Dog eats grapes.

Hi. I live in rural Peru and have three dogs. I am writing regarding the oldest who is a mix german shepard and something brindled. She is 7 years old and has been treated for poison several times in her life, plus had a hysterectomy that went bad and had to go under anesthesia several times. Her health is generally good but I just came back from a 5-week trip returning to a dog probably 8 pounds heavier than when I let her (she was overfed by the person taking care of her). Plus, only recently did I learn that dogs should not eat grapes, and this one (and her brothers) love them and used to eat them regularly. I hear that the negative health affects can be cumulative so I am concern. So, with all that she has gone through, plus all the grapes, I am wondering about her kidneys and her other organ functioning. Perhaps she can appear healthy but in fact she is far from it. Veterinary services here are sketchy to say the least.

What I would like to know is – 1) is there a home remedy and/or special diet that I can give her to strengthen her kidneys and whatever else you think might need strengthening given her history?, 2) what vitamin supplements should I be giving her? (I can even give her shots if need be), and 3) what else can I do for her and the three of them to make sure that they live long and happy lives?

Please keep in mind that I have little to no access to the wide variety of health products for pets but I can at least try to find what you recommend. Still natural, easy to find – would be ideal.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, Susan Bookman

Thank you for your reply. I am glad that I do not need to be overly anxious or implementing some complicated thing for her or her brothers. Regarding food - I stopped feeding her (them) commercial dog food years ago. Since I live "off the grid", the food I myself eat is extremely healthy, so generally I feed them what I eat, but there are some exceptions. What I feed them is the following: 1)quinoa, 2) oatmeal, 3) eggs, 4) apples, cucumbers and other assorted vegetables, 5) occasionally i give them a can of tuna or some chicken, but not that often. Generally they are eating quinoa or oatmeal. I sometimes add some olive oil. Sometimes some light soy sauce. I also used to give them a potato dish here that is very high in fat but i will stop that from now on. My feeling is that eating quinoa, oatmeal, etc is better for them than eating some commercial dog food you buy off the shelf in rural Peru. Please let me know your thoughts. And thank you so much for the service you provide for our beloved pets!! Sincerely, Susan

After a google search I see that Royal Canin is in fact distributed in Peru. Whether or not I can get it where I am is left to be seen. But I will consider feeding them that and getting them partially off the delicious food that I eat. My feeling was that commercial dog food is filled with unmentionable things harmful in the long run. But if there are brands that you feel are good enough for
"my children", I will give it a shot. Actually it would make my life easier.

If I cannot find any of the three brands that you have mentioned, would you mind very much if I got back to you with the brand that I do choose?

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, Susan

ps: you are welcome to visit us in Peru and I will cook for you!! ;-)

Thanks Dr. Marie. I look forward to reading what you have written so far. And I am happy to hear that what I read were lies.

I am sure that we will be communicating more as I have 3 extremely darling and beloved canines and will surely have more questions. First, I will take care of the dog food and check back in with you after that. Then I will go thru the purchasing protocol again with a new line of questions.

Fingers crossed on the Royal Canin in Cusco!

Sincerely, Susan

PS:
"Hampi" is "medicine" in quechua.

The other two are Zorro and Don Diego de la Vega - brothers, part pekinese, part border collie, one black (zorro), one yellow (diego).

All three are to die for!