Pets

What are the benefits of putting my dog on a raw diet?

The Controversial Truth About Raw Dog Diets

The question is, what are the benefits of putting my dog on a raw diet? Mmm. This one's a tough one, because I'm slightly biased against raw diets because I end up seeing it done so incorrectly, so many times. I I see Orthopedic injuries and illnesses that shouldn't occur in animals and young, otherwise, healthy animals because their owner did research online about what would be an appropriate diet for their dog, like Veterinary, nutritionists, don't know what they're doing. Even though they've dedicated a lifetime to pet nutrition and your Google search figured it out better than a veterinarian. Okay, so I'm biased. But there are animals, who do benefit from a raw diet, ones that have really major allergies, especially to process foods. And that's something that you and a Veterinary dermatologist or a Veterinary, Internal Medicine Specialist, or even just your regular general practitioner veterinarian. Can eliminate different allergy causes and you might find that a home-cooked, diet is Her for your pet, a lot of raw diets dogs. I mean, come on people science, salmonella botulism. These are all things that actually exist. And so it's rare that a raw food diet is going to be appropriate for your dog. Your dog isn't a wolf. They're not wolves own have names. They're not expected to live in a household sleep in your bed kiss you on the face and not give you disease. So there's very few benefits for putting your pet on a raw diet. I would have to be heavily convinced that it's appropriate for your pet.

Raw diets can be beneficial for pets with major allergies, but they come with risks of salmonella and botulism. It is important to consult with a veterinarian before putting your pet on a raw diet.

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The benefits of putting a dog on a raw diet are a bit tricky to discuss because I have some bias against it. I've seen many cases where raw diets are done incorrectly, leading to orthopedic injuries and illnesses in otherwise healthy animals. It's concerning when owners rely on online research rather than consulting with veterinary nutritionists who have dedicated their lives to pet nutrition.

However, there are some cases where a raw diet may be beneficial, particularly for dogs with severe allergies to processed foods. Working with a veterinary dermatologist, internal medicine specialist, or general practitioner veterinarian can help identify and eliminate potential allergy causes, and a home-cooked diet might be suitable in these situations.

It's important to consider the risks associated with raw diets, such as salmonella and botulism. Dogs are not wolves and are not expected to live in the wild, so the benefits of a raw diet for them are limited. I would need strong evidence and convincing arguments to believe that a raw diet is appropriate for a specific pet.

The Truth About Declawing Cats: It's Not Ethical Anymore

The question is, are you allowed to declawed cat? I am allowed to declawed cat as a veterinarian in Minnesota, some countries. It's illegal. Some counties in the United States have banned it. I as a veterinarian do not declawed cats. It used to be very common place Back in the Day in the United States to declawed cat. It was just you spayed or neutered, you declawed. We now know that cats that are declawed have a tremendous amount of pain and arthritis in their feet from being declawed. So we tried we just don't do it anymore, it's not ethical to declawed cat, you will find veterinarians, that will still declawed cats. I don't agree with them cats, need to use their feet to that's part of their social life as a cat. They mark their territory with their feet. So even when they're declawed, you're going to see them do that. Scratching behavior that marking Behavior with their feet on furniture. So if you have a cat, you can very easily direct where they should use their claws. For marking, you give them tons of scratching opportunities. You can distract them from scratching on things using double-sided Sticky tape or tinfoil. Those are really good deterrence for a lot of cats, but no, don't tickle your cat. Don't have a cat then.

Declawing cats is no longer seen as ethical in many places and is even illegal in some. It causes a lot of pain and discomfort for cats, and their scratching behavior can be redirected with the use of double-sided sticky tape or tinfoil.

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The legality of declawing a cat varies depending on the location. In some countries, it is illegal, while certain counties in the United States have banned the practice. As a veterinarian in Minnesota, I am allowed to declaw cats, but I choose not to. Declawing used to be common in the past, but we now know that it causes significant pain and arthritis in a cat's feet.

Declawing is considered unethical as it hinders a cat's natural behaviors and abilities. Cats use their feet for marking territory and social interactions. Even if declawed, they may still exhibit scratching and marking behaviors on furniture. Instead of declawing, it is better to provide cats with ample scratching opportunities and redirect their behavior. Using double-sided sticky tape or tinfoil can deter cats from scratching on unwanted surfaces.

In conclusion, while some veterinarians may still declaw cats, I do not agree with this practice. It is important to respect a cat's natural behaviors and find alternative solutions to address scratching concerns.

What is the best pet food to feed my 2-year old Pomsky?

Choosing the Best Pet Food for Your Pomsky: Expert Recommendations and Key Considerations

What is the best food to feed my two-year-old palm ski Chomsky. I bet that's a cute dog. I feed your dog. Good quality, dog. Food. Do not overfeed your dog do not give him too many treats. Do not give them a ton of people food. Just good quality, dog, food and figuring out. What is good quality, dog? Food is overwhelming. There are so many Pet Foods out there to pick and choose from. There is so much. False information on pet food labels. There is so much misleading information on pet food labels. Most veterinarians really, really like the bigger companies because they have Veterinary nutritionists, helping, formulate their Foods. They a lot of the bigger companies have prescription pet foods that us veterinarians rely on to create better health results with sick animals. So, by having those prescription pet. Foods. We know, they have to be honest and upfront with their pet food labeling. So most veterinarians trust Purina Hills Royal Canin. Nutramax. Those are all think. I hit all the items you can do. Bubba, those are all great quality dog foods. Don't feed your pet a designer food food. That was formulated by your neighbor down the road or by a groomer. Yes, they're probably fine but they might not have all the essential amino acids that your pet needs for good quality heart health. So feed your pet one that your veterinarian recommends that you see good results with your pet with normal stool. Cool. Good hair coat. No vomiting appropriate body weight. Alright I hope that helps

The best food to feed a two-year-old palm ski Chomsky is a high-quality dog food from a trusted brand. Some brands recommended by veterinarians include Purina, Hills, Royal Canin, and Nutramax. Avoid designer pet foods that are not formulated by a veterinarian.

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The best food to feed your two-year-old Pomsky is good quality dog food. It's important not to overfeed your dog or give them too many treats or human food. Choosing the right dog food can be overwhelming due to the vast options available and misleading information on pet food labels.

Most veterinarians recommend larger companies like Purina, Hills, Royal Canin, and Nutramax. These companies have veterinary nutritionists who help formulate their foods and offer prescription pet foods for better health results in sick animals. These companies are trusted because they are honest and upfront with their pet food labeling.

Avoid feeding your pet designer foods formulated by non-experts. Stick to a dog food recommended by your veterinarian that has shown good results in terms of normal stool, a healthy coat, no vomiting, and appropriate body weight.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Pomsky receives a balanced and nutritious diet.

What can I give my dog to chew on that is safe?

Safe Dog Chewing: Avoid Bones & Antlers, Go for Kong Toys

What can I give my dog that is safe to chew on, well, for safe. You want to avoid choking hazards, but you also want to avoid fractured teeth. So even though your dog might like to chew on something like an antler, do not give them antlers or bones, don't give them anything. That's harder than their teeth. Stick with things like a Kong toy. This is a nice one and they're not going to just chew on a boring old tongue. You got to stuff it with something good. Good like a banana. Push a banana in here. Freeze it give it to your dog to chew on. It's a great pacifier for the kennel. When you're training, a puppy getting him used to a kennel using toys that you can stuff with food biscuits, peanut butter, frese it to make it last longer. I try to avoid things that are rawhides that have knots at the end of them. Those knots can get a bit stuck in their stomach. Rides in general, try to avoid if you can there I would try to stick with things that you can engage play with. But are also have give for their teeth.

Avoid giving your dog antlers and bones, as they are too hard for their teeth. Stick with Kong toys that you can stuff with food or a banana and freeze it to make it last longer. Additionally, try to avoid rawhides with knots at the end of them, as they can get stuck in the stomach. Instead, look for toys that you can engage and play with while still providing something soft enough for their teeth.

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When it comes to finding safe chew options for your dog, it's important to consider both choking hazards and the risk of fractured teeth. Avoid giving your dog antlers or bones, as these can be too hard and potentially cause harm. Instead, opt for safer alternatives like Kong toys. These toys can be stuffed with treats, such as a banana, and frozen to provide a satisfying and long-lasting chewing experience. They are also great for crate training and can be filled with food, biscuits, or peanut butter to keep your dog engaged. It's best to avoid rawhides with knots at the end, as these can potentially cause stomach issues if swallowed. Focus on toys that provide both play and give for your dog's teeth.

My dog seems to be able to eat and then fully digest almost anything (pads, tampons, plastic toys) and is seemingly fine. What could the explanation for this be? Does she have a strong stomach?

Lucky Escape: Why Your Dog's Digestive System Can Handle Almost Anything

The question is, my dog seems to be able to eat and then fully digest almost anything, pads, tampons, plastic toys, and is seemingly fine. What could be the explanation for this? And does she have a strong stomach? You, my friend, have been very lucky. Your dog does not have the ability to digest almost anything, but a lot of things pass through the GI tract of big dogs in particular, Labradors and pit bulls. Those are my number two breeds that Labs and pit bulls eat everything. You've just been lucky. It does not mean your dog has a strong stomach. It just means your dog probably chews things up to small enough pieces that they travel through. Be cautious. Things will happen. If your dog starts vomiting and can't keep food or water down, that is an emergency, and bring your pet to the vet to get evaluated for an obstruction.

Your dog has been lucky so far and may not have a strong stomach, but it does not mean your dog can digest anything. Be careful of anything that goes in their mouth, as it could cause an obstruction.

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My dog seems to be able to eat and digest almost anything, such as pads, tampons, and plastic toys, without any apparent issues. What could explain this? Does she have a strong stomach?

Well, let me tell you, you've been quite fortunate. Your dog does not actually have the ability to digest just anything. However, certain breeds, particularly larger dogs like Labradors and pit bulls, are known for their tendency to eat almost anything. It seems that your dog has been lucky so far.

It's important to note that this doesn't necessarily mean your dog has a strong stomach. It's more likely that your dog chews things into small enough pieces for them to pass through the gastrointestinal tract without causing problems. However, it's crucial to exercise caution because incidents can still occur.

If your dog starts vomiting and is unable to keep food or water down, it could be a sign of an obstruction, which is an emergency situation. In such cases, it's important to bring your pet to the vet for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Is Grain-Free Food Safe for Your Pet? Think Twice!

Should my pet be fed a green free food? New? Definitely, not only if your dog or cat has been diagnosed with a actual green allergy, which those are pretty rare. So, self-diagnosis doesn't count, gluten-free foods in dogs and cats have been linked to cardiac disease dilated cardiomyopathy. We don't know totally certain yet, if it's because of lack of Certain amino acids like taurine, or if there's a link between the peas and the legumes that are used instead of the glutens. So, do not take the risk of causing heart disease in your dog, by feeding them, a grain-free diet, unless they truly truly, truly have a green allergy.

No, green free food should not be fed to pets unless they have been diagnosed with a green allergy. Even then, there is a risk of heart disease associated with grain-free diets.

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Should my pet be fed grain-free food? Generally, no. Grain allergies in dogs and cats are quite rare, so self-diagnosis is not reliable. It's important to note that gluten-free foods for pets have been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy, a cardiac disease. The exact cause is not fully understood yet, whether it's due to a lack of certain amino acids like taurine or a link between the use of peas and legumes instead of grains. To avoid the risk of causing heart disease in your pet, it's best not to feed them a grain-free diet unless they have a confirmed grain allergy.

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Dr. Christine Wickenheiser is a veterinarian at Cloquet Animal Hospital in Minnesota and the owner of AskVetChristine.com. She has a Biology degree from Moorhead State University and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of MN St. Paul. You can find her caring for her expansive menagerie of pets, which include three dogs, two cats, and two llamas. Jane loves her job at CAH, where her coworkers always manage to find humor in even the most stressful situations. Jane's spirit animal is the manatee, and her favorite breed of dog is the Irish Wolfhound. In her free time, Jane enjoys taking her pet out for hikes.

Neither AnyQuestion nor its Experts provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment or otherwise provide professional healthcare services.