[Anonymous]

Are you cleaning the dog’s ears once a week? I use a homemade recipe 1/2 organic apple cider and 1/2 witch hazel. I gently swab using Q-tips, but your vet will probably prefer that you use cotton balls, so check with your vet first.

[Anonymous]

If you are dealing with environmental allergies vs food sensitivities, or both.
It’s best to go with a limited ingredient dog food.

My dog with environmental allergies does best on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea (no grains, no potato). Potato seems to bother a lot of food sensitive dogs.
However, as my dog continues to have a positive response to immunotherapy (2 years) I have observed that she is able to tolerate more of a variety of foods.

So, in my opinion, I would stay with limited ingredients, no grains.

PS: If the dog is reacting to environmental allergies, most of which are airborne, no matter what you feed him he will have the symptoms you described. That has been my experience.
Have you tried frequent bathing, at least once a week? Malaseb and GNC Pets Medicated Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Fungal are my favorites.

[Anonymous]

My dog receives immunotherapy for allergies (2 years) and is doing very well. She has a sensitive stomach and does well on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea (no grains, no potato)

I never had her tested for food allergies, as the environmental allergies were the most prominent. As they are under control I find she can tolerate more variety of foods.

I would continue to communicate with the specialist that is treating him, maybe the solution and regimen need tweaking?

[Anonymous]

You could try soaking the kibble in water in the fridg overnight, maybe add a splash of chicken broth.
The kibble ends up having the consistency of wet food. It might be more appetizing for them.

[Anonymous]

Speaking of shampoos, I use Malaseb on my itchy dog, but I recently tried Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Fungal Shampoo by GNC, so far I like it, the lavender scent smells nice too.

[Anonymous]

I think a phone call to the vet is in order, have the vet call you when he has a minute, I wouldn’t discuss it with the vet tech as I would want the veterinarian’s expertise on the matter. After all, what you describe is an abnormal discharge of body fluids.
He shouldn’t charge you for a phone call.

[Anonymous]

I would be inclined to listen to your vet, maybe ask him to explain his rationale.
Canned food tends to be greasy, I use it occasionally as a topper. But, not so much anymore, as my dog with a sensitive stomach tends to vomit after eating it. Plus it spoils quickly.
I soak the kibble in water overnight in the fridg for my senior, it then has the consistency of wet food. That seems to agree with him the best.

[Anonymous]

Atopic dermatitis is a hypersensitivity or over-reaction to a variety of commonplace and otherwise harmless substances in the environment such as plant pollens, house dust mites or mold spores. Most pets with atopic dermatitis either inhale or absorb their allergens through their skin. Allergy tests are used to identify what a pet is allergic to in their environment.

There are two types of allergy tests, the intradermal allergy test and blood testing for allergies (serologic allergy testing). In an intradermal allergy test, the fur is clipped on one side of the chest and very small amounts of common allergens are injected into the skin. This test is very precise and is only performed by Veterinary Dermatology services. Because most pets with environmental allergies become exposed to their allergens through their skin, the intradermal allergy test may also best simulate a pet’s natural allergies. In a blood allergy test, a blood sample is obtained and submitted to a laboratory for testing.

If a pet is diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, there are three methods of therapy. The first method of therapy involves removing the allergen from the pet’s environment. Unfortunately, this is not possible in most cases. The second method of therapy involves the use of anti-itch drugs such as anti-histamines or steroids (cortisone). Some of these anti-itch medications do not work in every pet. Other pets develop side-effects from taking certain anti-itch medications.

The third method of therapy for atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies) is allergy injections. Other names for allergy injections include desensitization, hyposensitization, allergy vaccine, or allergen-specific immunotherapy. Immunotherapy involves a series of injections of diluted allergens. Over time, these injections make a pet less sensitive to their allergens and thus less allergic. Most pet owners are able to learn how to give the injections at home. When based on the results of intradermal allergy testing, immunotherapy helps manage the allergies in approximately 70-90% of pets. Most pets will respond to immunotherapy within 6-9 months, but some pets will require up to a year of immunotherapy injections before a full benefit can be noted.
http://www.mspca.org/vet-services/angell-boston/dermatology/boston-dematology-allergies.html

[Anonymous]

/forums/topic/puppy-still-itching-constantly-after-several-vet-trips/#post-72273
This topic seems to come up quite often. If the dog has environmental allergies and food sensitivities going on at the same time, until you get the environmental allergies under control it will be difficult to tell which foods actually agree with her.

I didn’t find anything that helped until I went to a specialist and got the skin testing done and the dog started immunotherapy. The food won’t do anything for environmental allergies…… I didn’t even get the blood test for food allergies as environmental allergies are more common.

Nutrisca salmon and chickpea is grain free and potato free.

[Anonymous]

PS: Don’t be surprised if the vet wants to put the dog on prednisone for a short period of time. That’s what the medication is for, to keep the dog comfortable. But it is not a cure, and long term steroids can have undesirable side effects.

[Anonymous]

I would suggest that you make an appointment with a specialist/dermatologist.

Or consider consulting a homeopath http://www.vitalanimal.com http://theavh.org/

I would be leary of any saliva kits or any mail-in test that doesn’t require a physical examination by a veterinarian /forums/topic/nutriscan-results-suggestions/

/forums/topic/please-help-2/
/forums/topic/4-year-pld-hound-mix-hot-spots-itching-shedingvet-presribed-pills-worked-some/

[Anonymous]

Take a look at Nutrisca http://www.chewy.com/dog/dogswell-nutrisca-grain-free-salmon/dp/35031

Or what Wysong has to offer, including Wysong Senior http://www.chewy.com/s?dept=dog&query=wysong&nav-submit-button=Submit+Query

[Anonymous]

Increase his exercise, long walks. Quality kibble will give a dog regular bowel movements. See “General Guidelines” in this link for homemade, you may find some helpful tips. http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

I like Wysong senior for my old guy or Nutrisca salmon and chickpea.

[Anonymous]

I add a GNC Mega multivitamin, because I lean toward homemade with a quality kibble as a base. I also add a fish oil capsule, as whatever oils are in the kibble tend to dissipate as soon as the bag is opened.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried Wysong senior? http://www.chewy.com/dog/wysong-senior-dry-dog-food-5-lb-bag/dp/50242?utm_source=bing-pla&utm_medium=cse&utm_content=Wysong&utm_campaign=f

or Nutrisca lamb and chickpea http://www.chewy.com/dog/dogswell-nutrisca-grain-free-lamb/dp/35037

Regarding environmental allergies: /forums/topic/nutriscan-results-suggestions/
Frequent bathing with Malaseb might help…a lot of allergens are airborne.

[Anonymous]

You are welcome. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Be careful with the canned foods, I gave my dogs some Wellness whitefish and sweet potato as a topper, 2 were fine, but one of my dogs vomited 2-3 times within 12 hours. The canned food was on day 3, kept covered in the fridg, I threw it out.
He seems to be back to normal now.

[Anonymous]

Nutrisca salmon and chickpea
“Nutrisca is a high protein, natural dog food with added vitamins and minerals. It’s formulated without grains, potatoes or tapioca starch to align with a dog’s natural diet. Made with antioxidant-rich ingredients such as blueberries, carrots, cranberries and apricots, this recipe has all of the good stuff and none of the bad stuff. Give your dog something to look forward to at meal time”!

http://www.chewy.com/dog/dogswell-nutrisca-grain-free-salmon/dp/35031

I soak it in water in the fridg overnight prior to serving, also check out what Wysong has to offer.

[Anonymous]

Ask your vet if Wysong (urinary prescription) is an option. http://www.wysong.net/veterinarian//rx-diets/urinary.html
In the meantime, frequent bathroom breaks are a good idea, the more he urinates (normal amounts) the better.

Add H20 to his food , keep the bladder flushed.
Also ask your vet about potassium citrate supplements.

/forums/topic/recipe-for-royal-canine-so/
/forums/topic/amonium-urate/ /forums/topic/struvite-crystals/

[Anonymous]

I give the fish oil routinely, glucosamine, if I see any stiffness, maybe routinely if the dog is over 7, but it may be best to check with your vet, some of these supplements can have side effects and can interact with prescribed medication. I never tried coconut oil. If you think it helps and you can afford it, keep it up.

[Anonymous]

It depends on the specific problems of the individual dog. Remember supplements and food are not medication, so at best, it’s hit or miss. They don’t have to be regulated by the FDA

I like to add fish oil and glucosamine to my old guy’s water soaked kibble because he shows signs of arthritis and has dry skin, potassium citrate, because he has a history of bladder stones.

To get specific advice and dose recommendations, I would consult a homeopathic vet.
Otherwise, it’s just a guessing game, or see a veterinarian that specializes in geriatric issues, there may be prescription medication that can keep your seniors comfortable.

PS: I have never given milk thistle to my pets, I took it myself once years ago, I forget why…but I think it made me sick…

[Anonymous]

Click on my avatar (replies created) to see my posts, many of them contain information regarding environmental allergies.
If the symptoms have been going on for 1 year/4 seasons without any significant periods of relief, despite diet changes and visits to the regular vet. Time to see a specialist/dermatologist, imo

[Anonymous]

Atopic dermatitis is a hypersensitivity or over-reaction to a variety of commonplace and otherwise harmless substances in the environment such as plant pollens, house dust mites or mold spores. Most pets with atopic dermatitis either inhale or absorb their allergens through their skin. Allergy tests are used to identify what a pet is allergic to in their environment.

There are two types of allergy tests, the intradermal allergy test and blood testing for allergies (serologic allergy testing). In an intradermal allergy test, the fur is clipped on one side of the chest and very small amounts of common allergens are injected into the skin. This test is very precise and is only performed by Veterinary Dermatology services. Because most pets with environmental allergies become exposed to their allergens through their skin, the intradermal allergy test may also best simulate a pet’s natural allergies. In a blood allergy test, a blood sample is obtained and submitted to a laboratory for testing.

If a pet is diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, there are three methods of therapy. The first method of therapy involves removing the allergen from the pet’s environment. Unfortunately, this is not possible in most cases. The second method of therapy involves the use of anti-itch drugs such as anti-histamines or steroids (cortisone). Some of these anti-itch medications do not work in every pet. Other pets develop side-effects from taking certain anti-itch medications.

The third method of therapy for atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies) is allergy injections. Other names for allergy injections include desensitization, hyposensitization, allergy vaccine, or allergen-specific immunotherapy. Immunotherapy involves a series of injections of diluted allergens. Over time, these injections make a pet less sensitive to their allergens and thus less allergic. Most pet owners are able to learn how to give the injections at home. When based on the results of intradermal allergy testing, immunotherapy helps manage the allergies in approximately 70-90% of pets. Most pets will respond to immunotherapy within 6-9 months, but some pets will require up to a year of immunotherapy injections before a full benefit can be noted.
http://www.mspca.org/vet-services/angell-boston/dermatology/boston-dematology-allergies.html

[Anonymous]

ASIT stands for allergen specific immunotherapy.

[Anonymous]

I add the fish oil capsule because no matter how high quality the kibble, the fish oils start to dissipate the minute the bag is opened. That’s why I like capsules the best
.
He also told me that most kibble tends to contain storage dust mites (a common allergen) regardless of how well you store it, they get in during the processing.

Weekly baths (sometimes twice a week) with Malaseb shampoo (leave lather on for 10 minutes), were recommended and do help. Of course, this was all in conjunction with ASIT, which is not a medication.

[Anonymous]

I have been giving fish oil to my dogs for many years now, the only time I noticed an occasional loose stool was when I was using salmon oil and didn’t measure it properly, probably gave a little too much.
The dermatologist said my dog’s skin looks beautiful 🙂

[Anonymous]

“I believe she is drinking plenty. How do I know how much she needs”?

I thought you were asking about the fish oil. As long as you observe the dog going to the water dish occasionally, and there is some moisture in the food, it’s probably okay.
I have a dog that never went to the water dish and he developed bladder stones, so I add water to his food.
I add a little water to my other dogs meals now too, maybe a splash or 1/4 cup….just to be sure.
Of course, they may need more bathroom breaks, what goes in must come out.

[Anonymous]

Vaccinations: Consider Carefully http://vitalanimal.com/vaccinations-consider-carefully/

I am sure the subject of vaccinations will come up when you see the vet.
Consider what the homeopathic vets have to say, and discuss with your vet.

http://www.homeovet.net/content/lifestyle/section2.html
excerpt: “For adult dogs and cats, vaccinate every 2-3 years, instead of yearly. Better yet, just vaccinate puppies and kittens, and don’t vaccinate adults at all (except for rabies, since that is required by law)”.

[Anonymous]

The most cost effective way is to just get the human fish oil capsules at the drugstore, at present I am using Sundown Naturals 1200mg, I put 1 capsule a day in their morning meal and they chew/gulp it down. They are small dogs.
If you want to be more careful, look into salmon oil or fish oil supplements specific for dogs from pet supply places and go by the directions on the jar.

The only side effects I know of are, fish breath or loose stools, I have not observed either with my guys.

[Anonymous]

I am voicing my opinion, just as you are voicing yours.
Hundreds of people read this forum, so maybe someone else will benefit from what we have to share.
Also, maybe if the OP spoke to the breeder about her concerns, the puppy could spend a couple of more weeks with the mother and littermates? Could be an option, especially if a veterinarian that examines the pet agrees it would be helpful. I am assuming it would be a healthy environment for the puppy to return to, of course.
Otherwise, I am sure that the OP will do the best she can to nurture the puppy.

If you are looking for high quality small bite sized kibble, check out Wysong and Nutrisca.
Plus, you can soak any kibble in water overnight in the fridg.
Best of luck.

[Anonymous]

For health and social reasons she should have remained with her mother and littermates for about another 5 weeks. My opinion.

Consider a homeopathic approach to healthcare http://www.vitalanimal.com

homemade diet or combination http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

[Anonymous]

Itchy skin may be due to environmental allergies and not have anything to do with the food.
See some of my other posts regarding allergies, most pets and people have allergies to some degree.
Seeking treatment from a specialist/dermatologist depends on how severe the symptoms are, how long they have been going on, and how much one is willing to tolerate.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried a fish oil supplement once a day? Might help with the dry skin. Is she drinking enough water? Maybe add a little to her kibble.
As far as the dog urine goes, that’s how it is, urine burns the grass.
It usually grows back, kind of. You can’t have a perfect yard if your dog voids on it 🙂
And I don’t trust those supplements that are supposed to save your lawn, chemical junk, imo

Check Wysong for food, my dog with food sensitivities does best on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea with a little lean meat or cooked chicken added.

[Anonymous]

If you decide to do allergy testing, it’s best to make an appointment with a specialist/dermatologist. I think your vet will agree, that will give you the most accurate results.
I am vegetarian too, I find stuff like chicken tenders, chicken breasts, sandwich steak in the reduced price section of my market. Cost effective, and it will keep in the fridg for a few days or you can freeze it.
I just chop it up a little, put it in a casserole dish add a little water and stick it in the oven at 350-400 for about 40 minutes to an hour. Or, just stir fry (medium heat) with a little water in a skillet. You can freeze individual portions.
But, don’t refreeze raw after it’s been thawed unless it’s cooked first.
Then I just add a tablespoon to their kibble mix and add a little water. I add a fish oil capsule too, good for itchy dogs.

[Anonymous]

Nutrisca salmon and chickpea (no potato, no grains) a little cooked chicken or lean meat added, plus water.
Or consider homemade with a quality kibble as a base http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

PS: Soak kibble overnight in the fridg if they prefer soft food, this works for my old guy.
Also, check out what Wysong has to offer. For a canned food topper, Wellness Whitefish & Sweet Potato seems to work.

[Anonymous]

No, I never noticed anything unusual in the morning. They all have those weird dreams where they are running in place, moving around, barking a little. But, not seizure activity.

I don’t like the powders or sprays…they can become airborne, I really don’t want to inhale that stuff. I’m leaning toward the Virbac amitraz collars, in fact I am trying to order some now and they are sold out at a lot of places, that’s a good sign imo.

It is very rare, but a brain tumor, among other medical conditions could cause seizure activity. The vet would have to do x-rays and maybe lab work to rule out, you don’t want to go there if you don’t have to.

Most seizures are diagnosed as “idiopathic” which is a fancy medical term for saying, they don’t know what caused it.

[Anonymous]

It could be anything that caused the seizure, it may even be genetic. If she was having seizures while you were out, eventually you would see signs, such as urinary incontinence, confused states, staring into space, sleeping for long, long periods of time (postictal)

Was it a hot day out? If they are overheated they can have a seizure. Over excited?
I took a year old yorkie to the vet (years ago) she had a seizure on a hot day, they kept her overnight, medicated her for a couple of days.
It never happened again, except for some occasional mild seizure activity as she aged, she lived to be 16.
Anyway, she never needed meds.
But another dog I had, started having seizures at the age of 9 months (after being neutered) He went on a low dose of phenobarb and was fine, he lived a long life too.

[Anonymous]

They are all pesticides (flea/tick and heartworm preventives) not medications.

I am in the same boat, lots of woods here. I use Advantix II every month, late spring-fall, Sentinel every 6 weeks May-November. Annual heartworm test.

I also use Preventic collars (amitraz) sometimes alone or in conjunction with topicals.
Some vets may say this is too much, some vets say it is okay, but to apply them at different times, I suspect the collar is only really good for a month anyway (not 3 months).

I also use homeopathic remedies such as Wondercide spray, brewers yeast tablets, a garlic clove about once a week….all controversial.

[Anonymous]

Watch and wait, if the dog has more than 1 seizure a month the vet may recommend medication, not a big deal…see my previous post. Idiopathic epilepsy is not unusual.

First, they want to see if it is just an acute situation related to the flea/tick pesticide or the heartworm pesticide. A one time reaction to some toxin.

It may be a fluke, she may never have a seizure again…..
Best of luck.

PS: You could consult a homeopathic vet http://www.vitalanimal.com
I don’t believe everything they say, but, some of it makes sense.

[Anonymous]

If symptoms have been going on for more than 1 year/4 seasons and have not responded to diet changes, baths, and the variety of other remedies recommended by the regular vet and well meaning posters.
It is no longer considered to be an acute condition. But, therefore a chronic condition.
That should be a factor in how the pet owner proceeds…imo

[Anonymous]

My dog saw her allergy specialist (dermatologist) today. He said her skin looks beautiful and to continue doing whatever I have been doing. She only needs ASIT about once a month….but will keep an eye out for symptoms.

I strongly encourage anyone that has a dog that has environmental allergies to see a specialist, well worth the cost of initial testing, imo

Good luck finding the perfect dog food, the closest I found was Nutrisca salmon and chickpea, but she now enjoys a variety of foods added to it!

No anal gland issues, no ear infections, no scratching. YAY!

[Anonymous]

http://vitalanimal.com/non-toxic-flea-control/ Check out the blogs as this subject comes up frequently. http://vitalanimal.com/natural-path-work/

They are all pesticides, I use the least amount possible that will be effective. Heartworm preventive every 6 weeks spring -fall, testing once a year. Advantix II in the summer (monthly topical) I also use Wondercide as a deterrent.
The homeopathic veterinarians say they have some natural ways, but I’m not so sure…
I avoid all tall grass, brush, woods and keep the lawn mowed low.

More info http://mashvet.com/resources/hartworm-prevention http://mashvet.com/resources/flea-tick-alternatives
http://www.homeovet.net/content/lifestyle.html

[Anonymous]

Most kibble has potato, my dog with environmental allergies and food sensitivities does best on Nutrisca salmon (no potato, no grains) as a base combined with homemade.
Since receiving treatment for her allergies from a specialist, she has gradually been able to tolerate and enjoy cooked chicken, beef, eggs, fish…
I check her anal glands weekly, but there is nothing there!

Hope this helps someone 🙂

[Anonymous]

Quotes from the article that the OP found helpful (link provided by another poster in a previous post) http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2009/12/23/your-pets-anal-glands.aspx

Allergies can Also Irritate Your Pet’s Anal Glands

If your pet is sensitive to ragweeds, grasses, pollens, molds or other allergens in their environment, this can be a problem for their anal glands. All it takes is your pet sitting down outside for those allergens to transfer to the anus and cause overwhelming itching.

So your dog may start to scoot, itch, become red and irritated, and even chew at its rectum, which can create the anal gland problem. So if you’ve got an allergenic pet, addressing the root cause of the allergies is a great way to secondarily address the anal gland problem.

Anal Glands can Also be in the Wrong Spot

Some animals have anal glands that are placed deep and low inside of the rectum. In this case, even though there is healthy stool being passed out of the rectum, there’s not enough pressure to the wayward anal glands to effectively empty their contents during a bowel movement. Very rarely in those situations, those animals have to have anal gland expression performed because they’re not capable of doing it on their own.

[Anonymous]

I am just sharing my experience, having owned dogs for decades, and what has worked for my dogs, under the instruction of a veterinarian.

I imagine many people might be squeamish about expressing canine anal glands, or not know what they are doing. In that case they could cause harm. Therefore they should listen to what their vet advises.
Some folks bring their dog in routinely to be checked by the vet tech.

[Anonymous]

“it says that regular expression of the anal glands can make problems worse because they will then will fill up faster. Has anyone else heard of this”?

I don’t believe this is true, years ago when I did not know how to routinely express my dogs anal glands, I was at the vets office several times a year for treatment.
Once I learned how to do it myself, I never needed the vets expertise for these issues again. The trick is to catch it before it builds up, just a quick squirt here and there.
Once they are dragging their behind on the floor, you already have an impaction, once it becomes infected the vet has to take care of it and antibiotics may be indicated.

As far as what treatments the dermatologist has to offer, that would depend on his findings after testing and examination.
For example if the dog has environmental allergies and immunotherapy was recommended, this is the most natural way to go, the shots (also available sublingual) are not medication.

My dog is doing so well after 2 years, she may be able to be tapered off….she will see her specialist next week, we only go once a year.

PS: Not all dogs have these anal gland issues, tends to be more common with small breeds….out of about 7 dogs 2 of mine had this problem, but I think I have avoided potential problems by routine expression on vulnerable dogs.
Of course, check with your vet first, the easiest time to do it is when you are giving the dog a bath.

[Anonymous]

“Regular expression of the anal glands”.
Very important if you have a dog that is prone to anal gland impaction. It only takes a second, Youtube has excellent “how to” videos, just type in “how to express dog anal glands” in their search engine. Ask your vet how often? I have had dogs that needed to be checked at least once a week, sometimes more often.

This problem is common in some small breeds, has something to do with their anatomy, also obesity and sedentary lifestyle can be factors.

“Managing environmental allergies. (shots or meds.)”
It doesn’t have to be shots or meds, however, a dermatologist can come up with specific treatments, different from the regular vet…. that may help your dog immensely.
I would be leary of any saliva kits or any mail-in test that doesn’t require a physical examination by a veterinarian /forums/topic/nutriscan-results-suggestions/

“Try a prescription diet”.
As far as diet goes. you want to avoid foods that will cause the dog to have loose or too soft stools, increase the chance of getting clogged up in a vulnerable dog.

“The vet mentioned surgery to remove the anal glands as the absolute last resort”.
This has been effective and has helped many dogs….when all else has failed. The dog no longer has to deal with discomfort and chronic infection.

[Anonymous]

http://vitalanimal.com/dog-flu-remedy-epidemic/

Latest blog from the homeopathic veterinarian

[Anonymous]

http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

Recipe for a homemade diet by a homeopathic veterinarian

[Anonymous]

Thank you for posting the results of that saliva test (dog was not examined by a veterinarian)

Many people opt to have this test done on their pets instead of going to a specialist/dermatologist. They should be aware that the results may not be helpful.

PS: Nutrisca is a limited ingredient food. Dogs can have both environmental allergies and food sensitivities/allergies.

[Author]

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