Q: I would like to know why Chico keeps eating grass when we start out on our walks. She does not ever throw up. Does it settle her tummy or is she lacking some nutrient?

A: Dogs are great at self-medicating if we let them. Grasses and 'weeds' often have much of what they need to support their well-being.

When I look at Chico it's not that she's missing nutrients, but she does need help with her digestion. I do see that the grass helps her digest better. Grass has chlorophyll in it. You may want to consider adding 1 tsp of liquid chlrophyll to her diet (once daily). LC purifies the blood stream, adds oxygen to the blood stream, balances blood sugar levels. Aplle Cider Vinegar (brands found in the health food store like Bragg's - not in the grocery store like Hienz) added to the diet 1 x daily acts as a natural digestive enzyme. It also boosts the immune system, can reduce inflammation and break down calcium deposits - so it's good also when there is bone or joint problems. Add 1 tsp to food 1x daily too.

I hope this helps.

Christine Agro
Date: Jul 21 2008

Q: Strider has a prescription of Tramadol HCL for some pain. I know it is used for pain control in dogs but I am worried about giving it to him. We are trying to keep him on his homeopathic route. He has done well on that and western medicines are a last resort to us. I am also not sure how much pain he is in, if he is in pain. If he opens is mouth too much that is wehn he whimpers but that has not occured in a while.?

A: Please give me a little more information about Strider and then I can check in with him.

How old is Strider?

What was the initial problem? Was it a western vet that prescribed Tramadol? And whoever prescribed it...what was the reason behind prescribing it?

Thanks,
Christine Agro
Date: Jul 21 2008

Q: Sorry another question. Pablo the 17 week old chi has been eating sophie's food which is adult food " toy breed Iams formula". Is this okay that he is eating an adult formula? They are tiny kibbles so he wont choke i just want to make sure he is getting nutrients he needs. If i buy him a puppy food and sophie my 1 year old chihuahua starts eating his food and not her's cause im sure this would prob happen will this hurt her diet?

A: Puppy food has more nutrients and more protein, which puppies need to develop a healthy physical body. So eating Sophie's food, he's not getting all that he needs - I'm guessing though that he still eats his food, so the main thing you need to watch out for is that he isn't getting overweight.

As for Sophie's eating Pablo's food, again Pablo's food has more protein and nutrients so Sophie could end up gaining weight from eating his food. It would be best to keep her away from Pablo's food.

I hope this helps.

Christine Agro
Date: Jul 15 2008

Q: The vet said that I was 9 yrs old when I was adopted now I am 12 yrs the vet said that I was.?

A: Hi Dixie,

I've been looking at this and I can't tell you exactly when you were born but I can tell you what astrological energies I see in your space. The most dynamic is Leo, with underlying virgo and acquarius. So based on this, I'd say either someone in your family was born under the sun sign Leo, or you were. But it is the energy that guides you.

I hope this helps.

Christine Agro
Date: Jul 15 2008

Q: Hi! It's Dixie again. This question goes to Christine. Chistine how can you tell when the birthday is of an adopted dog that was adopted at church? - dixie. P.S come check out my petpop home page please.?

A: Can you tell me how old the vet thinks you are? I checked our your page. Great photos!
Date: Jul 10 2008

Q: Christine my owner was taking me for a 15 minute run with me and for got to bring water. When we got back I was panting really hard for about 10 miuntes and I was not thirsty. Should my owner be concerned about me?

A: Hi Dixie,

From everything you've told me about yourself, running isn't a good excersie for you. Not only is your body not made for running, your previous health issues indicate going out of a run will be difficult for you. Excersise is important, but take a nice walk regularly.

In the summer especially, Heat stroke is serious concern. The humdity adds to the heat itself and since dogs don't sweat you can overheat quicker than you think.

If your fine now - meaning back to normal, not panting and drinking you don't have to worry, but as I said, I wouldn't go out for a run again.

If you are still have problems here are the signs of heat stroke - if you are experiencing these your person should cool you off and get your to the vet immediately. To cool off, hose down (make sure water is not hot in the hose); or place in cool water, sit by a fan, get into air conditioning:

Symptoms of heat stroke:
Rapid, frantic panting
Wide eyes
Thick saliva
Bright red tongue
Vomiting
Staggering
Diarrhea
Coma

I hope ths helps.

Christine Agro
Date: Jul 10 2008

Q: I have a yorkipoo and when we walk outside or he is running he does his horse -hacking-weezing sound...what is this do you have any idea?

A: This can be a common occurance in small dogs. It's often cause by over excitment and over exertion. Sometimes placing your hand over his nose so that he has to breath through his mouth can stop the attack. Also calming and soothing through petting can help relax. You could also try giving your dog some Rescue Remedy. It's a flower essence (vibration medicine) which can shift the vibration of the body and may help your dog to calm donw a bit.

I hope this helps,

Christine Agro
Date: Jun 30 2008

Q: Friday morning my puppy went swimming with one of his friends who got spooked and jumped caused my puppies head to go under water. Saturday morning he woke up wheezing, The vet checked him and said since his breathing isn't labored it should go away on its own. Sunday morning he is still wheezing a bit, is there anything I can do. I'm not convinced the vet was right?

A: When I look at your puppy I don't see water in his lungs. What I do see is like an asthma reaction to some sort of water plant - like a sea weed.

If it's still a problem, add 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar to his water (1 tsp to 1 pint - in anything other than a metal bowl) The ACV reduces inflammation and mucous build up and should help the wheezing. Replace the ACV each time you change the water. If he doesn't like it at first, cut back and introduce little by litte.

ACV is a great daily supplement to include. It supports the immune system as well as makes the body less attractive to fleas and other bugs. It also improves the coat.

I hope this helps.

Christine Agro
Date: Jun 30 2008

Q: About every other weekend, Cupcake and I go to my grandmothers, where there no animals. Also we lost a dog to age. Also she has been nudged by a horse foot, kinda hard. She swallowed approx. 3 ft. of string last year. And since then she hasn't felt good. We go to the vet quite often and they aren't able to help me with her behaviors, because they are always buisy with running tests for her; blood, stool. Something is always wrong with her. She moaps around the house all day and this morning she just yelped for no reason(which happens very often). I am very worried that I might lose her.?

A: Make sure that they've considered adisions disease.

This is from petdog.com...

"Addison's disease can be difficult to diagnose as it has symptoms that are similar to many other medical conditions. Diagnosis is always confirmed by having blood work done.

"The ACTH stimulation or response test is the only test that can accurately diagnose Addison's disease. The test requires that blood be drawn, the dog injected with the ACTH hormone, and then another blood test taken to measure the dog's response to the ACTH. The test is time sensitive so you may have to leave your dog with Veterinarian for a few hours.

"Measuring electrolyte levels is another way to diagnose Addison's because dogs with this disease often suffer from an electrolyte imbalance. This method is not as effective as the ACTH test and should not be considered a diagnosis by itself.

"Symptoms
Lethargy
Lack of appetite
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Muscle weakness
Shivering"

More from me...

Add 1 tsp of Liquid Chlorophyll to her food 1 x daily. It pulls toxins out of her body, balances blood sugar and adds oxygen to the blood.

Start her on a liquid glucosomine supplement (find on line - it's called flexicose and there is a version for pets) It looks like her rear end is out of alignment - possibly from the horse nudge. If there is an animal chiropractor in your area, I would have him or her do an alignment on her.

What does she eat?
Date: Jun 23 2008

Q: Can you bath a dog to much? Also how do you calm a dog other then of course petting etc while you give them a bath?

A: Yes, you can definitely bathe a dog too much. A dog's skin contains oils and if you bathe too much the skin can get dried out.

However if your dog is experiencing skin problems, too much bathing may only be one part of the problem. Skin problems in dogs is often caused by toxic build up within the body that occurs when the digestive system isn't working properly.

If there are skin problems, let me know and we can discuss what to do.

In terms of calming a dog during a bath - I use aromatherpy based shampoos that help calm and soothe during the process. You can play soothing music, try dimming the lights and also try hooking up a hand help sprayer to the faucet that you can direct to the area you want to rinse. Temperature of water can help also. Cold water feels just as bad to a dog as it does to you, so be sure the temperature is comfortable.

I hope this helps.

Christine Agro
Date: Jun 22 2008

Q: Cupcake is only about one and a half years old but she acts like she is a senior. She sleeps all day, only eats certain food (im constantly changing food), she never plays with me, she always whines for no reason, and she thinks she doesn't listen to me. When I first got her, she didn't do this, but recently, I see this every day. I can only get her hyper after she takes baths. Can you help me get my hyper, little puppy Cupcake back?? Thanks-Alecia Cupcake?

A: There are many reasons physically why a dog's behavior, appetite and energy level might change like this. You should take her to the vet and things they should check for include parasites, thyroid problem and adisions - but there are many other conditions that could cause this.

As I'm writing, I just got a flash, and if she has experienced a loss, separation or some sort of trauma, these are also signs of depression.

Let me know if there's been a loss of some sort and we can talk about ways to support a dog experiencing depression.

I hope this helps,

Christine Agro
Date: Jun 22 2008

Q: My puppy does this thing where she gets down on her forearms, but keeps her rear end up in the air. My mother thinks it relieves pressure off her gut. I think it is just something she does, only she started doing this "yoga" thing since I got her at approx. 4 months. Can you give me an explanation????

A: Your dog's doing 'doga'. Dog's will move between downward facing dog and upward facing dog to help their bodies stretch. Downward facing dog, the move you described your dog doing, does in fact support the digestive system as well as stretch the spine and legs.

Enjoy your dogini and if someones leading a "doga" course in your area, consider signing her up. Dogs LOVE yoga!

I hope this helps.

Christine Agro
Date: Jun 22 2008

Q: ever seens marias sister fendi died maria has had some changes in the way she acts like when fendi was alive maria was laid back and calm. now that fendi is gone maria has been bitting us and has been irtable and hyper why could she have this dramatic mode swing??????

A: Dogs do experience loss and grieve - but given the flea infestation, and my noting an imbalance in her system, I think her behavior is due to something go on with her. If you havent' taken her to the vet for a check up, I would suggest you do. When dogs don't feel well, their behavior can change dramatically as you have described.

They flea infestation alone might be enough to make her feel miserable, but I'm getting that there is something else going on. I'm answering this question first, but I will provide more insight regarding diet in my next response.

Christine
Date: Jun 22 2008

Q: hi christine i asked you a question about marias fleas where you said "On a holistic level - something must be out of balance in her system that she is making such an inticing host to fleas this year. I would look at her diet, make sure she is eliminating well" we can not get her to eat any dog food. the reason why is because when she was at the age where she could eat dog food that was when all those dog food recalls were going on so we fed her chicken and sometimes table scraps and we have ben feeding her that ever seens so could that be why fleas are atracted to her???

A: Dogs need a balanced diet and where a home cooked meal is really great, it still needs to be balanced. My suggestion is instead of feeding maria table scraps, make her a meal - if your diet is full of vegetables, you can make her meals along with yours however, it should include chicken, vegetables and a brown rice, quiona, or millet. You should also be giving her a canine multi vitamin.

There is a great dog food book called "Better Food For Dogs" that offers receipes based by weight and includes varriations on each receipe for varrious meats.

I would also add into Maria's food the following: 1 tsp of liquid chlorophyll to pull toxins out of her body; 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar which will boost her immune system among many other positive benefits and I would add in a digestive enzyme (prozyme for dogs is available on line or at most pet stores - or there are others including plant based enzymes.)

It is possible that a deficincy in her nutrition is leading to her behavioral issues, but I would first have her checked by a vet to make sure there isn't a disease state that needs to be addressed. Also check her physical body - look for wincing or biting when you touch her hips or legs.


I hope this helps.

Christine Agro
Date: Jun 22 2008

Q: Mommy thinks she shows me she loves me. Like she will hug me and kiss me and I will lick her face. Mommy takes this as a sign that I know she loves me. What are ways can she show she loves me, or is this enough?

A: There are so many ways that your Mommy shows you that she loves you - feeding you, walking you, petting you, hugging you, kissing you.

As long as your Mommy is doing all these things - she is doing all that she can to show you that she loves you. Plus, you just know that she does!

Christine Agro
Date: Jun 16 2008

Q: Hola again! Mommy is adopting a furiend for me since I get so lonely and sometimes Mommy does not want to play. Besides, she thinks it would do me good to get me a furiend other than the ones at the dog park. Mommy wonders, is it ok to get a male dashound for me? Mommy can never find another Chihuahua so she thinks this is pretty close. I am very playful. They shelter pets are of course neutered and I am going to be neutered in a few days.?

A: Hi there,

A dachsund doesn't look like the right friend for you. It looks like the two of you might not get along so well. I know you are looking for another small friend. I would suggest your Mom go to the rescue and see who might be right for you. She should be able to see how you and your possible new friend get along.

I'm seeing a slight larger, more relaxed dog as a friend, rather than someone who matches your spunky energy!

I hope this helps.

Christine Agro
Date: Jun 16 2008

Q: My 1 year old chihuahua Maria has had weak back legs ever seens she was a little puppy and to make matters worse she did fall off the couch when she was little which caused her to limp that first 1 ½ week after the event happened is there anything I could do to help her legs become stronger?

A: If she isn't on a liquid glucosomine supplement, this might help. I also see water therapy - if there's a place around you that does pool work with dogs (it's not the same as having them swim on their own) it would be a good thing to look into.

Has she been check by a vet - because it looks like she may have a problem with her knee floating or shifting - which could also be cause of the weak back legs. This often requires surgery, but the liquid glucosomine and water excerise can help, even in this case.

I hope this helps.

Christine Agro
Date: Jun 16 2008

Q: My baby maria has had an outraigis number of fleas this year. We have tried everything to get rid of the fleas.we have put 7-dust all over the yard,put k-9 advantage on her, and have even tried some home remides off the internet for fleas.but nothing seems to work it gotten so bad that we cant even let her out in the yard. Even when we don’t let her out and she doesn’t have any fleas on her.she itches constantly. What should I do for her?

A: I'm not a big fan of the flea products - but K-9 advantage not working, makes me wonder a couple of things: 1st - is it really fleas and second was the packge expired? With a situation a extreme as this, and given you've used natural solutions, I would try a different product to try to get this uncontrol. Your baby must be miserable.

On a holistic level - something must be out of balance in her system that she is making such an inticing host to fleas this year. I would look at her diet, make sure she is eliminating well. You can adding apple cider vinegar to the food or water (1 tsp once a day - if in water make sure it is not a metal bowl) can make the body inhospitable to fleas. You can rinse her body with apple cider vinegar to help stop the itching. Unfortunatley, sometimes one flea infesation can set off itching that doesn't go away even long after the fleas are gone. Soak her body in apple cider vinegar - let it sit on her for 5 mintues before rinse, or you can even let it dry on her.

You can also try dusting her with cornstarch.

I hope this information helps.

Christine Agro
Date: Jun 16 2008

Q: I was trying to do some research on the different types of oils used in making homemade dog treats, I know that canola oil isn't all that great, so I was wondering is safflower oil ok or would olive oil be better? If safflower oil is ok would you be able to tell me the benefits of using? Thanks Lyric's Mommy- Jenn?

A: Hi Jenn,

Did you get a response from Christie? I think she would have better information for you on this. If you didn't let me know and I'll see what I find in my books.

Christine Agro
Date: Jun 16 2008

Q: thanks for the help, is drinking water from the grocery store sold in the gallon container just tap water? If it is I will be switching right away.?

A: Do some research - google the bottler of the water and found out what it is. If it's purified tap water, I have the same concern - does the filtration process pull out the drug residue?
Date: Jun 05 2008