SmartPak Canine

Archive for the ‘Canine’ Category

Nutrition and Your Dog’s Health

I have been feeding my American Bulldog Puppy LiveSmart Chicken and Brown Rice Puppy Formula. I would like to switch her to an Adult Food now, which one do you recommend for large/heavy breeds? Thank you! KM, North Carolina
Dear KM,
You don’t say how old your puppy is, but if you’re beginning to think about switching [...]

Supplements and Your Dog’s Toe Nails

My 60 pound 6-year old Australian shepherd mix has trouble with his toe nails -they split and crack so badly that it involves a trip to the vet. My vet suggested gelatin and I’ve been making doggie jello shots with clear gelatin and beef broth with helps but also gives him the runs. Today the [...]

Feeding Dogs Fruits and Vegetables

I’ve been hearing more and more about the value of adding fruits and vegetables to my dog’s diet. I know that certain ingredients can be harmful, but I’m not sure what to stay away from, and what’s beneficial. Can you tell me what fruits and veggies are appropriate to add to my dog’s diet, and [...]

Caring for a Pregnant Dog

I just bred my dog and am wondering if while she is pregnant I should feed her anything special or get her vitamins. I want her to have a healthy pregnancy and healthy puppies. Is there anything you might wanna suggest for her? Thanks JC, Michigan
Dear JC,
The average length of pregnancy in dogs is 63 [...]

Feeding Cats Dog Food

Can I use the Wellness Allergy Super5Mix Complete Health Whitefish and Sweet Potato Recipe dog food for my cat? She is an indoor only cat. She has a sensitive tummy, UTI, and skin/hair loss issues. She yacks alot, mostly food and in the summer hair balls. We have her on hair medicine. My vet suggested [...]

Why Are Most Dogs’ Eyes Brown?

My daughter wants to know why most dogs’ eyes are brown. TH, Michigan
Dear TH,
For help with this question I turned to my ophthalmology instructor in vet school, Ralph Hamor, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVO, Clinical Associate Professor of the Comparative Ophthalmology Service of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Here’s his reply:

Luxating Patellas

My 5 lb dog has luxating patellas and is now having trouble with her front legs, as well. They seem to “lock up” on her and she doesn’t want to move. She is only 4 and I am considering the surgery, but would like to know if there is some supplemental therapy that might help. [...]

Dr. Lydia Gray Installed as President of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association

What a whirlwind weekend! It all started Thursday with an ISVMA board meeting followed by dinner at Jim’s Steakhouse in Peoria, IL. Imagine my surprise when the waitress read off our three choices for entrees: ribeye steak, orange roughy, or Chicken a la Lydia!
Then it was Friday, and time for the Equine Neurology Wet Lab [...]

Pugs with Skin Problems

I have two pugs one fawn female 7 yrs & black male 1yr old. The male has mouth pimples and continuous fungus and yeast infections I have him at the vets for antibiotics, lotions, meds nothing has helped to get rid of long term as soon as he is off meds allergies come back acne [...]

Should Dogs Eat Horse Treats?

I’ve noticed that a couple of barn dogs like to eat HoofSnax or FlaxSnax if they are left within reach. I’ve wondered if the biotin if the HoofSnax would hurt the dogs in any way. Also I’ve noticed that the horses love dog Milkbones too. Would there be any problems with feeding the occasional horse [...]