Need some FOG insight with our Dog

[Blak Smyth]

Sorry to hear about your dog. I can relate all too well with your situation.
I had a bulldog who was dear to my wife and I, like a child. We had her for six years before we had to put her down. She had nothing but health issues from day one but she was a happy dog. Eventually she was diagnosed with a rare skin disease. So rare amoung dogs that they do not know much about how to treat it. We had her on experimental meds for years. We spent way to much money in the 6 years we had her to try and keep her healthy with surgeries and meds. In the beginning she would be sick for a month and then seemed almost fine for a month, but after a few years she started to be sick all of the time. She wasn't herself anymore, and you could sense she was suffering. We eventually decided it was best to put her down, one of the hardest descisions we have had to make. I think it was the right descision, although we miss her dearly. You gotta do what is best for the dog and your family brother. We will definitley not be able to help you make your descision as it is a very personal one. I will keep you in my thoughts and wish your family the best.

[markem]

Some friends had very bad skin allergy problems with one of their labs to the point where it seemed that only drastic measures would work. The wife located a vet clinic that include holistic approached in their treatments and they found that a minor enzyme supplement cured their problem.

No idea if it would help your dog, but it is an option to consider.

Also, glucosamine for humans does wonders for dog joint pain. I take 2 tablets a day and the older greyhound takes one. For my breed (greyhound), it is highly recommended once the dogs reach 5 years.

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by markem

Some friends had very bad skin allergy problems with one of their labs to the point where it seemed that only drastic measures would work. The wife located a vet clinic that include holistic approached in their treatments and they found that a minor enzyme supplement cured their problem.

No idea if it would help your dog, but it is an option to consider.

Also, glucosamine for humans does wonders for dog joint pain. I take 2 tablets a day and the older greyhound takes one. For my breed (greyhound), it is highly recommended once the dogs reach 5 years.

Mark,
I went the hollistic approach on my Maltese when he was operated for cancer and then was given a month or two to live.
He lasted nearly a year and appeared quite normal until the last couple of days.
I think it really made a difference.

Aside from natural herbs, the main change was diet.
His cancer is believed to have been due to severe allergies. There is a purported correlation between processed dog food and allergies in dogs.
Hollistic vet had me convert both dogs to a raw diet and I saw an immediate change in their coat, stool, eagerness to eat, etc.

My Yorkie had bad joint problems. While there are Meds for that, they are hard on them. He gave me some natural stuff to help that also, supplemented by glucosamine and certainly helped.

OP, been where you are.
I dropped $3,000 on the cancer operation for the Maltese.
I dropped $3,500 for a broken leg on the Yorkie.
I always wondered when THAT lousy day would come.
The thing is, when the day does come, you really know it.
It stinks and the feeling lingers but all we can do is make them comfortable until that day and then afterwards, remember all the joy they gave.
Don't hang on for you but do all you feasibly and reasonably can.

Good luck.