Emmy - respiratory issue

[Ronnh]

We have a differant issue with our Emmy and are trying a similar approach. She has had respiratory issues since we have had her and the vet has had her on Prednisone for over a year now. Being a steroid it has made her gain a lot of weight, which doesn't help the respiratory issue. The vets answer to that was to put her on prescription dog food which was high priced and to me seemed like nothing more than pellitized sawdust. I did some research on the Only Natural Pet Store web site and found a product called NAC 600 which we purchased at the local GNC store. We are hoping it works well enough so we can take her off the Prednisone which will allow her to loose some weight. I keep you posted to our hopeful success.

[Thats Camping!]

(I am moving this to its own topic, Ron. )

wow, I am so sorry about your little Emmy. I hope that the new products works for you. Having a pet on a dangerous med is scary!

It's sad that vets think that the "prescription" diet is actually good. And it's not just bad vets that think that way, good vets too!

Hills diet is just how you described - lots of unnecessary carbs and chemicals that do no good for your dog. The weight control Hills is full of corn, byproducts, chemicals, etc. I am baffled how vets could actually think this is healthy food.

Any most all weight control (or senior) foods are too carb heavy. It makes no sense to me at all!

The problem with weight gain, is we feed our dogs too much. The recommended feeding on the packages (of ANY dog food) is calculated WAY too high.

You can feed Emmy any food, just lower her intake, and calculate by calories not the package recommended amounts.

You can also supplement her food with natural veggies, canned pumpkin is a great extra, that adds volume and fiber, filling them up! Canned no salt green beans are low cal and a great extra too.

If you tell me Emmy's weight, I can figure out how many calories she needs. There is a formula, I have to dig it out of my bookmarks.

Our Mindy was overweight. I think at her highest, she was about 16 lbs, maybe even higher. She's now down to a svelte, muscular, healthy 14 and change. It took awhile, but we did it!!! I will always have to watch her weight, even more so in the winter, when outdoor exercise isn't always possible. She has a tendency to gain quickly.

I feed raw food, but I know that isn't for everyone, but diet is really so important, especially for a dog with health issues. If you have to feed kibble, make it a good quality kibble, like EVO, California Natural, Wellness or the like. But truthfully, if you can afford it, good quality canned is the better choice.

Good luck, Ron, I hope you do keep us updated. Any time you need to vent, just post!

[Thats Camping!]

hey Ron, just one more thing, I just want to be sure you are communicating your home remedy with your Vet. Just so he knows. It's important to let him know anything you are doing just in case of any interactions with the Prednisone.

Good luck, and again, keep posting!

[NewEnglandCamper]

Good Luck Ron with Emmy -- keep us posted!

[Thats Camping!]

How is Emmy these days, Ron??

[Ronnh]

Emmy is doing OK. Thanks for asking Deb. Still on her medication, but we don't give it as often. We run a humidifier when it's dry in the house which seems to help. We adopted her a couple of years ago and for the first 7 years of her life we are not sure what she may have been exposed to for her to have respiratory issues. She is originally from Alabama and we are happy to have rescued her. She has lost some weight, but more to go (Mom and Dad are in the same boat).

On a sad note, we lost our Justin on December 6 after almost 13 years with us. He was a great little guy and things are just not the same with him not being here. He loved his camping and have many fond memories of the many places he went with us.

[GaryWT]

Sorry to hear of your loss.  It is tough when you lose a pet.

[Thats Camping!]

Oh I am so sorry about your dear Justin. It's so sad.

Glad emmy is doing okay. Keep up the good work you are doing with her!!!

[Thats Camping!]

So, Ron how is Emmy doing?

[Ronnh]

Emmy is doing good. She still has to take Prednisone but it helps her with her respiratory issues, but unfortunately affects her weight. She may have actually lost a little weight because being the only dog she is only eating her own food. She is an awesome dog and all the grandkids love her. Someday I'll figure out how to post a picture.

Deb, thanks so much for thinking about her.

[Thats Camping!]

Well, I was going through some old posts in my inbox, and this one caught my eye again. I always feel bad for sick pet parents. It's so emotional. I am glad to hear she is doing well though.