It has been said that many times, having a younger #dog with more energy around one who isn't so active, improves the mood and mobility of an older #dog. I witness this time and time again with Maggie and Raisin. Maggie, who is about 18yrs old now, will walk with more pep in her step. She ventures outside more and goes further into her large backyard to follow Chachi. On occasion, I have caught her grabbing Chachi's toy and tossing it in the air playfully. Because she is deaf and blind, this is not usual behavior. Most of her time is spent sleeping. It pleases me and her #dogmom very much to see her living a bit more and moving gracefully.
Just like Maggie perks up in #Chachi's presence, #Chachi himself is infused with more life and playfulness when we care for Willy, a #Poodle and #Maltese mix. When these two goofballs are together, #Chachi and Willy run and play non-stop with all the #dogtoys in the house! It's great to see such #joy and innocence.
Most of the week with Maggie and Raisin was uneventful. That was until I noticed Ms. Raisin seemed kinda down. She's the younger of the two jeriatric-aged #dogs, and is typically right behind me all day, curious about what I'm doing But, for about 2 days, I noticed her sneezing and hiding out in a corner of the livingroom. Soon, I noticed she was sitting differently than normal. She just looked uncomfortable. Raisin is a bit over weight and has a round tummy, but this time her tummy seemed bigger than normal. I leaned over one afternoon to feel it and it was hard and bloated. I didn't feel good about it so off we went to the #veterinarian.
The #vet confirmed that she was gassy and bloated. Something was indeed causing her discomfort. As I told the vet Raisin's #diet over the last week, she came to a potential reason why this was happening. She didn't have much to go on yet, because I couldn't reach her mom and get permission for the #vet to run tests. But, considering her symptoms, the vet thought that her system was having a hard time processing the canned food that she steals from Maggie's bowl. Ms. Maggie is on a specially prescribed food that stimulates het appetite. This may have been too rich for her system.
Eventhough I seperate them while eating their #dogfood, it only takes a second of me turning my attention away for Raisin to swoop in and finish what Maggie didn't. Both their #dogmoms tell me this happens and not to worry about it. Well, now it seems, we need to not let Raisin share Maggie's particular type of #dogfood.
Dr. Jordan, of Springtown Animal Hospital told me that #smalldog breeds or #terriers may be prone to #pancreatitis due to #fattydiets. She explained that the ideal #fat content of any #petfood is 5%. Furthermore, she suggested that #petparents go on-line to research the "guaranteed analysis" of their pet's preferred #dogfood. Most brands will not list this on the package. Or, that the listing is only the "minimum" amount of #fat, #protein, etc. The problem with that is, one doesn't know the "maximum" as it is not listed. On the other hand, I have seen some #nutrition listings to have only the minimum of one ingredient and only the maximum of others.
Looking up the guaranteed analysis seems to be the best route to finding out how much #fat is actually in your pet's #dogfood. Just like humans, #dogs and #cats can also get fatty livers and overwork their little pancreas with high-fat and high-sugar #diets.
Even if you but you #dogfood from the #vet, make sure it is right for your #pet and that you look up the ingredients. The #Royalcanin brand of #dogfood that Maggie was prescribed was not good for Raisin to eat. Plus, Dr. Jordan showed me the back of the bag and it did not list the total #fatcontent, only the minimum.
Until Raisin's mom came home and the #vet could get her permission to run tests, the best bet was to feed her a prescribed low-fat food. I was to feed her only minimal amounts and stop all extra #dogtreats to give her system a break. To aid with the gas and bloat, Dr. Jordan asked me to give Raisin one half of a #Ranitidine tablet. The ones I had were 150mg tablets. Even half of this was a bit much for a #smalldog, so I was told to give her 1/4 of that 150mg tablet. To be sure what dose is safe for your #pets, should you need to give them this, contact your #veterinarian. It helped. Raisin was back to her old self and her tummy was soft again. As for the sneezing, I gave her a Benedryl for allergies. Raisin is over 20 lbs. so a whole 25mg pill was safe. My #Chachi weighs 17lbs. and is only allowed 3/4 of a pill. Once again, I stress that #petparents ask their #vet for their pet's proper dosage. I am not a vet, I am only going off what I have learned from #vets over the years.
When my #petparents arrrived, they were happy to see that both #dogs were healthy and in good spirits. They were grateful for my taking Raisin in to see a doctor. So ended another successful stay at the Stewarts. I hope to see them again during the rest of the year!