My TWO Finally Arrived!!

Roxie continued to scratch, lick and dig today.  It was so annoying.  So.  Annoying.  At times, she would whine and growl at herself for itching!  GAH!!!  I hate that she'd going through this, but I'm still going to feed her the bison. 

Rebecca and Rachel, do your dogs itch and scratch, too?  Could it really be the food?  I gave her benadryl today, but it didn't seem to help much.  I'm just pissed off about it ... [:@] []

Oh, and POOP REPORT!

It's not as small as it was before.  Now it's more 'big dog'-looking, but is quite firm, dark, and doesn't stink. 

Roxie continued to scratch, lick and dig today.  It was so annoying.  So.  Annoying.  At times, she would whine and growl at herself for itching!  GAH!!!  I hate that she'd going through this, but I'm still going to feed her the bison. 

Rebecca and Rachel, do your dogs itch and scratch, too?  Could it really be the food?  I gave her benadryl today, but it didn't seem to help much.  I'm just pissed off about it ... [:@] []

I totally know what you are going through Roxie (oh yea, what is your name by the way?)!! My pup has a food allergy to something...I swear it is chicken, wheat, or rice...but he hasn't gotten rice or wheat in like over 6 months! Also, I stopped giving him chicken now for about almost a month. He is STILL itchy, scratchy, licky, etc! [:@] I know EXACTLY what you are going through. I have dealt with an itchy pup since he was 7 1/2 weeks old, but I thought it was the nasty Beneful he was eating. I switched him from one chicken based food to the next and he kept getting worse...I didn't know then to switch protein sources as I do now. He stopped itching on the NB Duck/Potato, but when I put him on Canidae he went all to hell...so I thought it was either chicken, rice, or sunflower oil. So, now he is on TWO and does not get chicken, rice, or the EVO canned which does have sunflower oil. He is still itchy!! Not as bad as he used to when he was younger...but something is still bothering him. The vet said he could not have an environmental allergy until he was exposed to it through at least one cycle...so he said it HAD to be food because that they can be born with...like babies can be allergic to breast milk. Anyway, so I think its something food related...so I don't know if he is allergic to chicken and ALL grains?! Or just grains?! So.... it seems like a neverending battle. [&o]
 
So sorry to hear about Roxie...I can't agree with you more on how ANNOYING it is...it makes me angry. It has even brought me to tears at one point because he was in such misery and I couldn't figure out what the culprit was. I understand your frustrations completely! [] I hate to say it, but it may very well be the Dakota Bison...since she has never been itchy before and you just started the Bison and she has been very itchy. I would hate to think that, but you never know. When I put my pup on Canidae from NB...when he was on 100% Canidae he woke up with eye boogers constantly and his coat went to s**t FAST! I knew very well it was the Canidae, what would the chances be it was environmental if I just switched him to this food and he had NEVER had eye boogers in his life! [:-] Although, it took my pup 2 full months on the NB before he stopped itching/scratching/licking/biting...so I am going to have to wait it out again here on the TWO. I completely cut out chicken, rice, wheat, sunflower oil, etc. That's all I can think of that could be the culprit. But, I am going to give it 2 full months. It has only been a month so far.

Twin- this poop report is for you!!

Dh and I go this afternoon in the RV with the pups to go camping so no poop reports from me for a few days.

This morning#%92s was REALLY good. JJ#%92s is almost normal Pru#%92s is close to normal and  getting better but she is STILL really soft on the 2nd poop.  For some reason she has been pooping twice on walks. 1 right away that is pretty firm and the second one is toward the end of the walk and is soft.  Not sure why but I will continue them on the transitioning phase for a bit longer!!  

Rachel…hope the package came and that Max has a happy crockpotting weekend!!

I love your poop reports JJsmom! [] Camping sounds like so much fun. I hope you guys have an absolutely wonderful time. I am going to be taking Max up to Empire Mine here in Grass Valley tomorrow (Sunday)...he loves to get out in nature. I take him everywhere I go...to work, Reno, mom's, my friends houses, pretty much everywhere I go he's there. "Dog is Co-Pilot!" [] Max got canned Sardines for dinner at my mom's house and I stunk up her house major! She was like "Rachel open up these windows and air the house out! EWW IT STINKS!" [] oor mom....[] Anyway, I did crockpot another pot roast for Max last night. I put in the pot roast with garlic powder on it, carrots, green beans, a little garlic cut up, some parsley, and then some of the mixed seasoning on top. It smelled yummy this time and I woke up to the smell all the way in my room!
 
SPOILED SPOILED DOG!! []
 
Oh my gosh, it was so funny the other day! Mom came over to my house and we took Max on a walk. Well, it was his time to poop and he did. I told mom..."Hey mom, come over here...you have to see what "perfect poops" look like, that way you know what they are supposed to look like." She said: "No way, no thanks I am not looking at the poop." So, I said: "Ok fine, I know Shelly will appreciate it!" [] He he he...it was so funny. I am always talking about his poops! I am such a crazy little girl, that's for sure! []

ORIGINAL: Twin

Roxie continued to scratch, lick and dig today.  It was so annoying.  So.  Annoying.  At times, she would whine and growl at herself for itching!  GAH!!!  I hate that she'd going through this, but I'm still going to feed her the bison. 

Rebecca and Rachel, do your dogs itch and scratch, too?  Could it really be the food?  I gave her benadryl today, but it didn't seem to help much.  I'm just pissed off about it ... [:@] []

I totally know what you are going through Roxie (oh yea, what is your name by the way?)!! My pup has a food allergy to something...I swear it is chicken, wheat, or rice...but he hasn't gotten rice or wheat in like over 6 months! Also, I stopped giving him chicken now for about almost a month. He is STILL itchy, scratchy, licky, etc! [:@] I know EXACTLY what you are going through. I have dealt with an itchy pup since he was 7 1/2 weeks old, but I thought it was the nasty Beneful he was eating. I switched him from one chicken based food to the next and he kept getting worse...I didn't know then to switch protein sources as I do now. He stopped itching on the NB Duck/Potato, but when I put him on Canidae he went all to hell...so I thought it was either chicken, rice, or sunflower oil. So, now he is on TWO and does not get chicken, rice, or the EVO canned which does have sunflower oil. He is still itchy!! Not as bad as he used to when he was younger...but something is still bothering him. The vet said he could not have an environmental allergy until he was exposed to it through at least one cycle...so he said it HAD to be food because that they can be born with...like babies can be allergic to breast milk. Anyway, so I think its something food related...so I don't know if he is allergic to chicken and ALL grains?! Or just grains?! So.... it seems like a neverending battle. [&o]
 
So sorry to hear about Roxie...I can't agree with you more on how ANNOYING it is...it makes me angry. It has even brought me to tears at one point because he was in such misery and I couldn't figure out what the culprit was. I understand your frustrations completely! [] I hate to say it, but it may very well be the Dakota Bison...since she has never been itchy before and you just started the Bison and she has been very itchy. I would hate to think that, but you never know. When I put my pup on Canidae from NB...when he was on 100% Canidae he woke up with eye boogers constantly and his coat went to s**t FAST! I knew very well it was the Canidae, what would the chances be it was environmental if I just switched him to this food and he had NEVER had eye boogers in his life! [:-] Although, it took my pup 2 full months on the NB before he stopped itching/scratching/licking/biting...so I am going to have to wait it out again here on the TWO. I completely cut out chicken, rice, wheat, sunflower oil, etc. That's all I can think of that could be the culprit. But, I am going to give it 2 full months. It has only been a month so far.

YES!!!  I'm in misery over her being in misery!!  Misery does love company, I guess.  I'm Kenny, by the way. 

I came "thisclose" to switching her back to the half-eaten bag of CA Natural Lamb and Rice.  She did very, very, very well on it, because it has ... um ... very little ingredients.  TWO has a bazillion.  LOL!  I didn't switch her, though.  She ate her bison with glee, and then proceeded to scratch, dig, and lick all night.  I'd do ANYTHING to make her feel better.  My friends and family think I've lost my mind, but she is my world.  When I'm having a crappy day at work, I look at the pic of her on my desk ... and things get better.  I think to myself, "I'll get to go home soon and play with Rox."  Not knowing why she itches or what causes it has driven me crazy lately.  She's scratched and licked before, but not like she has been lately. 

I'm seriously thinking about switching over to the southwest chicken tomorrow and seeing if things change in the next day or so.  Maybe she's allergic to bison.  She's been okay with chicken and lamb as the protein sources, so I know those are fine.  Salmon was in her Nutro Ultra (as the 11th ingredient -- give me a break, Nutro!) and she was fine. 

The temps have taken a dive here, so I am wondering if that has anything to do with it.  Maybe the chicken will be better for her.  If not, I've thrown $20 and change out the window, since she can't eat it or the damned Serengeti.  LOL!  It's not funny ... but I guess it really is.  [:@] [sm=lol.gif]

I need to be patient and wait this out.  But how can I when she's driving both of us up the wall with the scratching and licking?  I'm trying the chicken for a week.  If nothing changes, she's going back to CA Natural Lamb and Rice.  If it STILL doesn't change, well, then ... I don't know what I'll do.

I've read that changes in diet can really produce noticeable changes in scratching and itching in a matter of days.  Something's gotta give ...

Oh yeah Kenny, I remember you! [] You are like my age, huh (at least from your profile)? I am 23. []
 
I totally understand your frustrations, go ahead and vent to let it all out...I feel your pain and Roxie's! [&:] It is horrible to watch them all the time....soooo annoying, frustrating....and to think how bad they must feel?! [] 
 
OK, so what I am thinking is either its the Bison or the drop in temperature. I know colder weather makes their skin more dry and could lead to annoyances. So, we have to figure this out. I would say drop the Bison and feed the CA Natural Lamb/Rice for a week. If she get's back no normal...feed the Bison again for a week. If she goes back to itching and scratching you know its the Bison. Then....switch her back to the CA Natural...when she gets better, switch her to the TWO Chicken/Herbs. This way you know if is the Bison...or some other ingredient in the TWO that is causing the problem. Cuz if you switch right from the Bison to the Southwest, and she is still itchy, you won't know if it was the Bison or the other ingredients causing the problem. Does that make sense? [8|] I know my vet said that a dog cannot be allergic to an ingredient they have never eaten before...but then again he said they can be born allergic...that sounds like a total contradiction to me?! [:@]
 
Speaking of allergies...boy am I hating life right now! I bought my horse 3 bales of grass/alfalfa and this particular cut of hay makes me go nuts!! [] My eyes itch and water like no other, I sneeze like crazy, I can't breath, and I get pumps all over my hands and arms. Not only that but my nose cloggs and runs....ahhhhh...I even wear a mask but that doesn't help much. Talk about instant allergies, no question the culprit on this one! Anyway, I am in such misery when I feed the horse/goats...so I can only imagine the poor dogs that itch/scratch/bite/lick like crazy every day. [&o]

Twin and Roxie…..  [:'(]

I am so sorry to hear that your pups are having such an itchy time right now.   It very well could be environmental…but it is also possible that it could be food related.  Maybe you guys should both post under the “allergy” section and ask the allergy folks what they think??    

If you decide to…be sure to mention: How long the scratching has been going on Where they are scratching What food they were on when it started and what food switches have you made and do they seem to be better or worse on certain foods.  

Also…if you go the benedryl route it can seriously help, but often will take weeks to see  a difference and you have to give it consistently,  not just when they seem to be itchy.   Roxie- I agree with Rachel, that maybe it is worth a try to go back to the CA natural for a week and see if is a difference or not. If it is food and she doesn#%92t have problems with any ingredients in the CA natural, then you should know that within a week.  If she still has the same problems, then maybe it is environmental (hopefully just seasonal…).  

Also…maybe a bath is in order with a good shampoo designed for dogs with itchy, problem skin??? If is it like a contact allergy then short term that may help.  

I know what it is like to have an allergy pup…so frustrating!!! JJ had BRIGHT RED feet from June- August and would lick obsessively until he made some open sores.  Also, if he has too much contact with grass, the redness comes back, so I am watching his feet daily for changes.[&o]

Oh my gosh, it was so funny the other day! Mom came over to my house and we took Max on a walk. Well, it was his time to poop and he did. I told mom..."Hey mom, come over here...you have to see what "perfect poops" look like, that way you know what they are supposed to look like." She said: "No way, no thanks I am not looking at the poop." So, I said: "Ok fine, I know Shelly will appreciate it!" He he he...it was so funny. I am always talking about his poops! I am such a crazy little girl, that's for sure!

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I am sure your mom wonders who the "crazy lady is that is poop obsessed and convinced my daughter that her dog needed a crockpot for his birthday!!" []

Max got canned Sardines for dinner at my mom's house and I stunk up her house major! She was like "Rachel open up these windows and air the house out! EWW IT STINKS!"  oor mom...

poor mom indeed!! I am sure Max is LOVING his sardines and roast!!  Mine get to try some sardines for the first time probably sometime this week! []

Camping sounds like so much fun. I hope you guys have an absolutely wonderful time. I am going to be taking Max up to Empire Mine here in Grass Valley tomorrow (Sunday)...he loves to get out in nature. I take him everywhere I go...to work, Reno, mom's, my friends houses, pretty much everywhere I go he's there. "Dog is Co-Pilot!"

Camping was amazing as usual!! This time though it was very cool because the greyhound walking club in my city chose to have one of this months walking group meet in the mountains only a few miles from where we camped!  The dogs love camping and they got an extra special treat when we drove into town and there were all their greyhound friends!! Probably the only thing they like more than camping is walking with 30 other greyhounds!  Also, last night they got leftover stew with TONS of gravy in their kibble nad they aren't use to having meats and stews made for humans with all those yummy spices and such![]

Rachel- MAX IS SOOO LUCKY that you get to take him to work and everywhere. I have tried to find work that will allow dogs, but the few places I have applied for don't pay nearly enough [&o]

I bet Max would be a great camper! []     My guys prefer teh comfort of the RV, but love teh outdoors and all the neat walks and such. It got really cold at night so when we camp in early November, over Thanksgiving and X-Mas...I need to have PJ's for them..   Here is a picture of what I am getting them!

POOP REPORT!!  

Ok so not sure what the difference is when I bumped the ocean ratio up to 60-70%......BUT Pru has NEVER had such fantastic poop!  It is 90% formed, hard, pretty darn dry and low odor!   

JJ#%92s poop now just about the same as it was on 100% bison.  I think this might be a very good formula for them!!   I still want to continue transitioning through Tuesday and then will keep them on the ocean for a few more days at 100%.  Then I will evaluate which formula I want to give once a day and which one twice a day. If the pooh is better on ocean…then I will keep them on it 2 times a day.   

After all that is done then I will be ready to try out some salmon oil and also hopefully some canned TWO if it is ready!  I have been putting off ordering anything until I see if the canned is ready to order.

Oh My Gosh...those nighties for the pups are so cute! How adorable, and really nice so that they keep warm. I know I freeze to death when it gets cold...so I can't imagine the pups with such a short coat. I am so happy that the poops are so wonderful. YAY! It is wonderful that they are doing well on 2 formula's so far, so then you will be able to rotate.

I am going to wait one more month with my pup before I can figure out what is causing his itchies. He is not as bad as he used to be, but still a bit itchy. I am pretty sure it is not the TWO, because he is doing so much better since being on it from the Canidae. It may be environmental, it may be the chicken or sunflower oil that needs to work its way out of his system. These things seem to take a while before they improve 10 fold. Anyway, he is LOVING his crock-pot and goes NUTS whenever I am dishing out his meals. Also, he loves having the yummy broth on his kibble too! This is a great way to go because now he eats his carrots and green beans because they smell like the meat/broth. Makes me happy! []

Empire Mine was so dog friendly it was great! You are allowed to have your dogs everywhere on the premise. They can go in the buildings, down the mine shaft, everywhere! We had a blast! I would love to go camping and I know Max would love it to...but I would really like the comfort of an RV when I go! So glad it was fun and the other Grey's were there too...makes everyone a happy camper!

I wish I'd read this earlier, because Roxie already ate the chicken/herbs.  She was quite thrilled with it ... more than the bison.  It has a very distinct cinnamon smell, too.  I can't smell the cinnamon in the bison (yes, I opened the bag and sniffed -- LOL!!).  It has a better smell than the bison ... I'm tempted to taste it.  Kidding.  []

I have about 10 or 12 pounds of a 20 pound bag of CA Natural Lamb and Rice left, so I'll go back to that.  I know she did super on it, so maybe she will again.

She pooped this morning and it was very nice, as it has been with the bison.  We've not had a chicken poop yet.

There's only one feed store that carries CA Natural (and HealthWise) around here for a reasonable price, and it's on the northern side of the city (I am in the western portion).  That's why I love having TWO shipped.  So nice and convenient.  I switched Trixie back to HealthWise Cat 'N' Kitten, because it's vastly superior to the Nutro.  I have a brand new 16.5 pound bag of it that was $17 and will not be wasted.  She was eating it before with no problems, but I'd decided to put her back on Nutro (stores that carry it are much closer and less annoying).  This big bag will probably last her until January, so it's not really a big deal.  It was when they carried only four pound bags, because I was going back more often.  If Roxie has to eat CA Natural, I'll be going back more often ... but I'll get the biggest bag (33 pounds, I think).  It would last a lot longer. 

I only wish I could have gone to a psychic and had them tell me which foods would work with my pets.  I've wasted tons of money in my quest, and so far, Trixie is the only one with a stable food choice.  I'll do the TWO/CA Natural weekly deal and see how it goes.  [] 

I wish I'd read this earlier, because Roxie already ate the chicken/herbs. She was quite thrilled with it ... more than the bison. It has a very distinct cinnamon smell, too. I can't smell the cinnamon in the bison (yes, I opened the bag and sniffed -- LOL!!). It has a better smell than the bison ... I'm tempted to taste it. Kidding.

I have about 10 or 12 pounds of a 20 pound bag of CA Natural Lamb and Rice left, so I'll go back to that. I know she did super on it, so maybe she will again.

She pooped this morning and it was very nice, as it has been with the bison. We've not had a chicken poop yet.

There's only one feed store that carries CA Natural (and HealthWise) around here for a reasonable price, and it's on the northern side of the city (I am in the western portion). That's why I love having TWO shipped. So nice and convenient. I switched Trixie back to HealthWise Cat 'N' Kitten, because it's vastly superior to the Nutro. I have a brand new 16.5 pound bag of it that was $17 and will not be wasted. She was eating it before with no problems, but I'd decided to put her back on Nutro (stores that carry it are much closer and less annoying). This big bag will probably last her until January, so it's not really a big deal. It was when they carried only four pound bags, because I was going back more often. If Roxie has to eat CA Natural, I'll be going back more often ... but I'll get the biggest bag (33 pounds, I think). It would last a lot longer.

I only wish I could have gone to a psychic and had them tell me which foods would work with my pets. I've wasted tons of money in my quest, and so far, Trixie is the only one with a stable food choice. I'll do the TWO/CA Natural weekly deal and see how it goes.

 
I know what you mean...I have only had JJ a little less than 6 months and I have wasted SO MUCH food and spent so much money.  I have tried 10 different dry kibbles alone and more than 1/2 of eth food I have fed to him he coudln't tolerate so I had to give away to the greyhound rescue or my step son or anyone else who could use it.
 
That is weird that the chicken has more of a cin. smell.  I totally notice the cin. bark smell in both the bison and the elk (not as much in eth ocean blue) so the chicken and herbs one must be REALLY strong then!
 
I hope Roxie can tolerate one of the TWO formulas...but I do think it is a good idea to try her back on the CA Natural for a bit just to see.[&o]  
 
I agree that is it super convienent to be able to have the TWO shipped to your home and for me it is WAY cheaper than buying from one of the 2 stores in all of my huge city that actually carry TWO!![:@] 
 
Let us know how Roxie is doing!
 
 

Rachel...has Max been more itchy since you guys have gone out with the horse and to the mine and all??? Just wondering if he is getting exposed to maybe some stuff that is coming out late summer/ early fall.
 
Glad he loves the crockpot!  Mine had chicken breasts with poultry seasonings this moring with lots of great broth and they love it!! (although they pretty much love everything that I put in their dish...but I think they appreciate the variety []) 
 
[&o]Poop wasn't as good this morning...maybe it was the CET chews I gave them yesterday afternoon??? 
 

ORIGINAL: jjsmom06

I wish I'd read this earlier, because Roxie already ate the chicken/herbs. She was quite thrilled with it ... more than the bison. It has a very distinct cinnamon smell, too. I can't smell the cinnamon in the bison (yes, I opened the bag and sniffed -- LOL!!). It has a better smell than the bison ... I'm tempted to taste it. Kidding.

I have about 10 or 12 pounds of a 20 pound bag of CA Natural Lamb and Rice left, so I'll go back to that. I know she did super on it, so maybe she will again.

She pooped this morning and it was very nice, as it has been with the bison. We've not had a chicken poop yet.

There's only one feed store that carries CA Natural (and HealthWise) around here for a reasonable price, and it's on the northern side of the city (I am in the western portion). That's why I love having TWO shipped. So nice and convenient. I switched Trixie back to HealthWise Cat 'N' Kitten, because it's vastly superior to the Nutro. I have a brand new 16.5 pound bag of it that was $17 and will not be wasted. She was eating it before with no problems, but I'd decided to put her back on Nutro (stores that carry it are much closer and less annoying). This big bag will probably last her until January, so it's not really a big deal. It was when they carried only four pound bags, because I was going back more often. If Roxie has to eat CA Natural, I'll be going back more often ... but I'll get the biggest bag (33 pounds, I think). It would last a lot longer.

I only wish I could have gone to a psychic and had them tell me which foods would work with my pets. I've wasted tons of money in my quest, and so far, Trixie is the only one with a stable food choice. I'll do the TWO/CA Natural weekly deal and see how it goes.

I know what you mean...I have only had JJ a little less than 6 months and I have wasted SO MUCH food and spent so much money.  I have tried 10 different dry kibbles alone and more than 1/2 of eth food I have fed to him he coudln't tolerate so I had to give away to the greyhound rescue or my step son or anyone else who could use it.

That is weird that the chicken has more of a cin. smell.  I totally notice the cin. bark smell in both the bison and the elk (not as much in eth ocean blue) so the chicken and herbs one must be REALLY strong then!

I hope Roxie can tolerate one of the TWO formulas...but I do think it is a good idea to try her back on the CA Natural for a bit just to see.[&o]  

I agree that is it super convienent to be able to have the TWO shipped to your home and for me it is WAY cheaper than buying from one of the 2 stores in all of my huge city that actually carry TWO!![:@] 

Let us know how Roxie is doing!

She's doing about the same ... but I didn't expect amazing improvements this soon.  She has eaten a tiny bit of CA Natural.  When she first sniffed it, she stopped, and looked up at me like, "Um, where the heck is my Timberwolf!?!"  [sm=rotfl.gif]

I know she'll eventually eat it ... but I'm sure it's hard to eat any other dog food after eating the yummy yummy TWO! 

She's doing about the same ... but I didn't expect amazing improvements this soon. She has eaten a tiny bit of CA Natural. When she first sniffed it, she stopped, and looked up at me like, "Um, where the heck is my Timberwolf!?!"

I know she'll eventually eat it ... but I'm sure it's hard to eat any other dog food after eating the yummy yummy TWO!

 
[sm=lol.gif]   Oh...poor Roxie!  She misses her TWO!!    Do you mix anything into her dry kibble usually??
 
It will probably take a few days to really notice a big difference if there is going to be one. With JJ's feet it usually took about 48 hours to see a significant change in teh redness of his feet.