Is my Vetinarian correct?

Question

I went to the vet to get my puppy vaccinated the other day and the doctor's answers seemed a little odd. I want to know if anyone thinks the same.

I've been feeding him a very good quality food but he said you don't want to feed him just Nutrience for the rest of his life. My sis asked if it was ok to switch to a cheaper supermarket brand, he said "certainly!" He encouranged changing his diet and letting him try different brands (with a gradual change ofcourse). He said to feed him food scraps. My sis aked if bread was ok. He said "yes but not too often". I thought he would of said "certainly not" or something. He told me if I wanted to buy a crate, he showed me with his arms the length of around 1.5m long, which is quite large for a maltese crossbred. He told me that I didn't have to buy odour cleaners from the pet store, instead clean with normal cleaners and just give it a final good wash with water. I never heard you could do that before.

Tell me what you think???

sorry, the cleaning thing is about enzyme cleaners. I buy a cleaning product expecially for when my puppy does a mistake in the house. Apologies for the delay of telling you, I just found out about this feature.
It's interesting to see that most people here think that it's better to buy the cheaper stuff after I gave the question "What are the benifits of feeding a dog a good quality dog food product?" People answers that it was important, but I will take everyone's answers into consideration.

Answer 1

Millions of dollars are wasted on cleaners and the high priced dog foods. One of the first things we do when a puppy has diarrhea, not freak with parvo, but use cheaper dog food. The high protein diets should really only be fed when their are allergies involved. Just like you the dog needs different food groups. Usually the corn in other foods is what a pet is allergic to.

Iams has donated a lot of food lately and Ive told other rescues I couldn't use it and they switch off it and walla no more diarrhea. Most everyone is convinced that the high prices high protein is so much better. In most cases they are produced by the same companies in the same factory. Its a market for suckers. Ive heard really bad things about Nutro from a few vets so when it is donated I never use it anymore.

Personally I like Purina. I grew up on a farm and everything ate purina and is was long before all these diesease and all my childhood pets lived into my high school years. My dogs always get complements on their coats when we do parades and doggie function and you would not believe how many people don't believe simple dog chow can do it. The fancy foods are truly a waste unless their is a medical condition that requires a different diet.

Note he said your dog could have people food (bread "not often") It won't kill him. Many people go above and beyond.

As far as cleaners. I do rescue and I can get some nasty smells!!! I throw a little bleach in the carpet cleaner and you would never know. It amazes me how many people are buying the enzyme cleaners when all it takes is soap and water. And my house can often smell like a kennel when we get an unhousetrained adult dog or a litter of nasty puppies that have been dumped on the side of the road.

As far as crate you always want it bigger. Your pup is going to be crate trained before it is completely housebroken to be left out all day. You want your pet to be comfortable and feel secure not cramped and forced. I really like the ones with the dividers. As the pup grows or gets better with not messing in the crate you can give them more room. More room for toys and to roll around and play - especially the little breed. They like to play even as the age.

Im sorry your vet is right and it sounds like he is being very honest with you. Pets are a market anymore and Im glad to see he's not trying to take you.

Answer 2

I will tell you this, your vet is right, and may I add a good vet. My daughter is a vet. Too many times vets will tell you what you want to hear not what you need to hear. A good vet will not.

The fact is Dog foods are all pretty much the same. Read the labels. There are some out there with less proteins and crude fat (both of which are essential for your dogs digestion) more moisture less moisture, but when it comes down to the FOOD different dogs require different amounts of protein, minerals etc. Changing your dogs food every now and then is a really good idea. Think about it, how would you like eating Bacon, eggs toast OJ and potatoes every day three times a day? Not much fun but it contains everything you need.

There is also nothing wrong with food scraps. Dogs by nature are scavengers anyway and will eat almost anything including veggies. (actually you should feed them veggies. The problem with people food isn't that it is people food. Have you ever read what is in some of that stuff? There are more chemicals in some of your food than are in your toilet. From the chemicals in cattle and chicken food to the chemicals they use to process it. The pestasides in the fruit (washed or not, they are there). Read the label on a can of diced tomatoes. You would assume it is just tomatoes. Tomatoes, processed tomato juice (which there is no label for) Vinegar, salt, dehydrated onions and garlic, sugar, citric acid, spices (not listed)calcium chloride, (we buy this stuff to melt snow and is an additave in cement,Used as an additive in plastics,Tire ballast, Additive in fire extinguishers,Additive to control scaffolding in blast furnaces ) natural flavoring.


As far as the crate, would you want your bed room just big enough for your bed? A little more room for the comfort of your pet isn't a bad idea. Your pet will be happier too.

Odor cleaners and pet cleaners are the exact same cleaners you find in a store, just packaged differently. Read the ingredients. They charge more since it has a "pet" label so they can fall under different standards. I worked for a pharmesutical comany (won' t name which one) All have what they call a Scrap list. Products ready to expire and / or are over stocked. One of the "cleaners" we manufactured we re labeled as "pet" division and sold it to pet stores. This was product that was originally used for "people" now it is labeled for "pets" and is more expensive.

What do you think people did 40 or 50 years ago? Do you think they went to the store and bought dog food? The dogs ate left overs from the people. People didn't go to a "Pet" store to get cleaners for their dogs. Even the show dogs. What is really funny, their dogs lived on average longer than the ones we have today.

You have a good vet. Stick with him. He is honest with you and that is a quality rarely found these days.

Answer 3

Sounds to me like you have a down to earth vet. He could easily sell you on more expensive things, but instead he is on the more practical side. Chances are, your dog will eventually get in the trash...if he is adjusted to the occasional table food, it wont upset his stomach. As far as cleaners...he is right and you will save money. The only thing you should spend the extra money on is dog shampoo. Human shampoo tends to dry their skin too much.

Answer 4

This does seem a little strange - vets generally try to get you to use the food that is the most expensive, and only available from them!!!

Personally, i dont think there is anything wrong with feeding him a cheaper supermarket brand. I have two dogs and 4 cats, and they are all on supermarket brand food - the dogs are on cat food!! (I took advice from a vet, who explained that cat food is alot higher in nutrients than dog food, and it is ok to feed a dog cat food, but not vice versa!

I wouldnt feed him food scraps - just because we did with ours, and now they think they are human!!- also not bread - it bloats their belly.

As for the cleaners, if you mean to clean the dog, then baby shampoo is ok - you dont need to bath them very often - best to leave their natural oils in the skin. Again, I have had advice on bathing from my vet, who says that baby shampoo is just as good as dog shampoo, and half the price!!! If you mean to clean out the crate, then normal household cleaners are perfectly good enough. You wash your floor with ordinary stuff and puppy sits on it? Whats the difference?

The crate should be large enough for the dog to stand up in, and to have a corner for a waterbowl, some toys and a bed, so the crate size your vet said is about right.
Good luck with the puppy!!

Answer 5

Feed table scraps in moderation is fine. Feed him left over meats is fine. You can use normal cleaners for clean the dog crates. But please rinse well. I tend to stay with one dog food because switching often can sometimes outset the stomach.

Answer 6

It is recommend that you rotate protein sources in your dogs diet every couple of months. As far as finding high quality kibble in supermarkets-you won't. Feeding table scraps is ok as long as the scraps are meat,veggies,fruit-limit the breads,pizza,candy as these are bad for your dogs health if given too often. Buy a crate that is just large enough for your dog to stand and lay in comfortably. A crate too large may encourage your dog to poo in the crate. As far as cleaners go,please purchase an appropriate dog shampoo as human shampoos can strip the dogs coat of its natural oils. Regular unscented baby wipes can be used for quick cleanups with no problems though. Good luck!

Answer 7

I think your vet is an idiot. Supermarket brand dog foods aren't very good you need to feed your dog foods that list the meats first in their ingriedents if they dont then they are crappy foods. Scraps are ok as long as they are healthy ones like carrots and chicken.

Answer 8

no i dont agree with your vet i would go to a different one and get a second opinion.by feeding your dog scraps it will make him fat its ok occasionally as for feeding it bread thats definatly a no no but thats my opinion.i would also stick to the food your feeding him changing his diet too often can upset his tummy. i would also buy pet odour cleaners from the pet store i would also get rid of the vet i dont think hes giving you proper advice take care all the best with your dog.

Answer 9

i think you want to find a new vet and have the VET MED board investigate him. i once worked for a vet for only 3 days because he admitted to me that he didn't like house pets. he wanted only to treat horses. this after i asked him about his protocol when i assisted with a few dogs.

Answer 10

Most of what the vet said is correct, not too sure about the bread though, maybe if your were weaning your pup on to solids? but using different brands and a varied diet is correct otherwise your pup would become adjusted to one type of food and may refuse others, As for cleaning out your pups belongings normal household cleaners are ok as long as it it throughly cleaned out afterwards with water, oh, I think I may have misinterpreted all of your question, If you mean bathing the dog, No I would only use Dog Shampoo or maybe a very mild baby shampoo normal shampoo dries out doggy's skin and this causes irritation, Definately use a dog shampoo,