The Dog Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
Shedding
I have a 4-1/2 year old pug named Sammy, who is the love of my life. I have only one questions: he is always shedding. Is there anything I can do about this?
Thanks.
From Larry in Prescott Valley, Arizona
Hi, Larry. First of all, who can blame you for loving Sammy so much? I think it’s a "pug" thing: they’re just too adorable.
As for the shedding, as always, I recommend and assume that folks have first taken their dog to the vet, who has given them a thorough physical exam and done a blood workup. If Sammy’s thyroid levels are fine (this is one of the medical conditions that can show up in the coat), then let’s go right to his diet, which is the root cause of such a huge number of physical issues. The unfortunate thing is, many vets are not trained in nutrition and therefore don’t even think in that direction. But I’ll bet anything that Sammy is on a kibble diet; one of the "well-known" ones.
Please consult THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You To Know, and the Bulletin Board posted on DOG TALK, The Radio Show, to get an overview of some basic nutritional issues. You need to get Sammy on a diet of a high-quality protein source, as unprocessed as possible (cooked chicken, beef or fish, or eggs, cottage cheese, etc.), and allow this superior food to nourish his skin and hair and kick-start his digestive tract into working more efficiently. This will allow the organs that eliminate waste and toxins (the kidney, liver, bladder, and the skin itself) to do their job more effectively. The only caution about pugs is, they have really sensitive digestive systems, so make the transition from the dry food gradually.
Also, you should pick up a bottle of "Dream Coat," or "Sparkle," from The Honest Kitchen (just go to their link on www.thedogbible.com and you can order it directly -- ask for a sample of their fabulous raw dehydrated food at the same time! My dogs love it!), or one of the other well-made supplements for skin and fur enhancement, and give him a little of that every day.
Please keep in touch; I’m anxious to keep an eye on Sammy’s progress.
Again, Larry, thanks so much for writing. Hope this helps!
Tracie
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You To Know, and from DOG TALK® The Radio Show, broadcast live, Saturdays, from 11-12 noon EST, on your local NPR affiliate. All emails are answered personally and then posted, sometimes in abbreviated form.
