First of all what can I do to continue to boost my Zackies immune system (it was wiped out after being on so many antibiotics)?
Second of all Training:
He didn’t get to participate in puppy classes like our other dog due to being under the weather so much. He knows all the basic commands of the beginner class (infact he is better at it then the dog we had in classes). Anyways I trained him at home.
Would he be required to take the beginner class or can he go on to intermediate? (We go through petco)
Either way would be fine i mean if he has to go through beginner he would have a better chance at socialization…..he didn’t get as much as we would have liked him to early on.
I just wanted to give an update on Zackie
He is doing so well and he is so happy. He is just living his life an having fun.
It appears that his last illness was not a flair up of pancreatitis but was all related to the parasite he had. So that means he has only ever had one flair up of pancreatitis. (the acute)
He is happy and well and he is looking forward to going on vacation in a few weeks. This will be his first trip to the Smokey Mountains. And his first time ever staying in a hotel.
Thank you all for your support and help
(By the way his immune system is compromised so yes he can get sick easier then most dogs but he can’t get other dogs sick…….but his immune system is slowly recovering it seems)
ADD: The vet suggested we keep him isolated and not let him around other dogs or let him get out much but what kind of life is that. I would rather him have a full life and it be shorter than a long life and be miserable and sad. I decided early on when he got sick that I was going to let him live and not shelter him just because he was more fragile than other dogs
(I know some people might think that I’m not doing whats in his best interest but I want him to live life. and that is what he is doing. He has already traveled many times and it seems life has already treated him well. He is almost 2 now)
Shelter pups: Thanks I am looking for all natural ways to boost his immunity I will try those (he has been on too many meds in his young life)
Canine Caretaker: I am looking to try to start him in intermediate.
You see our other dog did beginner and I taught this one at home due to his immune system. But I just want to try to put him in intermediate because it would be a waste to stick him in beginner when he already knows it. Our other dog is about to start intermediate and then she goes on to advanced
ADD: Shelter pups: It was just acute pancreatitis but he gets sick a lot not because of pancreatitis but because all the antibiotics he has been on wiped out his immune system and so he picks up little things.
He doesn’t have Chronic pancreatitis he just had that one flair up originally.
He is on a montly heartworm pill: Heartguard (I trust this one the most)
3. January 2010 at 07:10
Dogs get a lot of healing from sleep and sunlight. Give daily one sunny afternoon in a lawn chair and try not to worry.
3. January 2010 at 07:43
it seems your question is resolved but heres some supplements for immunity if you wanted:
1. Human grade probiotic to replenish the “good bacteria” in his system the antibiotics wiped out (this may be all you need)
2. apple cider vinegar, only a little in his water dish so he doesn’t detect it and not drink enough
3. vitamin C (ester c) it boosts immunity plus studies show it helps prevent/prolong joint pain/arthritis
Pancreatitis can be managed and is not from being exposed to the outside….it’s usually triggered by fatty/greasy foods. you should avoid treats except low fat ones.
Some parasites can be prevented with the montly heartworm pill Interceptor or Sentinal.
ADD: you might want to ask questions here about interceptor or sentinal, i know many on this forum who are very conscientious dog owners and trust those heartworm pills. Personally I am very much against over vaccinating, and tick/flea meds, and other chemical treatments. but I give the heartworm pills that will also prevent many parasites so they don’t need the antibiotics.
dogs who have a history of eating greasy or fatty foods are triggers for acute pancreatitis too. just fyi.
3. January 2010 at 08:08
Make sure to check with your veterinarian about medicines that may help your dog.
3. January 2010 at 08:51
A healthy diet and whole food supplements (such as Missing Link Canine; other whole-food supplements that can be good as long as the dog is not allergic and can have a beneficial effect on the immune system are Coenzyme 10 for dogs, probiotics, and even bee pollen). Just make sure you do not supplement with vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid, sodium Ascorbate or Calcium Ascorbate), as dogs make their own naturally in their liver, and giving too much can actually cause problems with liver and kidney function. Talk to your vet before starting any supplementing your dog’s diet, especially if you can track down a DVM who also has a degree in canine nutrition (many of them do not, and even more are only required to take short classes from companies such as Hill’s and IAMs).
As far as puppy classes go, most training facilities I have seen will require your dog to start at intermediate before moving up, however, they may be more lenient if you can prove to them that your dog already knows basic commands and provide notes from your veterinarian as to why your dog was unable to attend basic courses.
3. January 2010 at 09:15
I would suggest going to the beginner class a few times to get your dog used to the routine and experience of a class. Once you have established he is OK with it, then move him into intermediate. Being in the beginner class would also mean that you could concentrate purely on socialization at first.
I cannot think of much to help with the immune system other than time, I’m afraid. The only other think I can think of is the milk produced by a female with puppies, which contains antibodies for building up a dogs immune system. It would probably help – but would entail convincing someone to milk their dog.
I think letting your dog have a fun life is in his best interests. Dogs live in the moment and he has no concept of long term consequences, dogs are not trying to live forever. He is much better off enjoying whatever life he does have.
3. January 2010 at 09:35
oh marie i am so glad for both you and zack i am happy he hasnt got pancreatitis maybe the vet can prescribe some sort of vitamins for him that can boost his system give him a big hug from me and keep me posted