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!)
Urinary Infections
I'm ordering a signed copy of THE DOG BIBLE from you, hoping it will have some answers to help my dogs. Kasey is a Bichon and has allergies; Sam is a Dachshund who gets urinary infections. Look forward to getting the book and finding some solutions! Thanks.
From: Jennifer, in Nebraska
Dear Jennifer,
I've signed the book to your pooches, and it should be there in about a week. I've also included a CD of the first two seasons of my radio show, DOG TALK.
The first thing you need to do for Kasey is get him on a high quality protein diet, with only a little high quality kibble (a side dish, if you will). You'll see in the book which canned foods are tip-top. This is only a first step; you'll let me know if Kasey continues to have problems.
As for Sam's urinary infections, I assume you've already been to the vet and gotten urine cultures and given him antibiotics, etc. I would suggest getting him to drink as much as possible (change the water frequently to fresh, cold water, of course), and add some dried cranberries to his two meals a day. Urine that is more acidic discourages infection. He also must be on a good high protein diet.
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.
