[Liz S]

Thank you Daniel!
You gave me many things to look through. The links are very helpful. Checking them out now.

Kind regards

[Liz S]

LM-

Thank you for the website and advice on the allergies. I don’t know what I’d do if it were allergens such as.. ferret or cat dander…or…well cleaning products are easy to ditch! ( like vinegar and h20 ) …

Haven’t taken anyone to be tested yet but I will soon.

[Liz S]

Okay thanks everyone.

Susan,
I don’t really have the time to cook for all of them. If it ended up being, like life or death, I could pull things together. All of the ferrets and the cats are on HQ grain free foods. I am a stay-at-home-mom to the furbabies and my 2 1/2 yr old who is weaning off of gtube feedings. So there are lots of dr appts , therapists that come to the house etc. Me and my mom have been talking about making our dogs food for years. She has 2 chihuahuas. Maybe someday. 🙂

I’ll check out the links ^ … still not sure what to look for besides grain free/potato free… Since it could be a number of things? :/ Confusing…. frustrating. Took a while to find the perfect food for the other furbabies. Well worth it but still took a long time. We have about 8lbs of the chicken dry food for the dogs left over but we want to get them off of it asap. I’ll use to ease transition of course but want to switch them now. 2pm here. Heading out at 5:30 to 3 different pet stores… trying to find at least 1 or 2 maybe 3 different brands/formulas to be able to pick up tonight. ( not to buy all, just one. ) Otherwise I end up with the worst anxiety looking through all the bags etc.

We shall see.

[Liz S]

following

[Liz S]

Neither of those links work for me and I tried searching FB but couldn’t find anything.

[Liz S]

WOW!!! I just KNEW something was wrong! We put our 3 dogs on it in the summer for about 2 months and they all got very sick! UGH! I knew it!! Sorry for ranting I’m just so glad I got them off of it. It was so sad seeing my babies not feel well etc.
Thank you so much for posting this.

[Liz S]

Hi everyone,
Haven’t had the chance to get on here. So much going on!

Cheryl if you see this I would definitely love some help on questions to ask etc. I’ve had many furbabies for over 15 years but with this current vet I am just like…. sick to my stomach. The day you posted I didn’t have a chance to respond because I did want to get my 4 ferrets in to at the very least get checked out and I already had the appointment made. Anyway get this- my 3 girls tested negative for ear mites. Our new little boy we’d had for 3 weeks tested positive. Plan was to give them all a dose of revolution. Well after I left the exam room and spoke with the techs/front desk and they gave me the box I said “wait a minute. this says for cats 5-15lbs. ” So the girl goes in back, comes out says the vet I saw stepped out for lunch but they asked the other vet and she said ” yeah. if that’s what he wrote, then….” I thought to myself, are you kidding me?!?! My ferrets are under 2lbs. NO WAY was I going to give that to them. They’d be poisoned and die a horribly death. But I just wanted to get out of there. So I did buy the box ( $80 ) but again I was not going to give it to them. I was going to come back in 2 hours and demand to speak directly to either of the vets. Ha. I couldn’t answer my phone after I left because I brought my mom to her oncologist. We get back to her house and in the span of 1 hour I received multiple calls and voice mails from the techs saying ” Do not give it to them!!!! We’re working on what the proper dosage would be and see if we have the kind ( it metabolizes differently ) that is safe for ferrets.” —- they were frantic on all of the messages and I was thinking to myself… NEVER EVER WILL THIS OFFICE SEE ANY of my or my moms pets again!!!!!! I was just livid. If I wasn’t a veteran ferrant and applied it, they’d be gone! It’d be horrible! Just thinking about it makes my BP raise. The carelessness & negligence that day just set me off. But anyway… I did end up going back and speaking with the actual manufacturer and I received the correct kind. UGH. I wanted to tell you about it that day but it was just too hectic. I DID pick up ALL of our pets records as well as my moms dog, Qtip. I made sure to get everything.

I wish this site was a little more mobile friendly. The pages cut off and I write a big reply and then I can’t find the submit button!!!! I hope they work on it in the near future. It’s easier for me than getting on the laptop. Oh well. Anyway. Thankfully it’s tax time and I can help my mom out. We filed today but I saw on the news to expect delays in returns, so who knows. – Liz

[Liz S]

A bear hound?

[Liz S]

Cheryl,

I contacted FACT ( Ferret Association of Connecticut ) and they gave me names of a few places that take ferrets. I didn’t get a chance to call them since FACT just got back to me this afternoon. One is close to me.

Will get on the phone tomorrow. Been looking around on the internet. I’m not sure what to say first when I call around. ( especially about Qtip. )

Would love to email. Goes right to my phone.

[Liz S]

^ Besides them working with ferrets, I chose this vet because my childhood best friends mother has been the ACO one town over for over 30 years and she takes her pets there. She recommended them to me….Pffffffft……………

• This reply was modified 10 years, 3 months ago by Liz S.

[Liz S]

Sorry for the late reply!

Cheryl & melissaandcrew,
I meant to say murmur. I think I was just thinking of so many different things at once…

Cheryl, I would cry too 🙁 – Glad your girl found you. I love Amazon- I will check Oravet out. I really, really want/need Qtip to have a dental. Maybe Oravet could be afterwards-maintenance? Will have to look at it in a bit.

You know, I think you are right about my vet. They have snuck in little ( odd ones IMO ) charges many times now. Twice now they have taken our pets information incorrectly. Meaning they kind of quickly put things in but they always seem distracted. The 1st time I found out was when we were discussing our buggs vaccines. Age was way off. The 2nd time was fairly recent. My 2 year old Chihuahua went in to be spayed. Mind you she had been going to them since she was a puppy. Well, the vet called me afterward and said ” there was no way this was the uterus of a 7 month old puppy. ” I was like WHAT?!?! She was 2! The worst visit was when we had to help our Annabelle ( ferret ) cross the bridge. My fiancé and I walked into the room while I held her in a fuzzy blanket. Anthony was so upset and had tears in his eyes since we walked in the door. I felt horrible 🙁 – I told him earlier that day that he didn’t have to come. It was okay. He said ” No, I’m coming. I’ve just never had to put any of my pets down before. I’ve never seen an animal die. ” — phew it broke my heart for him. Anyway- We get in the room. A tech brings in a card reader and tells us the price. It was not the “exact price” that I was told over the phone. It was $60 more. But, ok. Fine. She left and then came back saying ” we have it down as you ordering 30 cans of A/D and never paying for them.” — I was enraged. Not only did we not order them, but we never picked them up. We had even been there 3x AFTER the so called time the cans were picked up. I couldn’t believe she was asking about it at this time! She left again. Came back and said it was a mistake on their end. No ” I’m sorry about that.” No nothing. Oh it was just a really bad experience. 🙁

I guess I’m going to have to call vet after vet and explain/get prices etc? That’s hard because most won’t say much until the pet is seen, right? 🙁

I wonder what my next move should be? I have an appointment with the current vet on Tuesday and have to keep it since it’s for my ferrets. But I’m not sure what to do after that?

Honestly anyone that comments, I appreciate the advice more than you know.

Liz

[Liz S]

Been using Dinovite on and off for almost 10 years. Did wonders on my pug. And chihuahuas. The only treats our dogs get is their freeze dried beef treats. Have been getting the treats for many years but when certain health problems arose we did find the supplements helpful.

[Liz S]

Also would it be okay if I only used the NV Instinct Raw for awhile? Is that enough nutrition for her?

[Liz S]

Dori would it be ok if I only rotated with the NV Instinct Raw with one MAYBE 2 of those others you mentioned? I have 3 ferrets, 3 dogs and 2 cats. And a 2 yr old. I try to make sure everyone’s getting the best. And I love the idea of a rotation diet. You think 2 would be ok? I could experiment the others later but for now I think money wise I can only do 2. Would mixing the NV with the Natures Logic Sardine kibble be fine? Or should it only be NV mixed with Stella & Chewys Raw? I already know the brand from my ferrets and love it. And when could I give the Natures Logic? Mix it with the raw every once in a while?

It’s hard to get anyones attention about this I need a sponsor or something lol.

Let me know what you think about my rotation idea.

[Liz S]

I emailed directly to them from their website. The closest store that carries it is 50 miles away. I told them if I could try their food I’d be willing to drive but the agent was really rude. Oh well. Won’t bother with them.

[Liz S]

Been checkin almost everyday on your coupon thread ! 🙂

[Liz S]

Thank you Akari for the coupons!!! And I ALMOST picked up the Simply Nourish kibble last night but hemmed and hawed with my SO and just got another bag of the sensitive turkey authority dry. But you know what I am going back tomorrow!!! Instead of returning the Authority I can mix the Simply Nourish in it until it all runs out…then stick with SN. I really liked the look of it.

I’m also a coupon freak lol 🙂 I’m a SAHM with a 2 yr old, 3 ferrets, 3 dogs and 2 cats. Oh and a manchild but he’s gone most of the day. So lately I’ve been getting more into couponing. Any tips you have I’d love to hear!!! I try to remember to check your coupon post too 🙂

[Liz S]

They replied to my second email saying they didn’t service my area and won’t send samples.

Found that odd but whatever.

[Liz S]

I’ve read so much about how it’s a good idea to have 2-3 brands or flavors ( that you trust ) and mix in each feeding so they like all foods incase theres a recall or an allergy to something etc. If I chose another 4 star kibble 2 mix in I should be fine as long as it sticks with the important things to me like grain free. You think?

I’ve tried my chi on Halo brand Turkey, Duck and Pheasant. She didn’t like it at all. She may have liked the chicken flavor but I need to pick something that her brother ( italian greyhound ) can also chew. Otherwise he uses his tongue and just laps it up doesn’t chew.

I’ve had my eyes on the Wellness stuff. CORE in particular. So I’ll check out the bags and see what other brand kibble I could mix into it slowly. Of course after I switch them from Halo.

Besides grain free what else do you think I should look for to make sure its good food like Wellness? I’ll only be looking at 4 star foods anyway so will be good quality.

[Liz S]

I’ve never tried just canned before.

I’ve thought about dehydrated.

I will see about getting some samples!

[Liz S]

2nd2none

She always barks at UPS, trash pick up, fire works etc

She has dry out all day. Then gets a can at night. I should have noted that her behavior started way before giving her cans.

We have rescue remedy. It helps. But not enough. We also have a medication that the vet gave us for tstorms and fireworks. We’ve tried it other times since she’s been having such bad anxiety come nightfall. It helps much better than the RR but it’s still not enough.

Will se what the vet says this time…

[Liz S]

aimee * inkedmarie- I didn’t mean your replies. Sorry. You were both very nice. I am having a hard time getting her to eat anything besides SD toy tiny bites. I just wanted to know if anyone else fed it to their dogs and what they thought about it. Since I asked that people not reply if they didn’t have anything nice to say I was surprised to come see a couple rude replies. Even if I hadn’t asked… I’d think people would still be respectful.

I made another post last night very similar to this one. Explaining how she won’t eat anything BUT SD. I’m going over to check replies to that one…

Thanks again both of you.

[Liz S]

I do believe there are ways to reply without being snotty.

[Liz S]

Inked,
I’ve never heard of. Going to google right now. Sounds good though. Helpful. Have you watched?

[Liz S]

4footed,

Any other breed I’ve had I didn’t free feed. Every chihuahua I’ve had, I have. It’s just a personal choice.

Also I have been thinking…my husband is a long haul truck driver. He is home about 1-1 1/2 weeks per month. It’s kind of sporadic but at times he can be home for a week straight or so. She does a lot better while he is home. She still has the anxiety but nothing like when he is gone.

No clue what to do here though. Ah. Thank you all for trying. I’m going to keep trying some things…even things I’ve done before..I hope it helps. I go to sleep at 9 every night and she wakes me up EVERY NIGHT between-12-1am. I have sleep apnea and sleep like a log but she will scratch my pillow stick her nose under my mask and whimper so I get up. Once I’m up we go into the living room and she either curls up on my lap in the recliner or goes back to sleep on the sofa.

This is so confusing and it’s heartbreaking to watch.

Thanks again for trying. x

[Liz S]

sue66b,

Ok I will try that. She has been on rice & chicken a few times when sick/after spay.

[Liz S]

sue66b,

Wow. I didn’t think of that. Hmmmmm….. I’m so glad I am taking her to the ( new ) vet soon. Checkup and blood work!!!!!

Phew I sure hope it’s nothing serious. I’m sorry about Patch.

Thank you so much. I have had anxiety myself thinking “I hope the vet doesn’t throw some more ” doggy xanax. ”

I will try and keep updating!!

[Liz S]

4footedfoodie,

We did try the thundershirt as it was rec’d by our vet. We gave it a try two separate times. Didn’t do a thing for Reese. I too have heard it’s helpful to other dogs. Not my girl :/

Her and my other chi have dry food right now. Fresh kibble is put in their little bowls each day and they free feed throughout the day. They also get a small package of wet at around 5 every day. The kibble is Toy & Small Breed Science Diet. ( Crap, I know ) The wet is Nature’s Recipe Grain Free. We rotate the wet flavors of kitchen. Always have. You may or may not have seen a few of my other posts lately but I have been diligently researching much better dog foods. This site has been very helpful. But very overwhelming. The kibble is running out and tomorrow or Wednesday the latest I’m going to be making a final decision on a new food.

[Liz S]

Hi Cyndi,

I’ve had her since she was 8 weeks. She was in good hands before that. I will try your suggestion of doing something different for her again. We’ve tried that before. There’s a skylight in our kitchen and if a squirrel runs over it, or she hears them in the trees when we have the windows open, etc. At first it was fireworks/thunderstorms ( a couple years ago. ) I am just guesstimating when I say it’s started to become a big problem in the last 6-12 months. Don’t know what to do. I’m REALLY hoping the vet will be a bigger help. We’ve been going to the same vet for over 10 years but we are not thrilled and are moving to another vet that my daughter brings her furbabies too. Wish me luck :/

[Liz S]

Wow. Thank you both for the information! I took screen shots with my phone and will get going on picking the new stuff out. I bought a small bag the other day of the food they’re currently on to give me a bit more time to research. I’m anxious to switch ( I know, gradually . )

Awesome suggestions for cutting down the cost of canned. Awesome. Thanks a ton!

[Liz S]

ok Thank you 🙂

[Liz S]

Awesome! Thank you!!! 🙂

[Liz S]

I will try that!!! I stood in Petco today for an hour. Well, I paced. Ahhh.

[Liz S]

Sue66b

I am new to this site and I didn’t know anyone responded to my post. To be honest, I don’t even know how I stumbled upon it, and saw the replies! I looked around and found all I had to do was click on my profile, lol. Also, I am not sure I am replying correctly…like directly to your reply or this just goes as another reply. I think I did it right but I am not sure. 🙂

I LOVE Wellness. I give it to my cats & my ferrets. I tried the dog version ( same thing…chicken one.. ( chihuahua and IG several months ago). but they turned their noses up to it. I also think my chihuahua doesn’t do well with chicken. I am not sure what Wellness has…I’m gonna head over to the Petco and PetSmart site right now and see what kinds they have. I’d like to do lamb, venison etc ( anything besides chicken ) and I would love to go grain free. Chihuahua is getting Whole Earth grain free now. And Natures Variety Grain Free wet food at night. The IG eats it as well but my chi is having a hard time eating the large pieces. Ah. Poor girl. Last year it took a longggg time finding the right food for our cat as well. Once we found the Wellness Chicken- it was a miracle. Life saver! Phew.

I love that Petco allows you to return a bag as long as its about half eaten. Not sure what PetSmarts policy is.

Might be silly to even ask, since you aren’t here and we’re confused ourselves lol…but do you think I could try one of the Wellness ( grain free ) first? I know grain free is best.

When I think about it though, if I go grain free dry food, I’d need to go grain free for her nightly wet food because what’s the point? Right? I’m just not sure if it’s chicken or the grains that my chi has the real problem with. Not worried about the IG, he does pretty well with everything.

As for the bugg pup I will also look into the Wellness online right now, too.

My 4th ferret that passed in June had insulinoma, adrenal disease etc etc. It’s horrible seeing any of them in ANY type of discomfort.

Geesh I’m sorry I’m so all over the place! My head is spinning!
Thanks for your reply!!!!

• This reply was modified 10 years, 7 months ago by Liz S.

[Author]

Posts