What do you think help pets live longer lives? (terriers, poop, vet)

[MAK802]

Originally Posted by luvmycat

Mak, you're right on-point about vaccs...WAY too many vets over-vaccinate and it only weakens the immune system so they can't fight off simple things as easily, thus leading to the need for chemical meds to treat stuff like diarrhea, which is easily managed with slippery elm as long as the immune system is functioning the way it should be!

Slippery elm...I'm totally trying that next time! On the dog, that is!

Originally Posted by flkingfan

Some dogs can be the picture of health, but then be gone the next day.

Absolutely. I know someone that lost a healthy almost 4 year old Bulldog in May (would have been 4 this month). Fed her breakfast on Saturday morning, then they both went back to bed. Sadly, bully died in her sleep of unknown causes. Such a sad and sudden loss. It's bad enough with declining health, but to find your young, healthy dog dead in her own bed has to be traumatizing.

[Boxerlady]

Originally Posted by MAK802

Absolutely. I know someone that lost a healthy almost 4 year old Bulldog in May (would have been 4 this month). Fed her breakfast on Saturday morning, then they both went back to bed. Sadly, bully died in her sleep of unknown causes. Such a sad and sudden loss. It's bad enough with declining health, but to find your young, healthy dog dead in her own bed has to be traumatizing.

Thats true!! You know its funny because every vet that seen Charlie has always been like "Boxers get this...Boxer get that...Start looking for tumors...." And Charlie honestly has never been the picture of health either. When they thought he may have had a brain tumor at 1 year old (I never had any of the super expensive tests done, so who knows....maybe he has one and is just lucky?), they said if he did have one he would have maybe 6 months to a year. Maybe. I have always prepared myself for Charlies death. Sounds sad but its something that has always been at the back of my mind.
But here he stands looking at me with that stupid boxer grin on his face healthier than he was at 1 year old.
Maybe its all my love I have given him!!

[MAK802]

Originally Posted by Boxerlady

Thats true!! You know its funny because every vet that seen Charlie has always been like "Boxers get this...Boxer get that...Start looking for tumors...." And Charlie honestly has never been the picture of health either. When they thought he may have had a brain tumor at 1 year old (I never had any of the super expensive tests done, so who knows....maybe he has one and is just lucky?), they said if he did have one he would have maybe 6 months to a year. Maybe. I have always prepared myself for Charlies death. Sounds sad but its something that has always been at the back of my mind.
But here he stands looking at me with that stupid boxer grin on his face healthier than he was at 1 year old.
Maybe its all my love I have given him!!

When we got our Bulldog, we were told to only use a Bulldog specialized vet. We have 3 in this area whose patients are mostly Bulldogs, and one of them only sees Bulldogs. People from all over the country come to see this guy, he is that good. Ours won't accept new clients any longer, unless they are Bulldogs . The reason we were told this was because "regular" vets will tell us everything that's wrong with our boy because they read a book about Bulldogs and that's the extent of their knowledge.

I thought nothing of it, until he got a bacterial infection on a weekend and I couldn't wait to see the regular vet. Sure enough, that vet said he is at risk for skin issues, dysplasia, allergies and that I should start him on meds for an issue that doesn't exits, and everything in between. He wanted to run all sorts of tests to help me "heal my Bulldog." He even recommended a "high-quality" diet of Royal Canin Bulldog formula. He said he's never hear of Orijen and it must be this "new age stuff." Yea, that was the first and last time I went to a non-Bulldog specialized vet. Not once has my vet said that he has issues and he actually commented that he's one of the healthiest Bulldogs he has at his office.

It's a shame that bad vets are out there, but I'm so glad I was told to avoid them from day one. Here we are almost 2 years later, with a very happy, healthy and stunningly gorgeous (ok, that part is subjective!) Bulldog that I love more than anything.

[Boxerlady]

Originally Posted by MAK802

When we got our Bulldog, we were told to only use a Bulldog specialized vet. We have 3 in this area whose patients are mostly Bulldogs, and one of them only sees Bulldogs. People from all over the country come to see this guy, he is that good. Ours won't accept new clients any longer, unless they are Bulldogs . The reason we were told this was because "regular" vets will tell us everything that's wrong with our boy because they read a book about Bulldogs and that's the extent of their knowledge.

I thought nothing of it, until he got a bacterial infection on a weekend and I couldn't wait to see the regular vet. Sure enough, that vet said he is at risk for skin issues, dysplasia, allergies and that I should start him on meds for an issue that doesn't exits, and everything in between. He wanted to run all sorts of tests to help me "heal my Bulldog." He even recommended a "high-quality" diet of Royal Canin Bulldog formula. He said he's never hear of Orijen and it must be this "new age stuff." Yea, that was the first and last time I went to a non-Bulldog specialized vet. Not once has my vet said that he has issues and he actually commented that he's one of the healthiest Bulldogs he has at his office.

It's a shame that bad vets are out there, but I'm so glad I was told to avoid them from day one. Here we are almost 2 years later, with a very happy, healthy and stunningly gorgeous (ok, that part is subjective!) Bulldog that I love more than anything.

I wish I knew of (and could afford!!) a specialized boxer vet!! I just stopped listening. When he gets a tumor, he gets a tumor. When he has heart issues, he has heart issues.
I am just glad I have had the time with my boy I have, considering I was told at year, I had 6 month-a year left with him if he had a brain tumor.

[tookey]

All of my dogs are 9-10 yrs old and they act like puppies despite the fact that all three are special needs. Nothing serious but they do need medication. I agree with skeet and the other posters tons of love and attention, respect and knowing that they truly belong in my home. Good food and a fairly stable routine helps as well. My vet recommended fish oil caps for my darling girl that has arthiritis it has worked great she gets around much better. I just know that I adore my fur babies and I would do anything for them. Sorry for gushing so much I can't help it once I get started I can't stop.

[Jerseykat]

Atina I too have a 40lb shepard mix but my Molly is 12 and bless her she is going strong. (yeah!)
Believe it's the combo of several factors that keep her so healthy.
She's a mix breed so she has managed to avoid many of the breed specific problems.
Her diet is very few table scraps(treat now and then) and kept to dry food mainly for her teeth (lol in fact next month she's due for a teeth cleaning).
She has regular vet check ups and is up to date on all her shots.
But I like to think it's the fact she is so loved and knows she is the queen, she's a happy dog and it shows.

[MAK802]

Originally Posted by Boxerlady

I wish I knew of (and could afford!!) a specialized boxer vet!! I just stopped listening. When he gets a tumor, he gets a tumor. When he has heart issues, he has heart issues.
I am just glad I have had the time with my boy I have, considering I was told at year, I had 6 month-a year left with him if he had a brain tumor.

That's the thing. We were warned that when vets see Bulldogs, they see $$$$$. Well, not the Bulldog vet. He is unbelievably cheap, to the point where I don't know how he makes money. He never charges an office visit and I never pay more than around $40 when I go in (though I don't go often, unless he's really sick). He's amazing, cheap, and knows the breed. I couldn't be happier. It's the regular vet I couldn't afford! Only downside? He's 30 minutes away! I must pass 50 others on my way to him!

[skeet09]

Add to the list: a great vet!
Definition of a great vet: reasonable price, understanding of our dogs needs, location is decent enough and semi flexible hours.

[StarlaJane]

Hey, I was going to say that (again)!!
A good vet is a dog's best friend. My vet is a big part of why my dog is healthy and alive at 9 years old. I can't say enough good things about her.

[Jellobiafra]

Personally, I think healthy food that is relevant for the species (in my opinion, Prey Model Raw diet, not a bunch of grains and crap that dogs are meant to eat), lots of exercise, and a happy stress free home.