I know this likely belongs in the dog health section/food section but gosh dang I'm out of answers. I need a big response.
Duke has been suffering with general itchiness for awhile. Redness, 'doggy' smell, minor hair loss as well. I thought I had it under wraps and I had cycled him through a couple different kibbles and he ended up doing really well on a brand called Canadian Naturals, despite it's heavy carb content. Nonetheless, he seemed to be improving. Then all of a sudden did a big dip and ended up in a full blown skin infection. (it was over two days, on the second he went to the vet) He had sores on his groin, belly, and legs. Also got an ear infection in one ear. The vet did a skin scrape (he used to have demodex mange), other tests. He was diagnosed with a yeast skin infection, and bacterial infection in the ear. He was on steroids and antibiotics; I also got steroid ear cleaner and ear drops.
So, I decided no more kibble. No more carbohydrates. He's been on raw only for about 1 month now, and he has been doing better. Through the advice from the store owner of where I buy my food, he's been started out on turkey and beef tripe. Usually you're supposed to vary the proteins, but just to make sure he doesn't have a protein allergy. He's also been on cod liver oil, and a seameal supplement for his immune system. He still is itchy, but he has improved since the food change.
so this morning, I wake up to this: (pardon the garbage bags, I didn't feel like taking out the trash last night)
What the heck? Why??? What else can I do? I'm pulling out my hair over here and I feel so bad that he's uncomfortable all the time. We'll be going to the vet this morning, even if just to refill his steroids. I figured Chaz would be a good place to consult, I'm sure others out there have highly sensitive dogs. I think maybe christmas may have caused this? he managed to woo my family into giving him scraps, but he didn't get that much.
halp. pls.
Duke has been suffering with general itchiness for awhile. Redness, 'doggy' smell, minor hair loss as well. I thought I had it under wraps and I had cycled him through a couple different kibbles and he ended up doing really well on a brand called Canadian Naturals, despite it's heavy carb content. Nonetheless, he seemed to be improving. Then all of a sudden did a big dip and ended up in a full blown skin infection. (it was over two days, on the second he went to the vet) He had sores on his groin, belly, and legs. Also got an ear infection in one ear. The vet did a skin scrape (he used to have demodex mange), other tests. He was diagnosed with a yeast skin infection, and bacterial infection in the ear. He was on steroids and antibiotics; I also got steroid ear cleaner and ear drops.
So, I decided no more kibble. No more carbohydrates. He's been on raw only for about 1 month now, and he has been doing better. Through the advice from the store owner of where I buy my food, he's been started out on turkey and beef tripe. Usually you're supposed to vary the proteins, but just to make sure he doesn't have a protein allergy. He's also been on cod liver oil, and a seameal supplement for his immune system. He still is itchy, but he has improved since the food change.
so this morning, I wake up to this: (pardon the garbage bags, I didn't feel like taking out the trash last night)
What the heck? Why??? What else can I do? I'm pulling out my hair over here and I feel so bad that he's uncomfortable all the time. We'll be going to the vet this morning, even if just to refill his steroids. I figured Chaz would be a good place to consult, I'm sure others out there have highly sensitive dogs. I think maybe christmas may have caused this? he managed to woo my family into giving him scraps, but he didn't get that much.
halp. pls.