Expert: Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie) - 6/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am a volunteer w/a local 'foster/rescue' group and had to go on a visit last night and evaluate a 4 yr old GS that the man has to give up due to his unemployment running out and he will no longer be able to afford the meds for his dogs (which runs approx $300/month).  The dog has a anal fistula and one of the medications he is on is called Atopica (100mg) - is there any advice that you can give me to tell this older gentleman on other ways he maybe able to help his dog (and possibly keep him)?  Maybe change his diet - recommend some suppliments that can be purchased locally.  Any info you can give me would be greatly appreciated.  thank you for your time.

ANSWER: Marcy - If you can give me a list of all the meds, and also the food he is feeding, I may be able to give some suggestions.

Marie

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QUESTION: Marie - all I really know is the dog is on Kibbles-n-Bits and is taking both Prednisone and the atopica ointment.  I did suggest changing the diet and took this man 2 big bags of Canadae Venison/potato - and suggested feeding A LOT less then what he was giving him.  And I gave him the suggestion (from somebody else) about having the tail amputated.

ANSWER: Hi - Well, glad you enducated him on how Awful the Kibbles-n-Bits food is!  Wow, that will be MOST of that dog's problems... the poor quality food may be causing all the problems.
Boy- how could his vet NOT tell him about Foods.
The Vet gives him prednisone and Atopica and NO adviced on food????
Wow!!!

Tell this many he may not even need the Atopica ointment in the future ...Also, his dog may be able to reduce the Steroids in the near future with proper food...

Thanks for being such a nice person and helping this man.
YES, good food may be all this dog needs to get 80% or more , better.

Marie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I know - BLOWS MY MIND TOO that the vet has NOT educated this man on GOOD FOOD!!!  I'm not going to badmouth his vet, but it just makes me question her motive here.....

Answer
Kibbles-n-Bits dog food ; Alpo dog food reviews:  Awful stuff:
HOW is the rescue doing now?
Marie


Well, yes, but before you give the VET " negative reviews" make sure that this person has no knowledge of proper foods and feeding.
I have found that sometimes, the Clients ( humans), don't always listen to the advice given.  

Glad you are helping this man!
Keep up the good work.

Marie Peppers LPN MA