Purchasing pet supplies in GND

[WannabeDocc]

Hi, I'll be bringing my small dog with me to the island. Can I get basic pet supplies on the island, esp the paper that shes potty trained for(disposable absorbent pads).

Also how hard is it to get dog food and treats on the island?

[sisyphus]

Hi, I'll be bringing my small dog with me to the island. Can I get basic pet supplies on the island, esp the paper that shes potty trained for(disposable absorbent pads).

Also how hard is it to get dog food and treats on the island?

Not sure about the pads, the veterinary teaching hospital (VTH) through SGU may be able to sell you these. At least, I know they have them. There is also a pet store in the Le Marquis complex (aka roundhouses...where the sushi restaurant is).

As far as food...are you a vet student? If you are, Hill's brand foods provides dog/cat food at a very, very low price and you will be introduced to this fairly early (in the first few days of class) by the Hill's reps. If you aren't a vet student, food is available from the main supermarket in spiceland mall which is right across from the SGU grand anse campus...or, also, the pet store. Usually there are some generic brands as well as Iams or Purina type brands.

[badkitty13]

I thought the pet store in the round houses was closed? I hope I was wrong!
Also, if you're buying your food at the grocery store (if you're not a vet student), I would seriously consider bringing some down, as good stuff like Iams is insanely expensive there.

[sisyphus]

I thought the pet store in the round houses was closed? I hope I was wrong!

I know it was open in early Dec. After that, I don't know.

[badkitty13]

I tried to buy puppy supplies right before the end of finals, and they were closed up. But perhaps it's only temporary - I hope. Just got back - I'll check and report back next time I go to the round houses.

[WannabeDocc]

Thanks badkitty!
Can u please also find out about the disposable absorbent pads. Its just going to be a pain and expensive to ship them out from here.

Thanks once again!

[badkitty13]

The pet store in the round houses is not open at the moment. Not sure if it's closed for good, but it doesn't look promising. As I said, I would bring them down.
Lots of stuff is inconvenient to bring, but if you don't you're utterly screwed. I feel the same way about lugging my taped-up bottles of shampoo, conditioner, face soap, etc. - and they add a lot more weight than puppy pads - but if I didn't I'd be stuck paying $20 for a bottle of Herbal Essences or $40 for a tube of face soap. So I bring an extra duffel bag full of toiletries for the term, even though it sucks. Same goes for specialized pet supplies - pads for friends, and kongs, ropes, chew toys, etc. for my dog, Cosmic Catnip for the kitties. Grenada is not a consumer economy, it's quite the opposite. If you want something specific, you've got to bring it or make do without, or if you're lucky enough to find it, pay 3-10x what it costs back home. I just lug the stuff on my way in and portion it out to last the term. Don't expect to buy clothes here, either, or household goods. It's just not an option. Shopping is a depressing activity here, since you can barely do it at all, and it's frustrating how little is available and how expensive it is.

[kristieb1]

Will I (as a potential medical student) be able to purchase Hills Prescription Z/D dry dog food on the island?

One of my Maltese's is allergic to wheat and has a very sensitive stomach in general. Right now he eats Nutro's Natural Choice For Sensitive Stomachs (Wheat free/chicken/oatmeal formula) and he does great on it (eating it for over a year) and eats it with no problems/no vomiting. I had him on Z/D for 2 bags worth first but I swear he didn't like it that much (kernels are bigger and maybe it tastes worse lol) and I, his mommy, didn't like it because it cost and arm and a leg. Nutro cost enough for $13 for a 5lb bag!

However, $30 for an 8lb bag of Z/D will have to do if there are no other wheat free dog food options on the island. Does anyone know if there are other choices besides Z/D that are wheat free/rice based? I'd love it if the Nutro brand we use is there but I'm guessing thats unlikely.

Thanks.

[sisyphus]

Will I (as a potential medical student) be able to purchase Hills Prescription Z/D dry dog food on the island?

You should be able to purchase z/d dry (or wet, if necessary) from the veterinary teaching hospital (aka VTH). The VTH is in True Blue, off the main campus, but quite close and on the bus route.

To make sure and set your mind at ease, you could call the VTH. I couldn't find the exact phone number, but you can get it by calling the main SGU switchboard at 1 473 444-4680...ask to be transferred to the VTH or ask for their phone number.

One of my Maltese's is allergic to wheat and has a very sensitive stomach in general. Right now he eats Nutro's Natural Choice For Sensitive Stomachs (Wheat free/chicken/oatmeal formula) and he does great on it (eating it for over a year) and eats it with no problems/no vomiting. I had him on Z/D for 2 bags worth first but I swear he didn't like it that much (kernels are bigger and maybe it tastes worse lol) and I, his mommy, didn't like it because it cost and arm and a leg. Nutro cost enough for $13 for a 5lb bag!

It is possible that Nutro might be available, but I would definitely not count on it. A VTH person could likely answer this for you also. I haven't been on the island for over a year now.

However, $30 for an 8lb bag of Z/D will have to do if there are no other wheat free dog food options on the island. Does anyone know if there are other choices besides Z/D that are wheat free/rice based? I'd love it if the Nutro brand we use is there but I'm guessing thats unlikely.

I am sure there are other brands which are wheat free...I am not really a small animal oriented veterinarian (just graduated)...so I can't name any specific brands.

Good luck!

[kristieb1]

Thank you for the reply! :)

[triestan]

if you are a vet student, all Hills diets are available for a discounted price. If you are medical, they are available at the VTH (we are working on discounts for the meddies). They try to keep it well stocked, as numerous animals seem to be on Z/D. As for the hills food, 1st term, you do not have to put in an order form, however, every term thereafter you do (as a vet student) and if you are medical I would contact the rep when you get here so she knows what to expect. If you dont, you WONT get food (this is for the vets). They are trying to keep things from expiring due to over ordering. The pet store at the round houses is NOT closed. It just has odd hours (closed 5:15 to 6:30 so she can come from her other job). Trust me, I know the owner. The pads are available. They are expensive. I would seriously reccomend shipping a box down or just stuffing your luggage full. That is what my roommate does. Other stores do sell pet supplies such as frontline, heartgard, flea collars, collars and leashes, raw hides. If I has a dog on wee-pads I would just by the geriatric pads they sell (for cheaper). They are the exact same thing.

[SGUvetgirl]

The pet store is still open. =)