Hi, I'm Deb. I have a 2.5 year old Bugg (Boston Terrier/Pug) named Gimli. We're from Toronto, Ontario. I'm a hairstylist, huge dog lover (used to be just a cat lover!), supporter of the anti-BSL movement, and I cross-post shelter dogs on my Facebook page.
I joined this forum because I have just started Gimli on a raw diet and it's been nerve-wracking at times. I hoped to gain some friends here that can maybe help direct me because this experience is totally new to me. I started feeding him raw when none of the commercial brands were helping his chronic ear yeast infection. His whole body is itchy, actually. I've tried everything. When I first got the diagnosis rom my vet, he actually scolded me for A) not knowing what it was and B) not getting in sooner to see him (I don't make a lot of money, so frequent visits to the vet aren't an option for me). Then he prescribed ear drops and antibiotics, of which neither really helped. I went to a local pet store and they suggested cooking for him or trying raw, which I've since done after a year and a half battle with his ears. He had scratched them raw in areas, the fur is starting to finally grow back. He's been on raw about a week and a half, and combining that with Zymox ear solution has helped so far.
I thought I'd done enough research, but apparently not! He's 42lbs, I was feeding him about 1.5lbs a day, which I figured out since that that was way too much. I also forgot to fast him. He's been having mucous-y diarrhea off and on and barfs the odd time. I was making him ground beef mixed with pureed chicken hearts, eggs, yogurt and veggies and feeding it to him in the morning, and then a couple of chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin on, bone in, raw) with rice and yogurt in the evening. He gets carrots for treats, as well as green beans. He loves eating egg shells.
I'm guessing that maybe my best option is to start again (I noticed someone pointing that out to a member with a Boxer with similar issues) and fast him, and then just build up his diet? Any pointers are appreciated!
I'm looking forward to getting to know you all!
I joined this forum because I have just started Gimli on a raw diet and it's been nerve-wracking at times. I hoped to gain some friends here that can maybe help direct me because this experience is totally new to me. I started feeding him raw when none of the commercial brands were helping his chronic ear yeast infection. His whole body is itchy, actually. I've tried everything. When I first got the diagnosis rom my vet, he actually scolded me for A) not knowing what it was and B) not getting in sooner to see him (I don't make a lot of money, so frequent visits to the vet aren't an option for me). Then he prescribed ear drops and antibiotics, of which neither really helped. I went to a local pet store and they suggested cooking for him or trying raw, which I've since done after a year and a half battle with his ears. He had scratched them raw in areas, the fur is starting to finally grow back. He's been on raw about a week and a half, and combining that with Zymox ear solution has helped so far.
I thought I'd done enough research, but apparently not! He's 42lbs, I was feeding him about 1.5lbs a day, which I figured out since that that was way too much. I also forgot to fast him. He's been having mucous-y diarrhea off and on and barfs the odd time. I was making him ground beef mixed with pureed chicken hearts, eggs, yogurt and veggies and feeding it to him in the morning, and then a couple of chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin on, bone in, raw) with rice and yogurt in the evening. He gets carrots for treats, as well as green beans. He loves eating egg shells.
I'm guessing that maybe my best option is to start again (I noticed someone pointing that out to a member with a Boxer with similar issues) and fast him, and then just build up his diet? Any pointers are appreciated!
I'm looking forward to getting to know you all!
