Mystery solved, and another question..

So, all last year, starting in the summer, Skeeter started getting this random rash on his belly. Only his belly, no where else. It gets good and red, and sort of peels after day 2, then clears up and goes away. I know it's not his food. We feed THK, with occasional all meat / RMB meals. He does not get grains. I know, sometimes, he may have gotten into something, like found food of the kids, or hubby gave him something he should not have... but, the rash was random, maybe once a month or so. I didn't think it was environmental, because he gets the rash winter or summer.

Yesterday, I was outside in the back with the pugs, and I found what I think is the culprit. My very nice neighbors are giving the pugs treats through the fence. I am certain those treats are something like milkbones or whatever. And, guess who has a yucky irritated rash now? Yep, Skeeter has the rash.

How do I politely tell my neighbors not to give my dogs treats? And, my dogs are trained now... they run to the fence whenever they see my neighbors. Would you tell the neighbors no treats at all, or give a list of approved treats?

I would explain that your pugs have allergies and you need to watch what they consume. Please refrain from giving them treats for their own good.

I'm brutal about this stuff with my dogs. I tell people no treats at all and that feeding my dogs the wrong thing could kill them (that's not entirely true, but it does make people listen). I have had one person continue to feed them (this is at one of our events) and I told her that I would be sending her the next vet bill to reimburse me.

I am polite the first time I have to tell people not to feed my dogs and I always explain why and how long it has taken me to get them healthy and how much it costs me to get them there. If they don't listen, then I bring out the "You'll kill my dogs" and the "Next vet bill is yours to cover" routine.

We've had to ban treats at our Pugalugs as people were feeding our diabetic pug all kinds of crap, we have an owner with a severe peanut allergy who literally cannot be licked by her dog for 48 hours after he's consumed a dog treat with peanut products in it. Just wasn't worth the hassle of trying to regulate treats so we banned them. We still had one person who would continue to feed dogs--even dogs with signs on saying not to feed. That's the lady I told would be receiving the next vet bill.....

Gosh, that's a tough one! I think a polite, honest discussion is needed (the first time) showing them Skeeter's rash. If it happens again - the vet bill is theirs.

Start out gently and with humour, something like "These little scamps know they're not allowed any treats because they're allergic - but they have been letting you treat them! The little wretches!" or something like that.
They are going to feel bad because they didn't consider allergies and so they should. Tell them the only treats they are allowed are xyz but you need to know in advance so you can balance out their special diet blah blah blah.
And tell them you know that meant well but it is making the dogs unwell.
People who sneak treats to other people's toddlers or pets should be shot, in my opinion. It is very thoughtless.

Aww, poor itchy Skeeter. I would actually give them a bag of treats to give your Pugs. That way everyone is happy, including the puggers.

Oh, Renee, I think in this situation honestly is really the best policy. I would just be upfront with your neighbor and tell them the risk of giving treats through the fence. Just like you would with a child that is allergic to peanuts or anything. Honesty and to the point is the best way to go.

Katie & Stella wrote:Aww, poor itchy Skeeter. I would actually give them a bag of treats to give your Pugs. That way everyone is happy, including the puggers.

This is what I was thinking... I don't want them to feel bad, because I am glad they like my pugs as opposed to living next door to some dog haters. But, it sure feels good to know where Skeeter's mystery rashes are likely coming from.

Renee wrote:

Katie & Stella wrote:Aww, poor itchy Skeeter. I would actually give them a bag of treats to give your Pugs. That way everyone is happy, including the puggers.

This is what I was thinking... I don't want them to feel bad, because I am glad they like my pugs as opposed to living next door to some dog haters. But, it sure feels good to know where Skeeter's mystery rashes are likely coming from.

I think that's a good idea. Just explain why it is so important that they feed Skeeter these particular treats.

Yep, my neighbors do the the same thing...I've explained allergies, and asked them to give the dogs carrot if they want to give them something. I think that once hubby told them to knock it off, they realized that it was serious! Its so nice to have neighbors that like dogs, but the food thing is tough.