Advice

* When your dog starts cramping, don't panic, try to stay calm. Most dogs come to their owner for help and support when they feel the cramps starting. Take the dog in your lap and talk to him softly. Try to hold the dog in a way he can't hurt you or himself because during an episode the dog can develop great strength. During the episode most dogs are aware of their surroundings; that's why calmness and a quiet surroundings are very important. When your dog starts cramping you can give him three drops of Rescue (Bach remedies). I am using the spray myself.

* The episodes of your dog can be controlled by a 100% gluten free diet (see the food page on this site).

* We recommend a RAW Gluten free food because it is the most purest (without artificial preservatives, colours and by- products), you can feed your dog (links of suppliers of frozen ready made products are at the bottom of the food page on this site).

* If you don't want to feed raw, we recommend to put your dog on a grain (gluten) FREE dry-food. We can help you to make the right choice.

* Gluten free means careful reading all labels of the food, treats and chewees you feed your dog.
Don't forget to check if the supplements (and medicine), if you give supplements to your dog, are gluten free.

* Don't give rawhide chews or bully sticks to chew on, they are prepared with chemicals which cause(s)d a lot of cramping in our dogs.

* Please avoid medicine against epilepsy or tranquilizers like Valium. We heard of some cases when a cramping dog got in a delirious state after treatment with Valium and had to be put down in the end.

* We advice you NOT to use repellents like e.g. frontline, advantage etc. Please use the flea comb on your dog.

* Don't over vaccinate. We advise you to discuss a safe vaccination schedule with your vet. For information about vaccination please read the article:
Are we vaccinating too much? By Catherine O' Driscoll