itchy skin
Please give any suggestions..... What kind of dry dog food do you feed your Sheepdog? Thank you for any response, Susan |
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| I feed both grain free and some with grain - I rotate foods every few months on my 2 OES and 4 other dogs. None of mine have any allergies or skin conditions. What food are you using? |
| Nature's Variety.... |
| I haven't used that one, but I did look up the formulation. It looks pretty high protein, also has a lot of ingredients. So to try and isolate what might be the trigger (if it is even dietary related) would be very difficult. There are several members on here who have some pretty bad allergy dogs, and are very well educated now in their search to make their dog's lives better. I'm sure they will chime in. I do the rotation (with ingredient variablity) as a preventative option so we don't wind up with allergies that come from repeated exposure to an ingredient. So far, it has been very successful....knock on wood! That won't help you too much now though, but at least it's a thought for future dogs. |
sck6172 wrote: Nature's Variety.... Which formula? It seems to be a great dog food! If you are using one with chicken, it may be the cause. Chicken allergies are extremely common in dogs. Also watch what treats you buy! Bad stuff in cheap treats can cause them to be itchy too. If its every summer it sounds like she has seasonal allergies. Dogs can get them too. I would also watch what chemicals you have in the house. We had to switch to a hypoallergenic laundry detergent because lily was allergic to that too..also fleas. One flea bite and lily brakes out. If your not going to get an allergy test done (i know they are expensive) Its just trial and error to find out what they are allergic too. Its a long grueling process....... |
| It is a year round problem.....help! |
| I can't tell you what your dog is allergic too. Work with your vet!!! You can do the trial and error stuff but you dog will have to go off the meds. If your looking for a quick answer I would get an allergy test done. They are spendy but worth it. Your dog will also have to go off the meds for that also. (there is a blood test and a skin scrape test) Allergies suck and it will be a life long issue, even if you know what your dog is allergic too. Its all about doing your best to avoid it and getting the proper treatment plan. |
| oops...the food is Natures Instinct |
| I feed one of mine Natures Variety- Instinct... but it's the limited ingredient variety that has a lower protein level than their "regular food. Both the turkey and lamb are 29% protein and 18% fat. http://www.naturesvariety.com/Instinct/ ... /LIDturkey http://www.naturesvariety.com/Instinct/ ... le/LIDlamb If it's a year round problem, it might be food or it might be environmental as in dust or molds or something inside the home (if the dog is an indoor dog). I'd see a veterinary dermatologist to help guide you. You have to have patience and 100% commitment with a food trial if you go that route and you may need to give it 12 full weeks to see results. Not fun unless of course your dog stops itching!  My dog's skin has greatly improved because of both a food (home cooked ostrich and potato) and a topical approach... the recurring pyoderma is minimal now. Best wishes. |
| So, did your OES have a bad skin problem before? |
| Definitely... since he was just over a year old. Had to wear shirts to protect his skin for the damaging scratching. It became a problem in August 2009. He still gets a small outbreaks on occasion and some topical "funk" but his skin is SO much better. Michigan State University confirmed it on yesterday's discharge paper! "...Bumble has a history of food allergies and is currently eating home cooked Ostrich and potato. He appears to be doing well with dietary management..." Unfortunately, he's got other more serious problems... but his skin is good. BEFORE pictures...  But be aware that it could also be something in the environment. You may be able to desensitize with allergy shots if that's the case. |
| Are you using a flea and tick preventative or flea boming the house at all? My one male is allergic to pythermin ( spelling?) which is an active ingredient in flea bombs and some flea and tick preventative. He will break out in a reddish rash. He is also allrgic to grass and some other things...I give him an allergy antihistime during the summer when he seems worse - prescribed by the Vet. He also east Orijen Six Fresh Fish dry formula and limited treats. Natural Balance makes a dry food with a limited ingredient for allergy dogs and you can get it at PetCo. But if you switch foods do so slowly or you might have poop/tummy problems. Good Luck. Hope you can work with your Vet and find some relief for your babies! |
| My old english is 4 and just this past year started scratching. She does it mostly to her face and under her chin. Not sure what is cazsuing it. she sometimes chews at her feet or licks them. She has had purina chicken and rice and lamb and rice since she was small. Should i change food? Vet said to give her Benadryl. Not sure if I want her to be zonked. Are there any prescription meds for this treatment? I am wondering if it is environmental. |
| Maybe a grass allergy, but could very well be food related. Try going to a third protein and feed that exclusively........like fish or duck. Same thing with grains.....I'd be surprised if rice as a cause, but who knows. Is she getting any fish oil in her diet? Might want to start that as well. |
| The post I was working on disappeared--grrrrr! The gist of it was are your dog's toe pads or between them red or raw? If so a good indicator that your pet has allergies be it food or environmental. Have you changed anything from the dog's food, his/her shampoo, laundry detergent for bedding, towels, etc. or floor cleaning products in your home? Again, it may be something to check out. Otherwise there are tests or the long process of an elimination diet to help determine the cause. I had dealt with flea and food allergies for the last seven years of my previous dog's life she passed at age 12. Thankfully once the culprits of her food allergies were identified things were greatly improved. As a side note my girl was allergic to all meat based proteins (yes, even the exotic ones), rice, carrots and sweet potatoes. |
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