[anonymous]

Interceptor and Sentinel have primarily the same ingredients. Lately the vets have been recommending Sentinel plus which has an added ingredient to target another worm/parasite that has been showing up lately.

Anyway, all my dogs have been doing well on Sentinel/Interceptor, one of my dogs was a corgi (herding breed), however she was never tested for MDR1

Natural flea/tick remedies do not work, I would ask your vet what would be best for your dog.
I have had luck with Preventic collars they are supposed to be good for 3 months (I think 1 month is more like it) I get them at chewy dot com, they are reasonable there.
There is a new 8 month collar (flea/tick) that has been getting positive feedback, ask your vet about it.
K9 Advantix II topical is okay, except it gave one of my dogs a localized rash.

[anonymous]

As a senior dog with a history of GI problems, he may never be able to tolerate anything other than a bland or prescription diet, for the rest of his life. Don’t be shocked if the vet that you trust recommends this. Try to keep an open mind.

[anonymous]

Has the dog made a full recvovery from the gastrointestinal upset you spoke of in another thread, less than an hour ago?
Has the dog had diagnostic testing to determine the cause of his symptoms?
Did the dog get the blood test that determines if he has pancreatitis?
What did the vet that examined him recommend for a diet?
I would imagine a bland prescription food as a base would be recommended, at least till the dog is stable,.

[anonymous]

“I asked the vet if the sample i brought in was blood and she said she didnt know, that there COULD be blood in it”

Only the additional testing, that you declined, can answer your questions.
What might be true for someone else’s dog that had a similar problem, in no way might have anything to do with what is going on with your dog.
Please learn from your experience. Find a vet that you trust, go in for routine stuff, annual exams, ask questions……
I wish you and your pet the best 🙂

[anonymous]

Wonderful news. Now, please play it safe and keep him on a bland diet, maybe 1/2 cooked chopped chicken and rice or something, but use a quality kibble with water added or presoaked as a base (1/2 of the diet).
Two or three meals per day.
You dodged a bullet, stay away from that raw, homeopathic crap. Just my opinion based on the fact that I don’t enjoy going to the emergency veterinary clinic. I tried that stuff too, back when, with negative results. No thank you.

[anonymous]

Okay, I hope he continues to get better.

[anonymous]

Get him some prescription food (as recommended by a vet that has examined him) after the diagnostic tests are done and he is stable. Stop the foolishness.
I have tried to help, but I can see that you may not be willing to listen.
Peace out

[anonymous]

If you are in absolute dire straits and cannot afford to get the dog medical care, have your local animal control officer paged to call you back, via non-emergency local police dept, tell him your situation and they will come and pick up the dog and do whatever they think is in the best interests of the animal so that it doesn’t suffer.

Or, another thought, get the treatment needed and go on Go Fund Me like a lot of folks do these days, whatever works.

[anonymous]

Well, what I have found is that the care for a dog (1 dog) routine and unexpected stuff averages to about $1000 a year. If serious stuff happens, that amount goes up.
Please get right back to the vet.
It’s like car insurance, does anyone really want to pay that? Give something up. Cable?

[anonymous]

GET THE BLOODWORK AND THE X-RAYS! It is the best diagnostic tools vets have. This is what happens…$2000-$3000-$5000 for emergency surgery, not a big deal if you want to save the dogs life.
That’s why I said, stop looking for veterinary medical advice online. Wake up. You made a mistake listening to well meaning idiots. Get the dog the medical treatment it needs, learn from your mistakes and move on
Please give us an update…..ASAP

Ps: The diagnostic testing and emergency surgery that may be needed may not save his life. But, I bet you anything that you will think twice about feeding a new dog raw.
I once spent about $700 to $1000 to diagnose a dog, guess what? Hemangiosarcoma, no treatment options, just comfort measures.
Big deal, an unexpected root canal for a human would cost the same. Talk to the clinic, they will explain your treatment options.

[anonymous]

Raw diet? Wake up. http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=raw+diet
If it was my dog, I would head over to the nearest Emergency 24/7 Veterinary Clinic, NOW. Not in a few hours.
Stop listening to the homeopathic vets. That being said, there are some good ones and they mean well, however some of them are downright dangerous…. Science Based Veterinary Medicine is best. Just my opinion, blah, blah, blah
Ps: Stop looking for veterinary medical advice online, it’s true, you get what you pay for.
I hope your pup makes a full recovery and you learn something from this experience.

[anonymous]

Mar 01, 2013
By Alice M. Jeromin, RPh, DVM, DACVD
DVM360 MAGAZINE
Excerpt from above article below, unable to provide direct link, if you google DMV360 MAGAZINE and then search “dust mites” at the search engine at that site it will take you to the full article.
Where are storage mites commonly found?
These particular mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Acarus siro) are present in dry foods, cereals, grains, straw and cheese—i.e., substances that can get moldy. Like dust mites, storage mites can cause nonseasonal signs, including pruritus, erythema and recurrent otitis in dogs and cats. They’re well-known in humans for causing asthma and allergic rhinitis (“baker’s lung”).
Data have shown that storage mites live in conjunction with house dust mites and can be found in bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture and fabrics. One study in humans found storage mites to have overtaken dust mites as a leading source of allergy.
A popular misconception is that storage mites are present in bags of food or cereals from the manufacturer. In one study, out of 10 bags of dry dog food, one was found to have storage mites, but the rest developed the mites after being in the owners’ homes.

[anonymous]

FAQs about house dust mite and storage mite allergies
By bringing pets into our homes, we’ve increased their exposure to these common skin irritants.
Mar 01, 2013
By Alice M. Jeromin, RPh, DVM, DACVD
DVM360 MAGAZINE
Excerpt from above article below, unable to provide direct link, if you google DMV360 MAGAZINE and then search “dust mites” at the search engine at that site it will take you to the full article.
Where are storage mites commonly found?
These particular mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Acarus siro) are present in dry foods, cereals, grains, straw and cheese—i.e., substances that can get moldy. Like dust mites, storage mites can cause nonseasonal signs, including pruritus, erythema and recurrent otitis in dogs and cats. They’re well-known in humans for causing asthma and allergic rhinitis (“baker’s lung”).
Data have shown that storage mites live in conjunction with house dust mites and can be found in bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture and fabrics. One study in humans found storage mites to have overtaken dust mites as a leading source of allergy.
A popular misconception is that storage mites are present in bags of food or cereals from the manufacturer. In one study, out of 10 bags of dry dog food, one was found to have storage mites, but the rest developed the mites after being in the owners’ homes.2

[anonymous]

FAQs about house dust mite and storage mite allergies
By bringing pets into our homes, we’ve increased their exposure to these common skin irritants.
Mar 01, 2013
By Alice M. Jeromin, RPh, DVM, DACVD
DVM360 MAGAZINE
Excerpt from above article below, unable to provide direct link, if you google DMV360 MAGAZINE and then search “dust mites” at the search engine at that site it will take you to the full article.
Where are storage mites commonly found?
These particular mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Acarus siro) are present in dry foods, cereals, grains, straw and cheese—i.e., substances that can get moldy. Like dust mites, storage mites can cause nonseasonal signs, including pruritus, erythema and recurrent otitis in dogs and cats. They’re well-known in humans for causing asthma and allergic rhinitis (“baker’s lung”).
Data have shown that storage mites live in conjunction with house dust mites and can be found in bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture and fabrics. One study in humans found storage mites to have overtaken dust mites as a leading source of allergy.
A popular misconception is that storage mites are present in bags of food or cereals from the manufacturer. In one study, out of 10 bags of dry dog food, one was found to have storage mites, but the rest developed the mites after being in the owners’ homes.

[anonymous]

Okay, I reread your post. I sometimes get carried away when discussing allergies :/

Anyway, you could try a grain free limited ingredient food, my dogs do well on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea.
However, for my allergy dog, the food is only a small part of the treatment, but in conjunction with the other treatment modalities, it works (as a base).
If you noticed positive results with the prescription food, I would go back to it, at least till the dog is stable.
Again, I still think a veterinary dermatologist would be your best bet if the symptoms continue.

[anonymous]

Apoquel is prescribed for environmental allergies. If the dog responded to the Apoquel, that’s diagnostic. Apoquel has no effect on food sensitivies or food allergies. Food allergies are rare.
Environmental allergies tend to wax and wane, some allergens are seasonal. Making it almost impossible to tell which food is working best.
Per the search engine /forums/search/allergies/
I would make an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist for the best results to get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Make sure your dog is drinking water, add a splash or presoak his kibble if he has a sensitive stomach.

• This reply was modified 7 years ago by anonymous.

[anonymous]

PS: She is due for a senior workup anyway (unless she has had one recently). That usually includes lab work.

[anonymous]

I told my vet about the daily brushings that I do, he told me that he tells clients all the time to brush their dogs teeth once a day (twice a day is even better), but they don’t listen to him.
I told him, I don’t think they realize what a difference it can make.
I would not want his job. Poor guy……

[anonymous]

Oral B or what ever is marked down at CVS or your favorite drugstore.
I would start with a regular medium adult brush, when they get used to it (a month or two) then you can go to battery operated. I like Petrodex chicken flavored toothpaste, the 6.2 oz tube is the most economical. I get it from chewy dot com
Start slow.

[anonymous]

Hi, Aimee
I thought of that, if your vet advises you not to give bones and documents it in the pet’s medical records. The insurance company may have a loophole to deny payment if the pet owner acted against medical advice?

[anonymous]

Yep, and get in the back and sides/insides (regarding brushing) I even use a battery operated adult tooth brush!
My vet is amazed at how good my dogs teeth look. I have seniors that have never needed a professional cleaning. That being said, some dogs just have lousy teeth (genetic) and may require a cleaning and extractions at least once or twice per lifetime, no matter what you do.

[anonymous]

Best of luck. Oh, and make sure you know where the nearest 24/7 emergency clinic is located and how long it will take you to get there.

http://www.embracepetinsurance.com/blog/harmful-side-animal-sourced-dog-chews (excerpt below) click on link for full article.
Cow hooves and pigs ears are what the name implies. 
Marrow bones are from the long bones of cows and pigs.
Rawhides are the skin of cows. 
Antlers come from either deer or elk. 
So what do you think bully sticks are?  Think about this one.  Give up?  They are bull penises! Hmm.
There are some dangers with all of these items. All of these have the potential and can cause intestinal obstructions, but equally important are the dangers that come from the way these are processed.  They are first soaked for hours in a caustic lye solution to digest the undesirables off the skin and then to remove the lye the skin is then soaked in bleach solution.  Sounds yummy. Many of the rawhides come from China where they have been known to use arsenic compounds to preserve them. 
There is no regulation of rawhides or pigs ears.  You really have no idea where these come from.
Marrow bones and antlers cause many broken teeth.  A good rule of thumb is if you don’t want me to hit you in the kneecap with it, your dog should not be chewing on it. I can not tell you how many expensive extractions are the result of dogs chewing bones.

[anonymous]

Is she drinking water? If not I would bring to the vet asap. Otherwise, I would give it no more than one more day (72 hours) Sudden changes in appetite and behavior are a red flag.
If she is a medical alert dog I assume you may have pet insurance.
Before you assume that her symptoms are food related you need to rule out a medical cause.
Sorry, there is no way around this. Only an exam and diagnostic tests (as indicated) by a veterinarian can give you the answers you want.
I would not look for veterinary medical advice here or any other forum. When she is medically cleared come back for some dog food ideas. Good luck

PS: I might even consider going to the emergency vet, depending on the severity of her symptoms if your regular vet can’t fit you in.

[anonymous]

Ps: The Dinovite may be the cause of the vomiting. Adverse reactions have been reported.
I wouldn’t use it.

[anonymous]

Yep, environmental allergies tend to wax and wane. Hopefully it’s seasonal/mild and can be managed by medications such as Apoquel certain times of the year, not all year round.
A veterinary dermatologist is best. Good luck
Ps: You could try bathing with a gentle shampoo. I would not apply anything to irritated skin or mess around with over the counter meds (unless your vet says it’s okay) You could make it worse.

[anonymous]

Hope this helps: http://www.ehow.com/about_6652083_hyperpigmentation-dog_s-belly.html

[anonymous]

It could be hyperpigmentation. A common symptom of environmental allergies which the other symptoms you mentioned in your first post indicate.
Only further diagnostic testing, preferably by a veterinary dermatologist can answer your questions, as there are several other conditions that could cause this and should be ruled out.
This condition went away after my dog starting allergen specific immunotherapy (desensitization). The discolored skin remains, which is normal. But, no hair loss.
She now tolerates a variety of foods and requires no meds. The ASIT is a natural solution and lifelong treatment.

[anonymous]

Per the search engine here, a variety of opinions
/forums/topic/bully-sticks-or-rawhide/
I have found that daily brushing makes a big difference, takes about 5 minutes a day. YouTube has some excellent how to videos.

[anonymous]

I agree, I feel the same way. Veternary care has become like our care.
When you have something serious going on and the PCP hasn’t been helpful, go to a specialist 🙂
Glad it worked out well for your dog.

[anonymous]

Amy,
You can find the malaseb at chewy dot com at possibly a better price. I have found that after the first year of treatment by a veterinary dermatologist, I can now alternate with other gentle shampoos with good effect.
However, I had tried malaseb before seeing the dermatologist and it didn’t help. But, in conjunction with ASIT, it did.
I stopped recommending it unless prescribed by a vet as it is expensive and people expect too much. Plus, depending on the allergies, it may not be necessary.

[anonymous]

“Anon, One of the stories on the link you sent me said they gave their dog Zyrtec. I would if it worked. I was told human allergy rx has not been a proven remedy for dogs.”

A veterinarian that has examined and diagnosed the dog can order a medication for “off label” use. In general, it is not intended for veterinary use.
Just as he would recommend a shampoo specific to your dogs condition.

[anonymous]

It’s not just the shampoo, or just the food, or just the supplements, or just the over the counter medications, or just the prescribed medication, or just the allergen specific immunotherapy.
Allergies are very complicated, that’s why it is best to spend the money on a consult with a veterinary dermatologist, if it’s been going on for more than 1 year/4 seasons you are just spinning your wheels trying all these different things. Meanwhile, the dog is uncomfortable, possible suffering.
Peace out.
PS: My dog is bathed twice a week in conjunction with allergen specific immunotherapy.
They still have occasional flare ups. Treatment tends to be lifelong.

[anonymous]

Your welcome. Yes, there is a genetic link. In fact, the breeder is supposed to stop breeding an animal that has environmental allergies.

For the umpteenth time, the allergen specific immunotherapy solution is all natural! No meds, if it comes to that.
However, the vets have no choice to offer band aid solutions such as steroids, antibiotics and such to stop the suffering and risk of infection.
I have heard positive things about Apoquel, especially if the allergies are mild/seasonal and the dog doesn’t have to be on it year round. Every dog is different. Hope you find something that works.
PS: Once my dogs environmental allergies were under control she now tolerates a variety of foods. I never did the blood test, the dermatologist said it wasn’t necessary (specific to my dog). The intradermal skin testing is the best.

[anonymous]

“Anon, I’m honestly curious…if a vet recommends a specific supplement for a specific animal (NOT internet diagnosis) and the pet is helped, what is the problem? Why would that make you sick?”

Because dietary supplements are not medication, there is no testing or regulation, no scientific research and they are expensive. Veterinary medicine is a business, homeopathy included.
But, to each his own.

PS: ER visits are way up due to people having side effects and serious reactions due to supplements. https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/10/14/dietary-supplements-lead-to-20000-e-r-visits-yearly-study-finds/?_r=0
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/supplements-and-safety/

[anonymous]

Hope this helps: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=allergies

[anonymous]

Thanks for posting, Amy W
I’m afraid they don’t believe us. All we can do is try. Maybe someone will listen and a pet will be helped.
Makes me sick every time I see supplements recommended for such a serious condition.
PS: I posted a comment with more info and it was promptly removed, that’s how it is around here, lol

[anonymous]

Homeopathic vets don’t believe in science based medicine. You can’t have it both ways.
I would find a board certified veterinary dermatologist. Just call the nearest Veterinary School of Medicine and they will refer you.
My dog is a small breed poodle mix that started with the pruritus and ear infections at about 2 years old. Did the steroids, antibiotics. Went back and forth to the regular vet for about a year (tried 3 of them) listened to the homeopathic vets (useless). Most supplements are a scam.
So, I made an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist, she had the testing and I had the results and a treatment plan the same day.
I saw results right away. The initial testing is expensive but the maintenance isn’t that bad (I gave up cable). We see the dermatologist once a year.
She has been stable now for several years. It is very natural, the solution is now available sublingual, so you don’t have to give shots.
She no longer has food sensitivity issues, but does best on a Nutrisca salmon and chickpea kibble as a base, a bit of cooked chicken or something and a splash of water twice a day.
A raw carrot here and there.
I have owned several dogs over the years, some had mild/seasonal allergies, but this is the only one that needed the expertise of a specialist. I avoid vaccinations with this dog, talk to your vet about a rabies waiver.
They still have occasional flare ups, but nothing severe. Prn Benadryl once in a while (it doesn’t do that much anyway).
Btw: raw made her vomit and caused a bowel obstruction requiring a trip to the emergency vet.

[anonymous]

You may find this site helpful: http://www.allergydogcentral.com/category/allergy-stories/

[anonymous]

I tried everything too (times 1 year). The only thing that produced positive results for my dog was going to a veterinary dermatologist, getting intradermal skin testing and starting allergen specific immunotherapy.
Respit is not the same thing, the expertise of the specialist that evaluates and determines the results of the skin testing is crucial.
There is no cheap way out of this. I have posted ad nauseam on this subject, all you have to do is use the search engine here: /forums/search/allergies/

There is no cure for allergies, they are complicated and they get worse with age. However, there is effective treatment.

Ps: Allergen specific immunotherapy is the most natural treatment for environmental allergies.
Stop looking for miracle cures, there are none. If your dog has raw bloody skin and scabs from pruritus, ear infections and such, the regular vet has no choice but to prescribe steroids and such to stop the suffering and risk of infection, temporarily.
Just my experience, hope it helps someone.

[anonymous]

/forums/topic/senior-shepherdhound-mix-needs-to-loose-25-lbs/

Check the search engine for “tramadol”. It is true, tramadol is no longer recommended for pain management for canines, it doesn’t convert to an opiate like it does with humans,according to recent research.
However, it does have sedative qualities and minimal side effects
If you are interested in science based veterinary medicine go to skeptvet dot com, nothing is being sold over there.

[anonymous]

“So, I would say keep an eye on him and if he develops GI symptoms, don’t assume it’s GI related, I would hold the med and head right back to the vet”.

Oops! I meant to say: Don’t assume it’s diet related.

[anonymous]

I imagine it is similar to Rimadyl a very effective NSAID. Some dogs do very well on NSAIDs for pain management and as an anti-inflammatory.
However some dogs (not all) experience gastrointestinal side effects, not always right away.
I had a senior small breed that did very well on it for several months and then developed diarrhea, so he could no longer tolerate it.
So, I would say keep an eye on him and if he develops GI symptoms, don’t assume it’s GI related, I would hold the med and head right back to the vet.

https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm491552.htm
March 21, 2016
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced the approval of Galliprant (grapiprant tablets), a new animal drug intended to control pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition where cartilage – the protective material that cushions a joint – breaks down over time, causing the bones to rub against each other. This rubbing can permanently damage the joint and cause pain, inflammation, and lameness. Older and overweight dogs are at a higher risk of developing OA.
A new treatment option for dogs with OA, Galliprant is a prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) EP4 receptor antagonist; a non-cyclooxygenase inhibiting, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). All NSAIDs carry certain risks, including vomiting, diarrhea, not eating/eating less, and lethargy. These drugs must be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian, because professional expertise is needed to diagnose and provide guidance in the control of OA pain.
Other NSAIDs that are FDA-approved for use in dogs include deracoxib (Deramaxx), carprofen (Rimadyl, Novocox, Carprieve, Quellin, Carprofen), meloxicam (Metacam, Loxicom, Orocam, Meloxidyl, Meloxicam), and firocoxib (Previcox).
The application for Galliprant is sponsored by Aratana Therapeutics

[anonymous]

Addendum:
What food did your veterinarian recommend? It doesn’t sound like you are overfeeding him.
You can presoak the kibble in water or plain homemade (nothing added, boiled chicken water)broth. I would say no snacks, except maybe a raw carrot here and there.
How about: https://www.chewy.com/natural-balance-fat-dogs-chicken/dp/46804 Only 250 calories per cup!

I hope these articles help: https://www.mspca.org/pet_resources/the-skinny-on-pet-diets/
and https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/choosing-the-right-diet-for-your-pet/

I would increase the walks, even if they are slow and leisurely.
PS: Brush his teeth once a day, they love chicken flavored toothpaste.

[anonymous]

Any way you can get him to a pool three times a week for 10 minutes at a time? One minute of swimming is equal to 4 minutes of running.
Has he had a senior workup done by the vet, lab work? I would rule out medical causes for the lethargy/weight gain before trying to find the perfect food. Don’t assume his symptoms are age related.
See what the vet recommends.

Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea worked well for my senior, see chewy dot com for reviews.
What does your dog weigh? What does the vet recommend he weigh? Weigh him once a week by standing on the scale while holding him. Weigh yourself first, then deduct your weight.

If you have pet insurance and the vet prescribes aqua therapy (swimming in a heated pool) for medical reasons/rehab, weight loss….it may be covered.
PS: Add water to the food and take him out to void (urinate) often.

[anonymous]

Just curious, how was your dog diagnosed with a chicken allergy? Or are you assuming…..

Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea may meet your criteria, see chewy dot com for reviews and prices.
Check the search engine “allergies” I have posted a lot of information, maybe you will find something helpful.

Allergies can be broken down into inhalant, contact, or food allergy origins. Flea allergies, grass allergies, and environmental toxin induced allergies are the most common causes of skin conditions in Cairns. Allergies can be chronic or seasonal. They can be minor or severe in occurrence. They tend to become worse with age. Treatment is much better than in bygone days. Environmental controls, antihistamine treatment, and desensitization injections have made huge strides in the last few years”.
“Glucocorticoids should be used only as a last resort due to serious side effects. Diagnosis and treatment of chronic or severe cases by a Board Licensed Veterinary Dermatologist is recommended”.
(excerpt from:) http://cairnterrier.org/index.php/Static/health
This was copied from a site regarding Cairn Terriers, however, the information applies to all dogs (imo)

[anonymous]

Per the search engine. Hope this helps: /forums/search/idiopathic+seizures/

Seizures in canines are often idiopathic (unknown cause) and genetic. It’s neurological. Like a brainstorm that will occur at certain intervals, of course sensitivities could trigger, things like thunderstorms can lower the seizure threshold.
Probably best to avoid unnecessary additives and chemicals and make sure the dog is getting adequate exercise.
If he has more than 1 seizure a month the vet will advise medication, this is necessary and will help him.
Uncontrolled seizures can lead to brain damage, not to mention the suffering and confusion the dog experiences.
I had a dog with seizures that lived to old age on a daily low dose of phenobarbital. Listen to your vet regarding diet recommendations, I didn’t avoid any particular foods. However, a simple ingredient food might make sense. I like Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea
Also, ask your vet about a rabies vaccine waiver, he may qualify, if he is diagnosed with a neurological disorder.

[anonymous]

I would go along with the prescription food, if you don’t see improvement within a reasonable amount of time, I would ask for a referral to a veterinary endocrinologist, or find one on your own
It is best if you stick with one vet that you trust and listen to him. Versus hopping around
Just my opinion based on my experience.

For science based veterinary medicine go to skeptvet dot com I have found that site helpful. Often he answers questions. If I provide the direct link, my post may be removed.
Good luck

[anonymous]

Consult a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist. If you have not seen improvement within a reasonable amount of time from treatment by the regular vet, I think it’s time to step it up a notch. Don’t you? In fact, why not ask your vet for a referral, from what you described, food is not going to fix this. Further testing is needed to diagnose the dog, preferably by a specialist.
Do you even have a diagnosis? Thought so. That is the first thing you want, 3.5 years and no diagnosis? There is no cheap way out of this, but, once the dog starts treatment, hopefully you will have a smooth run.

PS: There is nothing wrong with prescription food. Bloating and gas are symptoms, not a diagnosis.

[anonymous]

You know what the answer is. Only a veterinarian that has examined your dog can advise you.
I would refrain from trying over the counter meds and home remedies. Sun block is not intended for veterinary use. You could be making the condition worse.
The sooner you get her to a vet and properly diagnosed you will know what you are dealing with and what the treatment options are.
PS: They have 24/7 emergency/walk in veterinary clinics all over the country. They will communicate with your vet via phone/fax as deemed necessary.
She may need medication, such as steroids to temporarily stop the suffering (pruritus) and risk of skin infection. You may be referred to a specialist for further testing.

[anonymous]

Tell your friend to check out this website, science based veterinary medicine.
skeptvet dot com
read the blogs on herbs-and-supplements

Imo, her money would be better spent by taking her pet/pets to the vet once a year for an exam and lab work (as recommended by the vet)
Supplements are not always benign, some have side effects. I would never use those things mentioned.

[Author]

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