This page is purely informational about products that work for my dogs and those of Lil's puppy purchasers.

Dog Food / Puppy Food

All the puppies will be eating Purina Pro Plan Puppy Kibble ( Chicken )  as well as the mommas. The puppies do well on this  food and I have found it to be very easy on the puppy's tummys. There are other quality brands but some I have tested caused my pups to get the runs. I also like Taste Of The Wild and will also use this product at times. It is a grain free diet and this is a plus because so many dogs seem to have allergy to grain. You might consider a grainfree diet for your dilute puppy/dog. For more information go to the Taste of the Wild website: 

http://www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com/ 

My adults love the Purina Pro Plan Shredded Formula

 

Shampoo 

A shampoo I especially like for my dogs is EQyss Micro Tek Pet Shampoo - it gets my doggies nice and clean. Though as soon as they get out they find something nasty to roll in like a dead frog or lizard. :-/  I am told this urge comes from their wolf ancestry whereby the wolf would camouflage his scent when hunting. Well I think it's just nasty. 

 Anyways - the shampoo has a nice scent and is easy on the coat and skin. (It combines anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial ingredients to create a healthy environment for healing. Helps control flea dermatitis, seborrhea, hot spots, dry itchy skin, pet odors and more.) Use with Eqyss Micro-Tek Pet Spray. Smells great and soothing to the skin! 

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Cologne

I often get requests for the cologne I use on my puppies - It is called "Groom'n Fresh Cologne". The scent is nice and lasts a long time. 

You can find these products online - I normally use Revival Animal or Jeffers Pet for my orders but Amazon and other places also sell these items. 

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The medicine cabinet

For allergic reactions to vaccines, itchy allergy, bug bites ( including minor snake bites ) -  I use Benadryl.

For any serious cuts and open wounds or summer itch - I use Nu-Stock - this stuff stinks so use gloves but wow! it works wonders. It does a whole lot more than I have listed including mange control, ear mites, ringworm etc so be sure to look into it. 

Pepto Bismo works well for minor stomach irritations - possibly due to eating table scraps or something dead found in the yard. My dogs have an affinity for kitty poopy - GAG!!

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Apple Cider Vinegar - diluted 50% with purified water - can be used for many ailments. I like to use it as an anti-bacterial /antimicrobial - for example to disinfect a wound or scratch - also good for ringworm as you will see below.

Neosprin also can be used on minor cuts and such. 

 

For Health, Coat, and Skin

Any dog that suffers from intestinal problems / skin conditions / allergies will be helped by the addition of "enzymes" to it's diet. These enzymes are found in the Nuvet Plus supplements that I use here. More info on this wonderful product is on the Dilute Color Care page - please take the time to read it. Here is a link for ordering the Nuvet Plus that I use: http://www.nuvet.com/96103

Another product that my mom uses on her older dachshund who has allergies is Nzymes which you can google and find online. She tells me that it is absolutely wonderful for digestion. The Nzymes help with digestions and better absorption of nutrients.

 

Ear Margin Disease -  AKA Leather Ears and Fractionated Coconut Oil

Some dogs can develop a crusty feel to the margins of their ears with itchiness which if not dealt with can cause a lot of pain and discomfort to the dog. Some old timers called this leather ears. From what I read the Veterinarians do not know what actually causes it but some wonder if it is connected to getting a Rabies Vaccine - something to do with autoimmunity.

I had a dog that after getting the Rabies Vaccine had started developing the crustiness on the ear margins and began scratching constantly. I would check the ears for mites but did not see any. I didn't know what was going on but apparently the itchiness was from whatever was causing the crustiness on the margins. It kept getting worse and the dog scratched until raw areas and sores appeared . I did some research and discovered the cause and read where prescription medicine and sprays would be needed to control the disease but that It would not be cured. 

Not good news. I didn't want my dog on prescription meds for the rest of it's life. 

I decided to try Fractionated Coconut Oil to relieve the itchiness. I soaked the ear margins 2 x a day with Fractionated Coconut Oil. I gently massaged it into the affected areas and I would even gently and carefully wipe the inside of the ears with the oil making sure to not let it get into the ear canal. This treatment relieved the itchiness considerably. I continued this routine 2 x a day and after two weeks noticed the crustiness was flaking off as I  massaged the oil into the ear margins. As the crust fell away it took hair out with it.  Eventually the margins of the ears were bald. After 3 weeks of starting the treatment the itchiness was completely gone and the crust was also completely gone. The ears were now free of  itchiness and crust and are so soft and pliable. The disease was gone as best I could tell. I continue with the Fractionated Coconut Oil treatment a few times a week as maintenance. It certainly does not harm the dog and I believe it is actually beneficial. In time all the hair on the ear margins grew back. 

I hope this helps someone out there.

 

Flea Prevention and Control  

I rotate the following:

1. Advantage for fleas. Advantage is safe for puppies. However I do not use it regularly on my adult dogs as it just isn't working like it use to.

2.I changed to Activyl Plus and this is doing the job (UPDATE-Activyl Plus has been discontinued)

I am trying Advantage again - as well as Frontline Plus which I will use during tick season because we live in the woods and also need tick prevention which this provides - hopefully these will work this time.

3. Comfortis for fleas. During times when Florida is infested with fleas this is a great product that seems to work and it's a chewable which is a plus however it is more expensive.

4. Diotamaceous Earth for fleas / ticks / etc. I rub a little on each dog on ears and back and I also spread this product in all crevices and where the wall meets the yard as a natural holistic approach to control all kinds of bugs ( like those yucky spiders - Aaack!)

I also spray the yard with permethrin every other month. 

I guess I'm kinda over cautious. My husband says that spiders are my friends but I vehemently refuse to believe him!!

 

Heartworms

What I use: As a Heartworm preventative and cure.
I use Ivomec (Ivermectin) 1% - dosed orally @ .1cc (1/10th ml) per every 10lbs, every month, year round.

Many veterinarians recommend and many owners use a year-round heartworm prevention program to guard against the many disease carrying mosquito flying about in Florida- even in our mild winters. 

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Intestinal Worms

TAPEWORMS: 

These come from the dog chewing on itself and swallowing a flea - the flea carries tapeworm eggs which hatch in the intestine and viola - the dog now has tapeworms. The best prevention is flea control. However - sometimes it happens anyways so if you see rice like "worms" in your dog's stool - don't panic- it's tapeworms which are easily eradicated with over the counter medicine you can buy at Walmart. The ingredient used in these medications is Praziquantel. 

 

What I use for other worms:

I dose  Safeguard (10% Fenbendezol) which is the same as  Panacur. I use the Safe Guard about every other month as it targets parasites that the other wormers do not.  Before leaving here puppies get dosed with Strongid-T ( which is Pyrantel Pamoate ) one time then Safe Guard next time - and repeat.  

Dogs are victims of several internal parasites frequently referred to as worms. The most common are the roundworms that infest most puppies at some time in their young lives and tapeworms that can be a problem when flea infestations are high. Evidence of roundworms and tapeworms can be seen without the aid of a microscope, but other worms are not so easily diagnosed. Occasionally adult whipworms can be seen in the stool when the infestation has already caused some debilitation or weight loss in the dog. Early diagnosis of the presence and species of intestinal parasite is important, for not all worms respond to the same treatment. Therefore, stool samples should be taken to the veterinarian for microscopic examination if worms are suspected. Many veterinarians include the stool check as part of the annual health examination. Most worm infestations cause any or all of these symptoms: diarrhea, perhaps with blood in the stool; weight loss; dry hair; general poor appearance; and vomiting, perhaps with worms in the vomit. Also, if your puppy seems to have difficulty going poopy consider that he may have worms. A dose of Pyrantel will solve the problem. 

However, some infestations cause few or no symptoms; in fact some worm eggs or larvae can be dormant in the dog's body and only activated in times of stress, or in the case of roundworms, until the latter stages of pregnancy, when they activate and infest the soon-to-be-born puppies. And this is why puppies need to be wormed. 

Roundworms do not typically infest adults. However, as mentioned above, the larvae can encyst in body tissue of adult bitches and activate during the last stages of pregnancy to infest puppies. Worming the bitch has no effect on the encysted larvae and cannot prevent the worms from infecting the puppies. Although roundworms can be treated with an over-the-counter wormer found in pet stores, a veterinarian is the best source of information and medication to deal with intestinal parasites. De-wormers are poisonous to the worms and may make the dog sick, especially if not used in proper dosage. 

 

Coccidiosis

The primary sign of an animal suffering with coccidiosis is diarrhea. The diarrhea may be mild to severe depending on the level of infection. Blood and mucous may be present. The possibility of coccidiosis should always be considered when a loose stool or diarrhea is encountered in the 4 - 12 week age group. A microscopic fecal exam by a veterinarian will detect the cysts confirming a diagnosis. I treat all my puppies for coccidea even if not showing signs as a preventative before they leave here. 
NOTE: Coccidia is nothing deadly if treated properly. 
It should be mentioned that stress plays a role in the development of coccidiosis. It is not uncommon for a seemingly healthy puppy or kitten to arrive at its new home and develop diarrhea several days later leading to a diagnosis of coccidia. Usually coccidia was present but only surfaced due to the stressful period of the puppy or kitten adjusting to a new home. 

Cockroaches and flies can mechanically carry coccidia from one place to another. Mice and other animals can ingest the coccidia and when killed and eaten by a cat, for instance, can infect the cat. Even bird droppings can have the coccidea. The coccidia species of dogs and cats do not infect humans. 

Fortunately coccidiosis is treatable. Drugs such as sulfadimethoxine (Albon), trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (Tribrissen) and amprolium (Corid) have all been effective in the treatment and prevention of coccidia. Because these drugs do not kill the organisms, but rather inhibit their reproduction capabilities, elimination of coccidia from the intestine is not rapid. By stopping the ability of the protozoa to reproduce, time is allowed for the puppy's own immunity to develop and remove the organisms themselves. Drug treatments of five or more days are usually required. Because coccidia is spread by the feces of carrier animals, it is very important to practice strict sanitation. All fecal material should be removed. Housing needs to be such that food and water cannot become contaminated with feces. Clean water should be provided at all times. Using disinfectants which work well against coccidia such as Clorox bleach, incineration of the feces, and steam cleaning, immersion in boiling water or a 10% ammonia solution are the best methods to kill coccidia. Coccidia can withstand freezing. 

Thank God I have an old time vet Dr Billy Austin DMV who is willing to work with me. 

He is so knowledgeable in all things puppy and prescribes Ponazural for coccidiosis. I consider this is a most wonderful drug - it works amazingly fast and does the job in only 3-4 days dosing 1x day. What astounds me is that other vets do not tell their breeder clients about this medicine.  

 

Ringworm 

Ringworm is a fungal infection that invades the hair and hair follicles. Most cases are caused by Microsporum canis. Ringworm in dogs is primarily a disease of puppies and young adults. Typical areas of involvement are the face, ears, paws, and tail.

Ringworm is transmitted by spores in the soil and by contact with the infected hair of dogs and cats. Ringworm takes its name from its classic appearance: a spreading circle of hair loss with scaly skin at the center and a red ring at the periphery. 

Ringworm mimics many other skin diseases, so an accurate diagnosis is essential. 

Ringworm treatment for Dogs 

 If nothing is done, a healthy dog’s immune system will fight off the ringworm in 2-4 months. If that is too long for you to wait, or your dog has an immune deficiency, you will need a quick, effective treatment for the fungus. 

With only one or two areas of involvement, apply a topical antifungal agent containing miconazole 2 percent cream or 1 percent lotion twice a day in the direction of the lay of the hair. My vet, Dr Billy Austin DMV, recommends Womens Vaginal Cream which contains miconazole - cheap and works. Continue treatment until the skin is healed. Be ready to treat the dog for at least four to six weeks.

When several sites are involved, repeat the treatment just described, and add an antifungal shampoo containing miconazole or another shampoo labeled for the treatment of ringworm. Continue to treat for two weeks beyond apparent cure. Longhaired dogs may need to be shaved for effective treatment.

A holistic cure and preventative measure is Apple Cider Vinegar. Bathe with a nice gentle herbal shampoo like the Lavendar Shampoo or Micro Tek that I recommend, or one that you would use on your own hair, rinse thoroughly, and then sponge on Apple Cider Vinegar diluted with equal amounts of warm water. Allow your dog to drip dry. With q-tip you can add a 50/50 dilution of Apple Cider Vinegar / Purified water solution to the ringworm site several times throughout the day -( just make sure the ACV is 50% diluted with purified water). 

ASK me about "airplane ears" AKA "Flying Nun" ears

Does one or both of your puppy's ear stand out to the side instead of folding nicely downward and framing the face?