potentially, the rest of his life, so I also used a product called Ark Naturals Joint Rescue Chewables that had many great ingredients such as the joint supplement “staples,” as well as natural anti-inflammatory components.

      So glad to hear you’re seeing Dr. Pat & wishing Race Girl a full & fast recovery!

      -Stephanie

  35. avatar Mario&LouEnzo says:

    My sista from another mista!!!! My brother’s dog has kennel cough. I don’t want my dogs to get it and unfortunately they have interacted with him already. Is there anything I can do to prevent my dogs from getting it or anything to help cure it? What would you recommend? Thanks Kelly!!!

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey “Brother from another Mother”…

      Actually, kennel cough is very similar to the (human) common cold. Unless you totally confine all of the dogs, it’s virtually impossible to avoid some type of contact. The first five days are the most infectious stage, so in the future…avoid play dates and interaction, if at all possible, during that time.

      The best thing to do is make sure your dog(s) immune systems are healthy and supported. It would be a good idea to add some Vitamin C (giant breed dogs, 500-1,500 mg. twice daily- to tolerance) and/or Echinacea to their daily regime for a few weeks, although be careful not to overdose the Vitamin C as it can cause loose stools. Loose poops would certainly not be good with your two giant breed dogs in the house! You could also add a daily Multi Vitamin supplement moving forward. Here’s a great link on the benefits of Vitamin C: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/1_7/features/5309-1.html

      Gus was exposed to thousands of dogs over the 12 years that he managed the store and he never came down with kennel cough, even though he surely came into contact with infected dogs. Further, he never received the kennel cough vaccine either. Just continue supporting both of your dog’s immune systems through natural and meat based diet, lots of exercise and supplements…all things that “Big Daddy Mario” certainly already does!

      In the unlikely event that either one of your dogs comes down with full blown kennel cough, just make sure to monitor them closely. If they start to cough and/or sneeze a lot, lose their appetites, develop a fever (over 102 degrees Fahrenheit…check with a rectal thermometer) or become lethargic, you should take them to your veterinarian for evaluation.

      Typically, kennel cough will run its course over one to two weeks with no major events in young healthy dogs. However, if you have very young (puppies), elderly or immune-compromised dogs, more serious illnesses like pneumonia can develop and need swift veterinary intervention which may include antibiotics to treat infection and other medications to address specific symptoms.

      P.S. I’d love to see some recent pictures of the most handsome Salt and Pepper Brothers… post one on my Pets Perspective FB page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pets-Perspective/44520799550388 Hugs & Slobbers!

  36. avatar Jean Kishbaugh says:

    Hi Kelly,

    Just wondering if you could answer a question for me. I recently lost my 10 year female labs and have another 8 year old female lab. I am looking to bring another lab into my home probably not a puppy at this point. I have been told it is best to bring in a male when I have a female. Do you agree?

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Jean… I’m so sorry that you lost your beloved Molly. And, I’m so glad that I was fortunate enough to know her. I can still recall the Christmas photo of you with Molly & McKenzie in your Kelly green outfits and St. Patricks Hats…honestly one of my favorite Wild Eye Photo pictures…and not just because I’m Irish!

      Yes, I do agree with you. If I recall, McKenzie is a sweetheart, but has a little bit of a dominant personality. That could be problematic if you were to bring another (dominant) female into the household. There is no absolute guarantee that a male and female will get along perfectly, but in general there shouldn’t be the same “jockeying for position” in the pack. One Alpha male and one Alpha female.

      Always a good idea to have both of the dogs meet on neutral ground to see how they interact together. And, allow McKenzie (and you) to get to know the new guy…hopefully she will love him, but always be willing to walk away if things just don’t seem to be “clicking.” Go with your gut instinct on this.

      Good luck and whatever dog you choose to bring into your family will be one lucky dog, indeed. :-)

  37. avatar Helen says:

    Hello Kelly,

    What is your protocol for heartworm prevention for dogs in this area? — What do you do? What do you recommend? — I have heard so many (often very different) opinions that it is hard to decide what is best for my situation. I have 3 German Shepherds who enjoy hiking and walking through the woods, in parks, etc., and I would like to use the most natural approach possible to minimize the potential risk of infection.

    Thanks for your time & opinion,
    -Helen M.

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hello Helen…Please see my separate post entitled, “Heartworm… It’s Complicated” (8/16/12) which discusses some preventative treatment options for heartworm. Thanks for the excellent inquiry!

  38. avatar Willow says:

    Kelly, is there anyone in the Lancaster or surrounding area willing to address a farm with a major feral cat problem? I’m told this farmer has well over 100+ cats roaming which in the past have been found dead in his fields by neighbors.

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Willow…
      It’s so difficult to hear of such cat overpopulation issues on a farm, but sadly this isn’t the first time and probably won’t be the last. You can contact Feral Cat Focus (www.feralcatfocus.org) to advise them of this situation and see what, if anything, can be done. Remember, FCF is a purely volunteer based not-for-profit organization, so it may take 24 to 48 hours to hear back. Unfortunately, there are no paid entities that can help with the actual trapping. However, FCF has humane traps to loan out and they can advise you of the proper methods of trapping and can also facilitate the spay/neuter/vaccinations through Operation Pets, The Spay Neuter Clinic of WNY located in Blasdell. The cost to spay/neuter, vaccinate and worm a feral cat in Erie County is only $10 per cat because of the Maddies Fund Project.

      I also love Alley Cat Allies website (www.alleycat.org) as they have great resources and video libraries on the whole TNVR process and procedures… that’s how I first learned how to humanely trap feral/free roaming cats four years ago.

      I have several posts on my blog regarding my personal experiences with ferals in my neighborhood and how I got involved because there just wasn’t an organization that could do the actual trapping. It boils down to finding other caring people like friends, family, neighbors, community members who are willing to get involved and actually humanely trap the cats, transport them to and from the clinic and then convelesce the cats for a couple of days after their surgeries before they are released back to their colony. Please don’t let that deter you from getting involved. Just be willing to give some time, effort and energy and it will be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.

      Another thing you may want to consider is contacting several cat rescue & adoption organizations that may be located in the Lancaster (and surrounding) area. You can explain the situation and see if there is anyone who could provide any assistance…it’s in their best interest, after all, as kittens and cats from the farm in question may end up in their organization eventually.

      Operation Pets Clinic has a good website links page with many WNY rescue organizations listed (http://www.operationpets.org/links.php3). Thinking outside the box…perhaps you could post a request on Facebook (and/or friend’s FB) or other free social media or print media outlets looking for people who would be willing and able to get involved with your project. What about reaching out to college students who are animal lovers/advocates? Just a thought.

      Good luck…and remember that this problem will not be solved overnight, but you can make a difference one cat at a time… or more if possible >^..^<

  39. avatar Beth G says:

    Kelly—I have another one for you….we have switched Cooper over to a RAW diet using the Natures Variety frozen brand(trying anything to help him with his seizures)….we were also giving him raw chicken…
    Cooper has food allergies and I should have known better then to give him the chicken..(I should add previously to switching he was on California Natural Venison and Potato((Single source protein and grain free)))…anyways…he started doing alot of head shaking and boot scooting, and has one bump under one arm pit…I am pretty sure its from the chicken…..hoping I didn’t mess him up to bad by doing this…

    Anyways, my point to this question is…I noticed that the NV has venison and lamb in it…he has never had lamb before….I hope I did the right thing and that he will not react to the lamb…..any insight???

    Also since 99% of his seizures happen with in 15 minutes of waking up, we started giving him a TASTE of raw honey right upon waking up…thinking that maybe a blood sugar drop is causing the seizures….is honey bad for him???

    Thanks for any help and suggestions….
    Still have to talk to the vet about the products you previously recommended…

    Beth

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Beth…

      I still think raw diet is your best way to go, but I would probably suggest only using meat protein(s) that Cooper has NOT had previously and limit the number of proteins. Ideally, a raw diet with only one protein is better in this case because you’ll know it’s lamb (for example) if he starts to seizure more often or react adversely. You’re really trying to keep the ingredients in his food at a minimum and stick with them for at least two to three months to see if you’re getting any improvements, similar to a Food Elimination Diet. Unless, of course, he has an adverse reaction to something. I know that Natures Variety, Answers and Bravo all have single source protein options. Further, as chicken seems to be a protein that aggravates your dog’s system…NO more chicken, in my opinion. I have heard that lamb is sometimes recommended for seizure dogs, and I think venison (exotic protein) would be a good option as well…pork is another possibility.

      Another “food” option to add into Cooper’s regimen gradually would be Raw Goats Milk (NOT COW’S MILK) as it is has a very low glutamic acid content which is good for seizure animals (and people!). Just a thought.

      I want to stress the importance of limiting everything else in Cooper’s diet too…this means everything, including treats. I would only give natural, grain free treats to Cooper at this point…no grains. Again, try to keep the protein the same in his treats. As with the Food Elimination Diet, you have to keep the selection of treats Cooper gets to a minimum to see if there is any reduction of seizures. After several months, you can start to add new/different foods and treats into Cooper’s diet to see whether they do or don’t aggravate his system.

      I think you’re doing a good thing by giving Cooper raw honey upon waking up. I think I mentioned another friend of mine who has a St. Bernard who seizures in my previous post…he also uses honey to help raise blood sugar and to prevent another seizure (if given right after the dog seizures). Not to mention, honey has so many health benefits as it is a natural antioxidant. It also has antiseptic and cleansing properties and promotes healing, internally and externally. One note of caution though, most dog’s love the taste of honey so make sure to keep the honey in a secure place. I recall the St. Bernard “broke into” the honey jar and it made him quite ill requiring hospitalization for a couple of days. As you surely know, our dogs are just like kids, you turn your head for one minute and bamm…they get into something they shouldn’t have!

      Keep up the good work!

  40. avatar Stephanie says:

    Hi Kelly~

    Question for you…What do you recommend for disposing of pet medication? I have some Tramadol and Novox from Rio’s neck issues that are now expired. Do vet offices take back? Thanks for any advice :)

    -Steph

  41. avatar Drew M says:

    Just wondering how the feral cat project is coming along? Keep up the good work!! THANKS!!

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  43. avatar Beth G says:

    Hi Kelly….I have a yellow lab who weighs 87#…been having seizures for about 1.5 years now….is on phenobarb.
    98% of his seizures happen about 15 min after being up in the morning and after his bfast(California Natural Venison and Potato)..he has food allergies also….
    We recently switched his food to Natures Variety Venison Formula – Instinct Raw Frozen Diet..and are in the process of switching completely… supplement with milk thistle.
    He has only been on the switch since last Tuesday….
    Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

    Thanks, Beth

  44. Hey found your blog…

  45. avatar Stephanie says:

    Hi Kelly!

    I am so excited for your blog! What a great way for you to share your wealth of knowledge and experiences. So, here’s my question that we talked about the other day. I’ll post it here (hopefully the right place), because like you said, maybe other people have similar issues and are wondering the same thing.

    I was wondering what your recommendation would be for a hip/joint supplment for Cassie. She’s 13 1/2 and so far has not been on anything extra for senior dogs/arthritis/etc. I have noticed that is seems more difficult for her to get up from laying down and she seems to really “thump” when she lays down. She does not appear to be in pain while walking, but I have also observed that her back end seems stiff and her hind legs move in more of a straight motion without a flexible bend (if that makes sense lol). She can still jump on my bed, so I think the stiffness and reduced flexibility are “just” inevitable senior ailments. And, as you know, she can be quite a finicky eater. But, if it’s good for her, I’ll find a way to entice her to eat it! =)

    Thanks SO much for any suggestions!
    ~Steph

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Hey Stephanie… Thanks for the question. Please see my post on the BLOG page dated 6/3/12 which addresses your question. Interestingly, I have been working on a post entitled “Joint Support for Senior Dogs (& Cats)!”

  46. avatar Kara Lee says:

    I am super excited to follow your new blog! You have such a wealth of information to share. WNY area pet owners are fortunate to have you as a resource.

  47. avatar Diane Sanfilippo says:

    Kelly… Julie was telling us at the SDTC meeting about you and Gus! I got physically I’ll just thinking about it and I hope and pray (and I don’t do that often) that you are both ok and that the scars …both physical and mental… Leave you both as fast as they came!

    I talked with Julie about some things for Sedonas skin issue and I need to get over to the store and see about some goats milk for her.

    I’m so glad that you left us in good hands but especially glad that we still HAVE you! Hugs to you and Gus,

    Diane Sanfilippo

  48. avatar Michelle Michalek says:

    Kelly,
    I am so happy that you decided to create this website, and continue to help loving pet parents. You have so much incredible knowledge when it comes to animals, care, nutrition and all other related topics to animals. I am glad you will continue to share that abundance of knowledge and expertise.

  49. avatar Lisa G says:

    Kelly~Congrats on this new endeavor! I am so thrilled that you are sharing your extensive knowledge of all things pets related. This is one website I will be checking on a daily basis. Thank you for such entertaining and informative articles/blog posts!

    • avatar KellyB says:

      Thanks…Please feel free to share your experiences with us and provide some ideas for future posts. Hoping this will show all of “us” how “normal” we really are in our devotion to our pets!

  50. avatar Margaret says:

    Will be trying the wine bottles filled with water to see if it will get the neighbor’s cat to move to another garden. The herbs are worth a try too. It is only spring but the cat is already driving my indoor cats and my dogs nuts! Will let you know if there is any success.

  51. avatar John & Jackie Swiatkiewicz says:

    Kelly,
    Congratulations on your website. We are looking forward to reading your informative literature. Great to see pictures of Gus and the cats. We miss you at the store and thanks again for all your help with our dogs, especially during our tough time with the illnesses.

    • avatar KellyB says:

      So happy to keep in touch. Please share any thoughts and experiences with your beloved Bassetts as we all enjoy sharing our pet stories :-)

  52. avatar Marcia says:

    I am excited about reading your blog!

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