Dog bloating, Torsion or Volvulus: It Could be Deadly!

A condition called torsion/volvulus or better known as bloating can happen to any dog but, it hits larger breeds and barrel chested dogs more than most.

From the research I have done, this condition is more apt to hurt your dog, if they do not slow down, when it comes to eating and/or drinking, especially after they have exerted themselves.  Stress is also not a good thing for them either, when trying to eliminate bloating from your dogs life.

Dog bloating is not 'always' preventable but, you can take some steps that just might help your dog from having to encounter this issue in the first place.

When bloating occurs, the dogs stomach will twist or as some, their stomachs will flip. When this occurs, the ends of each part of their stomach will twist on itself and close off. No food or water will be able to go in and nothing will be able to come out the other end.  

Bugg being in the category of a larger breed and also a barrel chested dog, I have taken some precautionary steps to help him all I can, to make sure this does not happen to him.


                          Let Them Play!

Bugg loves to play and play hard.  So I have him on a strict schedule.  After a good game of Alabama frizzbie, Bugg is so thirsty he would drink a gallon of water.  If I let him.  

As a 'good' and 'informed' mommy to Bugg, I do not allow this to happen.

Dogs are more apt to have their stomachs 'flip' if they gulp things too fast, before and/or after exercising.


Slow Them Down!

I give Bugg bowls of ice and not water. This slows down his consumption of water.  Bugg still gets his daily intake of water but, it is at a slower pace.

If it is a very hot day and the ice has melted or I feel too much water is being consumed by Bugg I will dump out most of the water.  

The best thing to do is, keep a eye on his water bowl, if you see that the ice has melted a bit too much, then dump out the water and add more ice to their bowl.

Remember: Slow them down! 


                      Ice, Ice, Buggah

We had started Bugg on ice since he was a puppy.  We saw the movie 'Marley & Me' some months prior to getting Bugg and we knew then, we would also have to take some extra steps with Bugg, so he might not go the way Marley did.  His dad is a 'huge' Yellow Labrador and as you can see, He does take after his daddy.

Bugg loves his ice but your dog might not like the ice at first, add a little water to the bowl at first and then gradually put less water in their bowl, leaving only ice.

                          Feeding time Can be Difficult

Bugg is well over 100 pounds. It is recommended that Bugg gets 8 cups of food a day. According to the back of the dry dog food bag. 

Not only do you have to worry about the amount of food they consume and how fast they eat it. You must also make sure your dog does not play hard one hour before they eat and one hour after they eat. 

Balancing Bugg's play time, his eating time and sleeping time is not easy but, when I see that sweet face, I know it is well worth the extra effort I have to put into his daily upkeep.

                                       Our Routine

For starters, in the morning Bugg goes outside, does his business and then comes in. Bugg has barely exerted himself at this time. So Bugg can have some ice and his breakfast.  Bugg then lays down and sleeps by my side for an hour.

If Bugg had played hard when we went out than I would make him wait an hour before he eats and wait  one hour after before he could once again play hard as he usually does.

I am very strict on this one step we must take.

Once again:  Slow them down!

I am weening Bugg off of dry food. I have noticed that he can clean out a bowl of dry in about ten seconds. So he will now have dog slop (food I make myself) and a vitamin.

When Bugg eats his slop, he is slowed down by the small grains of brown rice. This way Bugg is not able to suck his food up in a few gulps.

Remember: Slow them down.

Bugg Loves Snacks

Bugg is growing up. I give Bugg small snacks throughout the day. This will help curve Bugg's appetite during the day. 

So when Bugg does eat his meal, he is not trying to swallow the whole bowl of food, all in one bite. 

Some times Bugg is like a human toddler and he will refuse to eat, because he so busy playing and he is afraid he will miss something.

If this happens to your dog...

Do not double up on their food during his/her next feeding, the dog will be just fine.

I never give Bugg more than 2 cups of food at a time.

                I know this is time Consuming

I feel it is my responsibility to do all I can to make sure Bugg enjoys his life as one of our family members.  Remember:  'We' picked Bugg, he didn't pick us.

Bugg will be 1 years old, the end of this month and I want too make sure... 

Bugg is with us for many, many more birthdays to come.

Bugg Wants:  Food!

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different, it is acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

Southern Style Potato Salad: Done Mama's Way!

My recipe for potato salad is nothing fancy but, I have learned a few tricks that makes this hearty and delicious potato salad. One that will have your family coming back for seconds.

This is not a diet conscious recipe and I do not apologize. I feel after a hard work week or a weekend barbecue with friends, there is no reason why you shouldn't indulge in such a delicious recipe. 

I can not think of a better way of using up all those Easter eggs and serve this at your next barbecue and you will be the hit of the party.

                            Ingredients
5 pounds of russet potatoes
1 medium onion
1/2 cup dill pickles (I prefer claussen kosher dill)
1/4 cup of pickle juice
8 boiled eggs
3 cups mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard.
2 teaspoon salt 
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
sweet paprika

                                     Potato & Eggs

Peel your potatoes and then place them in a bowl of cold water. Set aside.  In a sauce pan, place 8 eggs. Add enough cold water, so the water covers your eggs.  Bring to a boil on high heat. 

Boil for 4 minutes. After 4 minutes are up, cover and take the pan off the heat for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes are up, take your cover off, drain your eggs and let them cool in a ice bath.

Cut Taters

Cut your potatoes in 1/2, then cut each half in 3 pieces. Place them in a 5 quart pot.

Cover with cold water. Turn your burner on high and bring to a boil.

Boil on high for 15 minutes.

Drain your potatoes in a colander. 

As in nature, all potatoes are not created equal... 

Just try to make each piece the same size, the best you can, it will be just fine.

Peel & Chop 

Finely dice your onions and pickles. Set aside in a 'big' mixing bowl. Pour your kosher salt over the onions and pickles.

When your potatoes are done, pour your 'drained' (hot) potatoes over your pickles and onions.

In a small mixing bowl add mayonnaise, mustard, pickle juice, cracked black pepper. 

Mix until well incorporated. Place a cover on top of both bowls and set them both in the refrigerator for thirty minutes.

Peel your eggs. Take six of your eggs, cut them in quarters and then dice roughly.  Place your diced eggs in a bowl, cover and set in your refrigerator.

Take one egg slice it, place it on a saucer, cover and put in the refrigerator. If you mess up with this egg, you have a extra boiled egg to cut up.  If you don't need the extra egg then just eat it, they are good for you.

                                 
Put it All Together

After your potatoes and eggs are cooled, add your mayonnaise mixture, diced eggs and mix well.  After it is well incorporated, cover and place in your refrigerator. For two hours.

Two hours later, take your potato salad out of the refrigerator, mix well and spoon into your serving bowl.

                     Make it Look Pretty

Place your egg slices on top of your potato salad. Lightly spinkle with sweet paprika (optional).

                                                               Now, all you have to do is, dig in!

This would be a wonderful dish to serve next to some barbecue on Super Bowl Sunday...

Super Bowl XXVII:  Football, Food, Fun and Yes, Pranks!

Try it next to a delicious...

Club Sandwich

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different, it is acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

It's a Bugg's World: This Dog Wants food!

I have made my dogs their food long before these two guys were in my life.  I find they are worth it and by making it myself, I know what is in it and that is very important to me and them.

                            Ingredients

Lentils are Good, for You & Your Dog

10 pound Turkey (defrosted)

6 cups brown rice

3 cups grated carrots

1 cup dried lentils 

2 potatoes grated (skin left on and washed)

Turkey liver (taken from inside of the turkey carcass)


Ask your veterinarian what foods your pet can eat and then see what kinds of vegetables they like.  Our last two guys Boo & max just loved spinach, I can't get these guys to place it in their mouths for more than a few seconds, then it is spit out on the floor. 


Skin It

I recommend that you use plastic gloves and also, that you do this task in your kitchen sink. 

This makes for a lot easier clean up. 

After your turkey is defrosted. 

Put on your gloves on, grab a hold of the skin, at the top of the turkey.

Place your knife at the top of the breast meat, where the skin starts.

Cut a slit down the middle of the skin, not piercing the flesh.

Flip the turkey over and repeat on the backside.


Pull & Slide

Take your knife and place it between the skin and the flesh.

As you come to a piece of skin that is connected to the flesh. 

Slide the knife through the white filmy part, as you are pulling the skin away from the flesh.

Do this all around the turkey, front and back.

I try to get as much of the skin off of the legs as I can and just leave the rest.

I do not even bother with the wings, it seems to be more trouble than it is worth. 

This will only add a little bit of fat and it will not hurt your dog in the least bit.


Make Crack'lin

Lay the turkey skin on a cookie sheet. Lined with tin foil.

Place your skinless turkey in a stock pan. 

Add water to your stock pot, trying to cover as much of your turkey as you can. 

If your lid will fit on your pot, cover with the lid. If not, cover the pot with tin foil.  Reduce heat and simmer 1 1/2 hours.

Place your cookie sheet with the turkey skin on it and place it in the oven (350 degrees) for 1 hour.

*If your turkey is not 'all the way' defrosted or you have a turkey that is bigger than 10 pounds. You may have to cook it a bit longer. 

The dogs do not care about the texture of the meat, you are not cooking for a human being. I have taken one turkey from the state of almost frozen and cooked it slowly in some water. 

The meat would not fit for us human beings but, the dog does not mind, they only want meat.


                         Add A little Veggie

Grate your carrots, it has taken me around 5 carrots to make 3 cups. I am not exact, I usually do it by eye. No diabetic here, so a few veggies will not hurt them.

Grate your potatoes. Place both the carrots and potatoes in a bowl of cold water and set aside.

Cook your brown rice, according to the package directions.  When done,  set aside.


Lentils Are Good!

There are a few steps I do while cooking my lentils, so the dogs do not have a problem with gas. When I say rinse or discard, please do. 

Do I need to say more.

Wash your lentils, place them in a pan, add 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.

Add a lid, turn the burner down to a simmer. Simmer for 40 minutes.  Pour the lentils in a strainer. 

Discard the lentil juice! 

Rinse your lentils and the pan in which you cooked them in! 

Place your lentils back in the pan.

Add two cups of water to the pan.  Set aside.


                          Veggie it Up!

Drain your potatoes and carrots.  Place your pan of lentils and water on stove. Add your Turkey liver.

Turn the burner on high, then add your potatoes and carrots to your lentils.

Bring to a boil, cover and set aside, off the hot burner and do not remove the cover. 

There will be enough heat trapped in the pan to cook the vegetables and liver.


Almost there Bugg

Grab your (clean) plastic gloves and start taking the turkey meat off of the carcass.

Remember, this is for your dogs, they are able to eat all, that is not bone or cartilage. 

Make sure you watch the bones around the leg meat. 

Why I love the plastic gloves: I can really get into it and get all that I can from this one bird. I am also able to feel for small bones.

Mix your brown rice, lentil/vegetables and turkey in two bowls.

I will put one bowl full in a plastic freezer bag and place it in the freezer for later this week.

The other bowl goes in the refrigerator for them to start enjoying as soon as it is dinner time.

Of course, I did not forget the turkey skin. When you take the skin out of the oven, drain off the fat. 

When the skin is completely cooled, break the skin up into pieces. Place the pieces in a bag and put in your refrigerator. I use them for training treats.

Just do not forget to keep a bit of the skin, to top off their first days dinner, with a crunchy piece of Turkey crackling.


Dinner time Almost

Do not forget to take this time to make this a lesson taught...

Make them sit and stay, before each meal.  Most dogs will take a mile, if you give them a inch, so keep control.

You can substitute the meat of your choice with this recipe. 

Also the vegetables. but... 

Just do your homework and make sure, you know what is good for your dog.

Not all 'people food' is good for our furry guys. 

Consult your veterinarian on any changes you want to make with your dogs dietary needs.


                         He is Worth it!

With a daily vitamin and other snacks throughout the day.  I know Bugg and his buddy Sweet Tee, will be healthy and able to stay with us for a long time to come. 

I REPEAT: Gain your knowledge of 'people food' you can feed your dog, before you change your dogs diet 

Some 'people food', can kill them!


All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different, it is acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

Our Dog Bugg: Yellow Labrador Retriever/American White Shepherd

Bugg aka Buggah

In my opinion, a yellow labrador retriever/American white shepherd makes for a wonderful mix when it comes to dogs. Bugg has been a joy to us ever since 'I' first picked him out. 

Bugg would never fit the requirements in any dog show, to fit in the category of either of the two breeds his parents are. 

Bugg is bigger than most yellow labrador retrievers or an even the American white shepherd. Both in height, length and weight.. 

For the last three years I have called Bugg, my never ending doggie.  He just never seemed to stop growing.  At three years old I am sure he is done growing and he did turn out to be a big boy.

Bugg has an American white shepherd backside, for the most part. The hind legs resemble an American white shepherd, as does his the fur on his hind legs. His tail is big and strong as a yellow labrador and yet fuller, as a American white shepherd's tail would be.


                     See Me Coming!

Or Heads

Other than a longer muzzle, Bugg looks like any yellow labrador retriever walking towards you. Bugg is built with a strong frame, as a yellow labrador retriever and yet, he has a narrow, sleek like body of a American white shepherd, as you look down his backside.

Bugg has the webbed feet of a yellow labrador retriever and he just loves to play in the water. The yellow labrador retriever was breed with webbed paws/strudy built, to help the fisherman, so the dog was better able to swim out and grab the nets full of fish.


                       Shepherd Behind

Take Care of Those Hips

Oh Yes, Bugg has the typical American white shepherd backside. This means, we must do what we can to lessen the load on those hips.

As with the German shepherds, an American white shepherd, will more than likely be hit with hip issues later on in life.  Our mixed breed dog that we had named 'Boo' that also had an American white shepherd mother, had a awful time with arthritis when he was around 12 years old. 

Yes Bugg is only 3 years old but, you must think ahead and take your dog's health into consideration for the long run.

I will keep Bugg at a healthy weight, this is key for lessening the pain that 'might' come later. 

Yellow labrador retrievers are notorious for over eating, that is, if you allow it. Remember, when it comes to 'labs', open mouth, 'just' insert!  Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, will put less pressure on his hips and lessen any joint pain as he gets older.   

Even though Bugg is showing no signs of his dad's side (Yellow Labrador Retriever) as far as, over eating.  It could change in time, so I will keep a eye on this.

Prevention is key to helping your dog live a full, healthy and fun life, to the end.


                             Do All You Can

My Husband built this ramp some years back when our dogs named Max and Boo were still with us.  Max had been a diabetic (insulin using) since he was 5 years old and when he turned 11 years old, he went blind.  It also helped his Dad Boo, since Boo was then 12 years old and suffering from arthritis in his hips.  

After Boo passed away in 2009 and Max in 2010 we had decided to keep it up for Bugg, in the hopes that it might help Bugg with any hip problems he might have to deal with later on in life.  I don't know if it will help Bugg but, I do not see where it will hurt him.


                             Grooming


With both a yellow labrador retriever and a American white shepherd, shedding is a 'huge' problem! I brush Bugg's coat at least 3 times a week and I never seem to get it all.

We wash Bugg only once every few months but, a lot of water time play and with me wiping his face and body off after he comes inside from playing outdoors, as he also suffers from pollen allergies.  


Also, with us brushing his coat out as much as we do, this helps in bringing out the natural oils of Bugg's coat and helping his skin.  Also, it gets rid of any dander (and what ever Bugg has rolled in while playing outside) keeping him clean and using less soap that can irritate his skin.  

A dog that has bad skin, will shed more often than most, so keep good care of their skin and this will help you combat the shedding problem, you 'will' have with a bread that sheds.


                             Those Ears

Keep those ears clean

Yes Bugg was blessed with the (cute as they come) floppy ears of a yellow labrador retriever but, they are also one thing you must maintain. 

At least once a day, I take two damp paper towels and wash out his ears. 

I make sure I do it later in the afternoon, after he has been playing outside and lord only knows what he has been into and what is hiding in those ears.

Be mindful of knots in their hair, just around their ears.  Their hair seems to get matted around this area very easily. 

When brushing lift those ears right up and brush the hair that surrounds their ears. Make sure you brush them once a day, this will stop the knots from forming.

We use a ear wash once a week we obtained from our veterinarian.  It is easy to use, just pour it in their ears and rub their ears around to distribute the solution. This will help bring up anything that has made it deep down inside their ear canal. 

The next morning, I will wash his ears out with paper towels.  If you have more than one dog, do not allow the other dog to lick around the other dog's ears (until you paper towel them), it might cause them to have a stomach ache.  


                              Ice, Ice, Baby

Ever since Bugg was a puppy, I would give Bugg 'ice' and not water. I noticed it helped a lot with his teething and it also can help your dog from becoming bloated. 

I will not allow Bugg to play hard one hour before he eats and one hour after he eats. This too can help your dog from becoming bloated. 

I am not going to say these few measures will stop your dog from bloating but, it 'might' help them from doing so. 

I also keep in consideration the amount of food I feed him at one time.  Very important!

                                 Big Boy

Bugg's personality is more on the yellow labrador retriever side of things, he is a gentle and fun loving guy.  This is why people state they do not make good watch dogs.  I tend to agree but... 

This is where Bugg's American white shepherd part of his personality comes in, Bugg is territorial, as most shepherds are.  

Bugg is 'on guard' when he is on the front porch or in the back yard.  Heck let a car drive by when he is inside or heaven forbid someone pulls up in the driveway, then he really struts his stuff, big bad Bugg. 

I find, having a dog that 'looks like' they will tear you apart, will deter most criminals.  If that line of protection does not work, then I have Bugg's back but, at least he warned me in time to be prepared. 

Though the Lab in him might want to go up and lick their faces and play.  I have found throughout the years that, if you treat any dog with love and respect, they will just naturally protect you, when needed.


                            Train Them!


For different reasons, depending on which breed is poking its head out, you must gain control of this big and strong dog. 

Train your dog from the get go, from the fun loving (at times could get them in trouble) yellow labrador retriever side, to the working mindset of an American white shepherd side, you must have control of this animal. 

Bugg was housebroken and was able to sit, within 3 days of us having him. It was tiring, it was a 24/7 job but, after a little time and effort and within a month, I had a darn good start on training him... 

At this point Bugg was able to sit, stay, go down on command, leave it and walk backwards when told. 

Bugg is a big guy and you must never forget, they are animals, you must train them!


                             Include the Kids

Not only should you put yourself as the alpha in your pack, you must make sure you make all humans in your family higher in the pack order over your dog/dogs. 

This includes the kids! 

Our grandson Tristan (2 1/2), already knows the command sit, leave it and come and he uses it on Bugg (also Tee) and yes, Bugg (and Tee) listens to Tristan. You must make your child the leader, especially in the dogs eyes. 

I must say though, these two just love each other and I know that Bugg would never hurt him but, why take the chance.  Your child should have the control over your dog, just as much as you do.  

As with any leader of the pack, Tristan will walk out of any doorway first, then the dog. This will show your animal who is who in the pack order and yes, Bugg is below, even the children.

Tristan at his age knows the commands for the dogs, I 'now' wish the other members in the family would do the same.  You 'must' make everyone use the 'same' command words, why confuse them.


                              Mouthing

Yep, Bugg sure was pegged with the Yellow Labrador retriever genes when it comes to this one trait, mouthing. Even though Bugg is a big guy, he has the softest touch with his mouth. 

Like with most yellow labrador retrievers, Bugg can grab a pea from my grandson's hand and the only evidence he would leave is a bit of slobber.

Now, I said Bugg could grab a pea from Tristan but, unless Bugg is being given the treat by Tristan, he has been taught to keep his distance, if he gets too close, Tristan will say "Leave it.". 

We have decided we have to 'somewhat' live with Bugg's (Yellow labrador retriever side) kisses, he just loves to give them.  If we allow Bugg to give us kisses every now and then (few times a day, at least) this  has helped to curve his 'mouthing', especially as he has gotten older.  

I mean come on, look at that face, I just can not say no, all the time.  Having been a mother to two teenagers, I know you must pick and choose your battles, he wins on this one.


                             We All love Bugg!

I have never owned a full blooded dog and I am fine with that, actually I like the spice the mixed breed adds to my life. Yes, I feel Bugg has the best of both worlds and we are all better for it. Just ask Bugg's little brother Sweet 'Tee' and I am sure Sweet 'Tee' would agree, Bugg is the best!


Yes dogs 'do' have Allergies, sadly! 

It's a Bugg's World & Bugg Wants turkey Dog food

Dog Bloating:  It 'could' Be Deadly

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different, it is acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)