Comments on: Why This Vet Feeds People Food to Her Dogs

By: Dr. Terifaj

Dr. Terifaj — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:04:32 +0000

Hi Jeannine,

Older dogs are not reported to lose their sense of smell – however, after the age of ten, hearing can decline eventually leading to deafness – a common senior complaint, along with a decline in mental cognition and eyesight.

I am worried that your ‘picky’ eater (who is getting a healthy and tasty diet!) may be losing her appetite. Loss of appetite for a dog of any age is a signal that they are not feeling well. Bring her to your vet for a complete physical exam, lab tests (blood and urine), possible radiographs (x-rays) and ultrasound if indicated.

Time to dig deeper!

By: Jeannine

Jeannine — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:17:24 +0000

I so like what I am reading. I’ve been feeding my dogs a raw and home cooked diet for the past few years. So reaffirming and terrific to have a vet on supportive board! My concern lies with my 15yo dog (who has a cardiac condition). As of late she has become rather picky about her feed which has led me to wonder if her sense of smell is diminishing. Is this common with the senior generation? She goes for (smelly) tripe, pure cooked meats, cheese but is either turning her nose up or just picking at the other raw meats (turkey, chicken, duck, ), the small amount of kibble she receives (mixed w/ high quality canned), cottage cheese, and egg. She really gives it all a good sniffing but, alas, no go. She has always been a good eater. Of course I’ll continue to give her what she will eat but wondering about the sense of smell. Any comments??

By: Diane

Diane — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:22:20 +0000

Thank you so much for your reply on my note I have been debating rather or not I should get a second opinion an the next step was to order your books they look like they will be very helpful to me each one of them Thank you again Diane in Ohio

By: Dr. Terifaj

Dr. Terifaj — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:46:09 +0000

If you are preparing home cooked foods for your dogs, of course you will not add onion. However, small amounts of onion are not harmful – like I mentioned in the chicken soup recipe that you might be preparing for yourself – just remove onion slices before serving to you dog. The flavor that remains in the broth is OK. It’s really more of a question about amount. Feeding your dog an entire onion (which he would doubtfully eat) or a pound of dark chocolate is asking for trouble! Common sense must prevail as small amounts of these substances are not going to kill a dog.

In regard to your dog’s medical problems, I simply cannot advise you. I am not at liberty to offer medical opinions on patients that are not under my care. I urge you to get a second opinion by an internal medicine specialist and ask your vet for a referral. You may also want to consult with a veterinary nutritionist if your dog requires a special homemade diet. I teach people how to cook for their dogs and select better commercial pet foods in my book, How to feed your dog if you flunked rocket science. Available at http://www.30MinVetConsult.com

By: Diane

Diane — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:19:06 +0000

Dear Dr T I cant believe I am reading this ya just dont know where to turn i have read so much from other vets about the danger in dogs eating people food I read some of the recipe like the chicken soup an was shocked with the onion everything i have read is onion is very toxic even onion powder so can you please help me understand this I have two dogs with isues they are PeakaPoos under 10lbs an one has a prob with crystals in the urin an is on s.o dog food the other has to much protein in the blood an he is loseing so much weight he also has lost his hearing please help us i am watching him die right in frount of my eyes it is breaking my heart thank you Diane in Ohio

By: andrea

andrea — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 02:05:36 +0000

I am so happy to hear this. We’ve been told not to give the dog human food, as we were doing and she was quite happy with no problems. The dog food created itching, so the vet insisted on venecin and potatoe or duck and potatoe which got rid of the itching, but after a few months, my dog is boycotting it and will actually go hungry rather than eat! She’s back on people food and now I don’t have to feel guilty. So thank you.

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Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:57:48 +0000

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By: jasmine

jasmine — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:20:14 +0000

That’s such a great idea. After that incident last year with the dog food industry , I have been very careful with what I feed my pets.

By: Eric

Eric — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:17:32 +0000

Dr T,

I just found your blog. I look forward to reading more of your insights in pet care. Hey, don’t forget about our cats!