When I first started I used a little notebook and jotted down what I fed her, which supplements I used and what her poo looked like.

I am back to do doing that with even more information now that she is on more medicine and having more problems.

It really helps me to be able to go back and see what worked and what didn't and to keep track of what I am feeding over time. It also helps me make sure I am getting some variety in her.

I finally broke out the dry erase boards and each dog has one.
On it, across the top, permanently, days of the week. White labels on the side list (downwards) the dog's name, food, supplements and meds. I have AM and PM. In the spaces, I mark off the food, meds, and supplements as given. Since both take some of the same supplements, the list is in order so I don't have to do fish oil at different times, joint supplements, etc. I do fish oil for both at the same time, then mark off. I have a row for poop (hash marks to indicate how many times a day) and below that type of poop. One row for how many pees.

I also have a row for added meats (or in Hambones case) chicken backs or game hen in place of THK). I write in red erasable marker the type of food and amount. At the end of the week, is a total column and I can see the totals for the weeks. Transfer to a notebook. For me, to see it and physically check off the the food, supplements, and meds is essential. If I did happen to miss a dose or changed something, then it is in red eraseable marker. Regular in blue. Rows and columns have permanent ink on the board so they don't come off when I erase the board the end of the week.

It works for me. I can see at a glance if I missed something, if something is off (Lucy's visit to the vet evoked stress on her tummy and she pooped more often. Nice to know THAT is what caused it).

Might be helpful. You will need a bigger board than I have probably and make your own practice one for a week until you get the kinks out, but it might be worth it.

Does enyone give worm preventatives? I have not lately because I kind of have forgotten to. Or do you just worry about worms when you see them? When you do see them, is it usually to late to treat?

 Quote: Jennifer Schnegg

Does enyone give worm preventatives? I have not lately because I kind of have forgotten to. Or do you just worry about worms when you see them? When you do see them, is it usually to late to treat?

Worm preventives? Like what?

Wormers kill worms, not prevent them.

You do know that this in not a raw-feeding topic, right? http://www.vet.uga.edu/VPP/animaldoc/worms/worms02.php

 Quote: Jennifer Schnegg

... Or do you just worry about worms when you see them? When you do see them, is it usually to late to treat?

No, it's not too late then.

You can drop off a fecal every so often to check, too. That way you are not giving toxic wormers for no reason.

Unless she means heartworm preventative. You can't see heartworms, of course, but heartworm medication is essential - untreated heartworm is fatal.

 Quote: Angela Burrell

Unless she means heartworm preventative. You can't see heartworms, of course, but heartworm medication is essential - untreated heartworm is fatal.

Oh! Good catch!

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

Wormers kill worms, not prevent them.

 Quote: Angela Burrell

Unless she means heartworm preventative.

Isn't heartworm preventative a bit of a misnomer? Technically speaking, monthly heartworm pills actually DO kill worms, they just do so to the physically immature versions of the adult worm, before they have time to dig in and do damage.

There's no misinformation here, but the terms are a little confusing, technically speaking.

~Natalya

Yes you are correct. Let's call it "heartworm larvacide".. lol. But yeah I agree. I guess it's called preventative since it prevents the dog from getting adult heartworms....

 Quote: angela burrell

Let's call it "heartworm larvacide".. lol.