AboutKristen Cabe Expertise I can answer training questions, both basic and advanced, and am familiar with almost all of the methods and tools used. I am not closed-minded and do not think that one method and one tool is the best/only way to train. I answer questions with consideration to both the owner`s and the dog`s needs and abilities. I am also very knowledgeable about canine nutrition.
IF YOU HAVE A HOUSETRAINING QUESTION, PLEASE go to my web page on housetraining, located at http://housetraining.angelfire.com. If you try the suggestions there, and are still having problems, let me know.
Experience I have been training for more than five years, and studying canine nutrition for more than six years. I have taken three online veterinary assistant classes given by the local community college, and received final grades in the high 90's for all three.
Expert: Kristen Cabe Date: 7/15/2008 Subject: Beagle-Food
Question I have a 5 and half year old Beagle. The vet has told me that he has food allergies. No matter what food I try symptoms seem to come back sometimes they are better than others though. His symptoms include ear infections, scratching his bottom on the carpet and throwing up. I use Mometamax fro his ears, which helps to clear them up. The foods I have tried have been Nutro, Beneful, Putrina Pro Plan for Sensitive Stomach, Science Diet-Sensitive stomach and a few others that I can't rememeber. I am currently trying a Purina on from the vet called LA it is supposed to have limited allergens. I am so frustrated becasue I cannot find a food that works for him. I think I am about to try the can food Canidae. I was just wondering if you had any advice on what to try and why none of them work. Thanks, Amanda
Answer Amanda, have you read the information on my page about choosing a food for your dog? If not, I would encourage you to. It is located at http://dogfoods.angelfire.com.
You need to get him on a food that does not contain corn and/or wheat, first of all. I would be willing to bet that once you did that, you would notice a huge change in your dog. Canidae would be a giant leap up from what you have been feeding and what you are feeding now.
The only way to know for sure what a dog is allergic to, when food allergies/sensitivities are suspected, is to put the dog on an elimination diet. This means that you stop feeding commercial dog food altogether, and basically start making his meals yourself. You begin with one source of protein (usually chicken), and one grain (usually rice). You feed this for a couple of weeks, and NOTHING ELSE (no treats, nothing), and if no reactions are observed, you try a new protein OR a new grain. If a reaction is observed, then you know it is to whatever new grain you tried, so you can write that down as something to avoid. Then, you go back to the chicken & rice again until the problem from the new grain has cleared itself up again, and try a new grain or a new protein. You do this until you know for a fact what he is going to react to and what he isn't, and then you will know what to look for and avoid on an ingredients list when you go shopping for dog food.
