/r/DogCare

Photograph via snooOG

How can you help your dog to be as healthy as possible? The right food, the best grooming, skilled veterinary care, lots of exercise and play... these are our DogCare topics.

Welcome! Please read this.

This is a forum on dog care. We cover topics like dog food, exercise, grooming, and all those other things that help dogs to maintain good health. If you're looking for help with injury, illness, or possible disease, please try /r/AskVet and call your pet's health care provider.

If your question is about training your dog, please visit our sister subreddit: /r/dogtraining.

The advice here is not a replacement for professional help. If your dogs are ill, please take them to a vet.


Posting Guidelines:

Please read before posting or commenting here. Posts that do not follow these guidelines will be removed.

Please do:

  • Use an informative title - "What about a raw food diet?" is better than "What do you think?"
  • Share links, questions, and advice related to dog care.
  • Be kind, keep discussions civil, and practice good reddiquette
  • Report inappropriate or offensive content for the mods to review.

Prohibited content:

  • Memes
  • Photos or videos that lack clear dog care applications.
  • Dog training content - that belongs in our sister subreddit: /r/dogtraining.
  • Posts about dogs who need new homes. Try your local or regional subreddit for these kinds of posts.
  • Links to your own website.

/r/DogCare

20,572 Subscribers

1

Should I cut my Yorkie mixes hair

My dog is a Yorkie mixes with something else I don't know of. We live in a pretty hot state and for the most part I don't really cut his hair but I would like to know if I should. I've heard some dogs actually use fur to regulate so I wanted to know the best option.

3 Comments
2024/08/27
18:55 UTC

6

Purina one vs Purina pro plan

My dog eats Purina one, that's what the rescue fed her so we just continued because she seems to like it and hasn't had any problems.

I have some free bags of Purina pro plan, it's lamb and rice like she eats of the One. Is it OK to give to just give her the Pro or do I need to gradually introduce it like I would with a brand new food?

I'm not sure since it's sort of the same brand and formula.

5 Comments
2024/08/27
13:46 UTC

1

Affordable Vet - Dental- Spokane, WA

We are looking for a vet in the Spokane area that is reasonable for dental cleanings. We have two large dogs and were quoted well over $1000 a dog, which we just can’t afford. They are young, so I’m guessing no extractions. Any recommendations for affordable vets?

2 Comments
2024/08/18
03:09 UTC

1

Feeding Schedule

For context I just got a new dog. So basically I work at 5am and I was wondering if there was anything negative about feeding my dog at like 4:30 when I leave for work after I walk her and then again when i get home around 1:30, she's a 4 year old 40lb mixed breed I think she has some lab in her any thoughts on how I should feed her?

1 Comment
2024/08/15
00:51 UTC

1

Need tips for dog hair

Hi, i have a labrador retriever named Bowser who has long hair and sheds *a lot*, and it's really a nuisance for me and for him. I use a dual sided shedding brush, but it's kind of ineffective because theres clumps that never really come out. I was thinking about getting a wire brush but i dont want to spend money on something unless i know it works? i cant afford the groomers so i was hoping someone could give tips on any way to lessen the shedding, or at least any good tools i can use. thank you :)

heres bowser

clumps of hair

2 Comments
2024/08/14
16:30 UTC

1

Swollen paw

My pup has a swollen paw, but I’m not sure from what I came home to her limping and the next day there was swelling. I called a clinic and asked should I bring her in and he told me, to save myself a trip to just give her Benadryl but I’m not sure if that will help. What should I do???

1 Comment
2024/08/14
03:11 UTC

12

Fun things to do with my senior dog - just got diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease

My 12 yr old cairn terrier has stage 4 kidney disease. The vet said to just make her very happy and keep up with her kidney foods (she was stage 3 in September last year). she's full of life and vitality and just a funny, loving, very food motivated little golden ball of joy so it's weird reconciling that fact with knowing she's seriously ill. she does have the occasional down day but nothing worse than my own...

I am still in research mode looking into everything I can do for her (supplements, different types of specialist foods, teas for nausea etc) to extend her life and quality of it. But I also want her to have the funnest time on earth from here on out and I need some ideas.

So far I only have a trip to the beach as she has never been, and going to a dog friendly petting zoo if I can find one - she met some cows once on a long walk and she had so much fun so I'd love to see her duelling with a crab or meeting a sheep :-)

I'd be grateful for any ideas! And also any experience, tips or ideas you may have found while caring for a dog with kidney disease?

 

8 Comments
2024/08/12
21:26 UTC

1

Yellowish Growth on 12 Year Old Pup’s Paw

My dog is a little old man now (~12 years old) and he’s a mini aussie. Just today, I noticed a hard yellowish growth on his foot and I wasn’t sure what it was. I have another dog that’s had some medical issues that we’ve gone to the vet for recently and it was quite expensive. I just wanted to ask people here to get an opinion about it because it will be hard to take him to the vet right away due to costs. I care about him a lot, though, and want to make sure it’s not something serious.

Here are some photos:

https://imgur.com/a/qj4Mllv

1 Comment
2024/08/12
03:42 UTC

1

My dog tore her acl

Can anyone suggest a good brand of knee brace to get so she's not in so much pain and doesn't have to limp until we're able to schedule her surgery?

1 Comment
2024/08/11
17:16 UTC

1

Early Morning Vomiting

Hello all...

For the past 4 days, my 7 year old dog (Yorkie/dachshund mix) has woken up my wife and I by vomiting between 3 and 6 AM. It's usually a thick yellow vomit.

She'll vomit once, then seems to be ok. She usually doesn't overeat. We feed her wet food twice per day (either the Cesar brand loaf or generic Sam's Club wet pate). She enjoys both brands and occasional snacks (2 or 3) of Pupperoni beef sticks throughout the day.

We're unsure why she's doing this. When I take her outside after she vomited, she will usually pee then comes back inside. She has not been eating any grass. Otherwise, she is a healthy, happy dog.

Does anybody know what is going on with our doggo? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

1 Comment
2024/08/11
12:57 UTC

1

Dog has stopped eating suddenly

About two weeks ago, our chihuahua mix stopped eating full meals. We took him to the vet (now several times) and they've ruled out any teeth issues. Initially, they were treating him for pancreatitis, and today they did an ultrasound and didn't find anything. The big problem is he's lost a lot of weight and when given food he usually just licks it and then spits it out. He will sometimes have a few bites of chicken, but that's all. Any experience or insight into this would be appreciated.

1 Comment
2024/08/11
00:25 UTC

1

Dogs and Fleas

I need some advise regarding fleas on my dog. She is a Morkie and we have been doing the monthly neck treatment from Frontline and it’s made zero difference in the past 2 months (I’ve been made aware that some of these neck treatments can contain pesticides and be harmful to dogs so I am looking for something new to try.) We have also tried the capsule pills that are supposed to kill fleas instantly and those work a lot better but only for a day. She only really goes in the yard to use the bathroom but we are assuming they are just infested in our yard and jumping on even for the little time she’s out there. I’ve tried dawn dish baths and flea killing shampoo and it’ll help but not eliminate the problem. I’ve been trying to do research online but I keep hearing opposing opinions and wanted to see if anyone from same or similar experience has any recommendations?

1 Comment
2024/08/10
17:07 UTC

2

limping (limbs falling asleep) due to warm/humid climate?

This is a strange one. Dog started limping after long rest, which ceases after about a minute of gentle movement; I got also 'pins and needles' for myself (limbs) so this is how I figured it's weather-related. No other aspect changed (bedding, food, water, etc same), no health issues (joints all good, no injury, etc), and ruling out any virus/infection. So, the only thing I know is that the heatwave is high humidity (subtropical 'sticky' warmth) - and I cannot find anything on the web as to how/why it relates to limbs falling asleep.. any suggestions?

2 Comments
2024/08/10
15:10 UTC

1

Dog not eating

Does anyone have difficulty getting their dogs to eat? I have tried pretty much everything, the most expensive food, down to the cheapest. Every few days my dogs might eat some, but the other days nothing. One of my dogs won’t even eat the treats she used to love. 😕 I took her to the vet Wednesday due to having seizures, and she is already on medication) but she wasn’t eating before that. She has lost almost two pounds since last vet visit a few months ago. I’m just afraid she’s not getting the nutrition she needs. I know she hasn’t felt the greatest due to the seizures, plus I’ve had to stick her pills (3 times a day) down her throat because she won’t take them in anything I try to disguise them in. She used to take them in pill pockets. Please, I need suggestions.

1 Comment
2024/08/10
03:34 UTC

1

GSP Injury

Last week, my GSP slipped on a rock while jumping in the river. I didn’t see what happened but when she got back out she was limping.

It’s been close to 6 days now and she’s still limping. It’s not very bad while walking but if she tries to pick up pace she stops using the leg all together.

Vet couldn’t find anything wrong and she’s been on pain killers and anti inflammatory meds for 4 days. I guess next step is an x-ray.

She’s not lethargic - plenty of energy. Wants to go out running still but just can’t. Doesn’t whine or yelp at any point but she pants a lot while walking so I know she’s feeling some discomfort.

Any thoughts on what it could be? Bad bruise, sprain or strain? How long till she’s back to 100%?

1 Comment
2024/08/10
03:20 UTC

1

Godog brand toys safe?

Hi I've been buying plush toys occasionally. Always from Godog . It usaully isn't an issue cuz he'll carry them around and not actaully chew them. But recently one tore open and it occured to me that despite the many "safety " features and tests on the website there's actaully no info on whether the stuffing itself is safe.

He hasn't ingested any I just want to be sure I'm making a good choice for the types of stuffed toys I get him.

What ones would y'all suggest ? Looking for non toxic brands that the stuffing is safe if there is a mishap

1 Comment
2024/08/06
01:34 UTC

1

Will adding vegies to senior dogs diet help or hinder constipation?

2mths ago my aunt's 14yr old dog had his anal glands expressed due to constipation. He now does very firm stools but is starting to have some bowel incontinence, not quite getting outside when he needs to (he is on his way to dementia).

I've read up about vegies being good to add fibre to their diet and help pass stools, but have also seen advice saying too much fibre will soften his stools too much (eg diarrhoea, which with bowel incontinence would not be ideal!). Also is one large meal s day okay or would morning and evening smaller meals be best?

His diet is currently: -one portion of raw mince (unsure of brand, I'm just housesitting) -some tablespoons of Lyka -some kibble, whatever brand (optimum ATM)

It is one big meal at night. Should I make it two feeds, and would a handful of steamed veggies each feed help or hinder his digestion?

Thankyou so much if you can help!

1 Comment
2024/08/05
04:06 UTC

1

Dog nail trimmed too short???

Our family dogs nails got clipped too short, and he was bleeding all over the place. It was so sad and we feel awful about it! He seems to be doing fine now, and the bleeding stopped luckily. He keeps messing with his face and putting his paws on his face and seemingly itching it. Could this be because of the cut, or anyway related at all? I know it can be an anxious thing, so maybe? I’m just so worried about him, and want to make sure he’s okay!

1 Comment
2024/08/04
04:58 UTC

1

Dog loses sight, hearing and smell… what next?

Oakley, our absolutely loved and adored family Rhodesian ridgeback is 11, but has been in great physical shape and about two months ago started losing her hearing. I didn’t get it looked at, assuming it was age, but after two days ago waking up completely blind and without smell- now she is basically without all 3 major senses. No trauma, nothing odd eaten. She was out running in the woods and playing with me the day before and then woke up - blind.

Is there anyone, any vet, that can give me an ounce of hope or suggestion that could maybe give me a chance to get a small bit of either her hearing or sight back?

I realize it’s most likely brain related and we’ve spent quite a bit to get this far (an ER trip with a average at best visit) and a follow up visit to a local vet who believes it’s SARDS. It very well could be, but she lost her sense of smell with it. We would consider another vet visit but it would have to be with someone we’d speak with over the phone first and not waste another day and money with a dead end and nothing to try to help her.

I should’ve dove into having her hearing checked earlier. Is it too late to do this?

Holistic vets?

Anyone that has experience this or similar please reach out. We are not giving up on her and we will love and care of her if this is really her life now, but I don’t want to give up without a fight that maybe we can get her a little sight or hearing back.

My heart has been so heavy these last few days.. thank you to anyone taking the time to read this, or with any guidance, suggestion or advice.

1 Comment
2024/07/31
03:44 UTC

1

Is it safe for a dog that''s been given flea medicine to also wear a flea collar?

r could that be toxic to the dog?

1 Comment
2024/07/30
23:30 UTC

1

13 week old Maltese

We spent an entire day trying to put the small harness on our dog. She violently resisted, biting us several times. We got it on once with great difficulty and she shook it off. I tried the tip I found here about giving her treats and kept trying to get harness on. By the end of the day she and us were both exhausted - BUT she now has her harness on and seems very comfortable with it!! Thanks for the tips I found here.....

1 Comment
2024/07/30
03:31 UTC

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