Cheez Whiz?
 

Since bringing Fabian (now six months) home, we've been feeding him only Fromm's Adult Gold and organic chicken.

Yesterday at his obedience class at a highly-rated school, one of the instructors took a liking to him and spontaneously gave him Kong with Cheez Whiz in it. She proudly announced that she keeps a can in her car because "it lasts forever". (Right, because its not actually real food, lady!) Of course, he ate it up before I could reach the Kong.

While I think her heart was in the right place, I was really grossed by the entire situation. We certainly don't plan to feed it to him again. We'll also ask them not to feed him again. I'm just so surprised that someone would just feed someone else's dog without asking: he could have had dietary issues she didn't know about.

Am I just being an over-protective Yorkie mom? My husband had no problem with her doing that.....

We should be over-protective moms. I had the same situation in my vet's office. One of the staff came in to weigh & take my Muffin's temp and the first thing she did was open a drawer behind her and give my Muffin something that she ate. It was a Greenie! I was so stunned when I saw the pkg in the open drawer that I had to bite my tongue to give her a piece of my mind. Now I want to change vets because I don't want them feeding her crap when my back is turned. Sometimes they take the dogs into onother room to give them shots, stating that they need someone other than the owner holding them. I think they don't want to get bit coming at mom/dad with their hands out to reach them for their shot. Anyway... I don't feed my pups crap and Greemies and Cheezwhiz fits that category. So... I agree with you. We need to stand our ground when it comes to the health of our dogs... and WHY would someone who is supposed to be a professional do something like that!?!! :(

I forgot to say that Greenies are wheat.

Yikes! The first two ingredients in Cheese Whiz are whey and milk (I just looked it up). Since dogs are generally lactose intolerant, this could lead to diarrhea. I am so tired of other people giving dogs unauthorized treats. THEY don't have to deal with the aftermath, the owners do. I would give the obedience instructor a piece of my mind. Their heart is NOT in the right place if they are trying to please a dog in the short run and send it home with diarrhea.

You're not being over protective. If I couldn't stop it before it was given to my dog I would tell them the dog is on a strict diet and not allowed to eat anything out of the ordinary. How do ppl do things like that?

You can just say next time thanks but I'd rather not feed that.

I think that changing vets is a little ridiculous just because they gave them a treat. You can simply ask them not to give any treats but one little bite of something unless they have food allergies isn't going to hurt. It would be like you eating a bite sized candy bar. Greenies have actually changed there recipe since the days of them not being digestible to they aren't so awful. They opt to take the dog into the bark for several reasons like dogs generally behave better away from the owner and they can get sued if your dog bites you. You can request that they do everything in the room.

Yeah, tbh, this wouldn't bother me.

I do understand the notion though and why you'd be annoyed. But 99% of dogs aren't going to have a bad reaction to a little squirt of Cheeze Whiz. Honestly, it's a common treat used during training classes such as agility because it's fast, easy, doesn't make a mess, the dog gets a high value reward and then you get back to your next obstacle. I only give high value treats during special times like when he goes to the groomer or vets or things like that since he hates it soo much so I like to give him so he associates these things with something REALLY good.

No diarrhea. Instead, he was backed up for a few days.

Pumpkin is the miracle food it fixes diarrhea and constipation.

Pumpkin ???? Explain plzzzzz.....in a can? Or I need to boil it or bake it??
My Runty often gets diarrhea w/o a reason ( I think he has a nervious stomach...poor thing !!)..... :(

I agree....I hate when people try to give my pups anything. Years ago, my George got sick from "vitamins" the ophthalmologist was giving him during an exam. They were the chewables. He ended up with pancreatitis and I was sure it was from them. :( I did blame myself....I was thinking I should say something and held back. Kicked myself afterwards when he had to be hospitalized.

I'd tell that clueless instructor that pancreatitis and IBS are serious, even deadly illnesses and fatty type foods can bring it on in Yorkies and no doubt other dogs! Anyone who has sat through the night at the Emergency Vet Clinic with their dehydrated, very ill toy dog after bouts of bloody diarrhea and vomiting from a "dog treat' thoughtlessly given without thought of some dogs' predisposition to IBS/pancreatic/liver problems, knows what I am talking about.

Please, please, please don't feed others' dogs until you know if they can tolerate your 'treat', vets, instructors, family and friends and others!!!!! It's not always a kindness in the long run!

It's canned pumpkin but you have to make sure your not getting pumpkin pie filling just plain pumpkin.

I think it comes from a good place not meant to cause issues. I would think if you were going to a trainer or something that you would start off in your very first meeting saying your dog has health issues and such. The only one I have issues with is Callie because she has IBD but Callie won't take anything from strangers or other people.

Maybe it came from a 'good place' but it's not about people - it's about the dogs and those that love them more than life itself! Not every dog owner or dog services provider is that clued-in or plans ahead so carefully in this life so best thing anyone dealing with others' dogs is not to feed anything other than that provided or approved by the owner. Period. Especially toy dogs with all of their known sometimes severe IBS problems. Trust me, once you've watched your beloved little dog suffer, can't even get out of the crouch position for minutes at a time due to bloody diarrhea, vomiting once they do stop pooping, for hours and drugs aren't yet working, your wallet is empty or near it due to $1200 night ER fees and medications, you've been up all night and are expected somehow to report for work at 9:00 a.m., all due to a 'treat' provided by someone who never gave a thought about it, you don't think they came from such a 'good place' or had ANY responsible 'dog knowledge'.

This day and time, ANYONE with any dog knowledge knows not to feed others' dogs without first clearing it with the owner/guardian if they are true doglovers. Don't even get me started on 'well-meaning' treat-givers!

I have to disagree. When you are at training classes the trainers will come over and help and generally they have their treat of choice in a pouch around their waist so if there is an issue with your dog and treats you have to speak up. Most training places even supply treats so you have to be open with them if your dog has issues. I go to pet expos and dog events a lot and each table has a different dog treat and I would say only half of them ask. My vet has given my dogs treats before and they are very educated in dog issues. I think that stomach issues are not a big norm so it's not thought about. I still think the people are coming from a good place and I don't think it means they aren't true dog lovers.

Glad to hear that is your experiences but you could likely change your mind if you ever have the sole responsibility for a tiny dog with lifelong IBS and its very expensive veterinary bills along with all your own and those who give your dog 'treats' and feed it despite your warnings about its stomach problems and diet restrictions - and there are more than a few instances of 'treaters' waiting out there. Family members who visit at holidays and feel sorry your cute little dog can't partake in any of the goodies, friends, pet store workers, all want to 'treat' cute little dogs(often on the sly and quite behind your back) and even had a vet who kept giving my IBS-hospitalized dog a Rx food that was making her worse to the point she was fading until I had to take her care from that practice - the vet just couldn't accept that the Hill's prescription diet he was using was adding to her woes in spite of my telling him she had never been able to tolerate any canned food, prescription or not, that only one dry brand worked for her.

Of course I had my Jilly back in the 90's, early 2000's when the public were generally a lot less informed about IBS and dog-diet-related problems, etc. but even with Tibbe I've had to intercept people handing him treats at the pet store, out walking, a lady waiting in the vet's office(!) and a women offering him a bite of her hot dog at a picnic, not normally a 'big sin' in her eyes until she started toward my dog w/a bite of her hotdog in her fingers! Even after I stopped her she sullenly said she didn't think 'one little bite' could 'hurt anybody'!!! Once you have a dog with IBS or liver problems, it seems all too often people still push 'treats' and bites of their food at your eager little one and think they are doing it a favor.

I personally think people should ask....especially people in the "business" of dogs. Surely they know that many might have health issues. I know that when I go to the bank they always ask....and so does my vet. It would be the same thing with children...you don't offer food to children, or shouldn't...they could have a deadly allergy to peanuts or something.
If going to a training class, that should be part of the paperwork when you sign your pet up. I know that when I went to PT with a couple I was asked first...and told I could bring my own treats if need be.

Me, too, but all too often some seem determined to go around you and 'treat' your cute little dog in spite of you. Sometimes it's so hard to get it across to people who don't know or have never had a tiny dog lose over 1/3 of its body weight from a stubborn bout of gastroenteritis - and even from the antibiotics that treat it -and almost empty out the bank balance at the vet, how very sick plain old human or even dog food can make some dogs and they seem to doubt the dog really gets that sick from just food! You can see it in their faces when you tell them, some no doubt just think you're being snooty, or a hard a$$ or something the way they react or act offended as if you were suggesting they were trying to poison your dog for 'just offering it a bite of food', even explained in the kindest way possible.

Obviously, there is no way to sufficiently educate or impress some people you just met so when you have a toy dog who has food sensitivities and can go down so fast, all you can do is stay on the alert and give no one even a moment alone w/them. Trouble is the cute little tiny dogs prancing around stealing the show are often the ones people love to 'treat' or share their bits of food with when the old (w)itch mommy isn't looking! It sure can be a problem with tiny, ultra-charming little dogs with food sensitivities of other digestive problems.

Water balance
 

The pumpkin corrects the water balance in the intestines. So, if constipation or diarrhea is caused by imbalance it takes care of it. If it's caused by bacteria, parasite, or something else it won't fix that. Sometimes after an illness that is corrected with medication, the bowels get out of balance so that is a correct use of the pumpkin, also. I have used canned pumpkin but my breeder really recommends using fresh pureed pumpkin. Next fall I am going to make some and freeze it in ice cube trays so I have some fresh for several months. I would used canned in the absence of a fresh supply.

I totally understand
 

I agree with the comments about high value treats and training but prefer to choose my own treats. Even at the drive-up windows at banks and fast food places they will offer treats and who knows what's in them. I bring treats to the vet with me so they can give them or I can give them for calmness and cooperation or just to make friends.


Since our pup turned out to be a little sensitive to some foods, for us it does matter. But the bring your own is a good solution. Usually on the registration forms you can put the dog's sensitivities or the owner's preference.


The other issue we have had over years of several animals, if is a picky dog gets a taste of something they it craves they can begin to refuse the preferred food or treat. So, I would recommend finding ways to let your preference be known in a respectful manner and bring your own as a substitute. Vets, breeders, kennels need options and they can't please everyone.

Callie has IBD and it's life long. It's caused by food allergies. She had her first huge bout a few weeks after LP surgery it was really bad it was like she was peeing poo out of her butt it was horrible she didn't have to spend the night at the hospital but she had to get fluids and meds and it took several times of that to figure out what was going on. She also has bouts of vomiting. If she gets something she's not supposed to have she gets gas and diarrhea. I still think people are coming from good intentions when they give dogs treats. Most people don't realize dogs get issue because it's not super common and lots of people grow up giving there dogs table scraps. My training facility I have done lots of classes with Joey with use hot dogs to train and they always have some in their little pouches and when we are practicing they walk around to each dog and owner and will offer tips and show you how to do something and use their treats. So if there is an issue with the treats you have to speak up.

It was not in the paper work at my trainer but they do say we will provide hotdogs if you want you can use those or bring your own. We haven't ever had a dog in our classes with issues but Joey refuses hotdog so I did have to bring my own treats and they would use my treats for him if they needed to help me or show me something. With trainers and even vets or vet techs you should be open about food issues. I think still that most people non dog professional people don't give a treat to be mean or anything I just think those people might not think about it.

Oh, I don't think they are being mean. :)

I have never had a person act like that if I said no. I just politely tell them that my pup has health issues and cannot have treats.

Luckily this hasn't happened to me they actually laugh because I tell them Callie dosen't take treats from strangers and she dosen't. But my dad has problems giving stuff so I tell him if he wants to give her something it has to be certain veggies or fruits.

Luckily I haven't come across a situation where the stranger with a treat gave it without asking. I personally wouldn't be okay with the cheese whiz just because I know how sensitive their stomachs are. Because I have to clean up the upset stomach mess later...not the person who generously gives out treats lol

I usually just say they have sensitive stomachs and the treat-giver is a bit disappointed but they're usually okay.

At the obedience training school that I took Scottie to, we were asked to bring our own treats, which makes more sense to me.

I've used turkey hotdog bits to train dogs, too. Boy, they ALL love them and work hard for them. Can truly motivate even the most shut-down dog!
Shame some dogs can't tolerate even a tiny bit of them w/out ending up very sick.

Still, what's so frustrating is when you speak up & others don't 'get it', think you're being too strict and sneak your dog treats anyway you eventually learn people can hurt your dog out of the 'goodness' of their hearts, thinking they know better and from a place of just ignorance of food sensitivities. Or don't even ask, just rip off a bite of food and stick it out to your dog!

I've come to think all treats are not always given with good or best intentions, that 'treaters' often think they know better or are being 'kinder' to your dog than you are when they watch you at a party or picnic and see you don't share anything with your dog or only give bits of dry kibble you're brought - like those parents who deny their kids one bite of candy while their buddies are all are enjoying Halloween goodies or never let them have a TV, video games or cell phone as their friends party on around them. People feel those parents could be too strict, often want to let kids 'cheat' when the parents not around, allowing them the usually 'forbidden'. I've come to think some 'treaters' are like that, some just too tuned out to listen to your warning or in denial that mere food can make a dog severely ill. But they've never seen the bad side, never forked up the nursing, the worrying, the cleaning or come up with their own $ to pay for the vet treatment for the 'treat'.

Suffer along with your dog's every cramp, puke and poop, wash their tiny mouths and messy butts over and over until raw, keep changing his soiled bed cushions, push tiny, frequent teaspoons of liquids praying they don't throw it up and dehydrate, before which you must rush them into the vet, whatever the cost or the time of night, keep checking their gums, vitals and watch them just lie there on medications feeling horrible and repeatedly pay a few $495 - $1200 plus bills up to twice weekly every few months out of your own pocket, money you earned working when you didn't even feel like getting out of bed - and you get far less tolerant of do-gooders who try to or do 'treat' your dog, whatever their intentions.

It's happened or almost happened to two of my dogs with very severe digestive issues only a very few times thankfully but each time I worried my dog could die - after holidays and out in public - but enough that I've grown into someone who wonders why others think they know better than a dog's loving, responsible owner but too many seem to - but they aren't around to see the results if they succeed in getting that 'treat' into your dog. If they had the worry, the stress, the nursing duties, had to miss sleep as they continually monitored a dog that could go into dehydration/shock any moment as far as they know, work w/out sleep, pay all those bills from their own pockets, I think they might come from a less 'good place' and stop with the offering food/treats to others' pets without permission.

I'm the biggest believer in approved treats in the world, treat my dogs after every almost every potty session, etc., but one day I hope those out and about around others' dogs ask the owner/guardian first B4 sharing with that dog, whatever their heart is telling them.

I totally agree. Maybe it's in human nature to wanna feed animals for their own personal enjoyment. Just like how people like to feed birds. Or any wild animals for that matter.