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One of the most common medical problems seen in the clinic is dogs with recurring or chronic skin or ear inflammations/infections. Most of these cases are due to underlying allergies, usually from inhalant/contact allergens, food allergens, or flea allergies. When it comes to food allergies, many of these pets have skin and ear problems that are non-seasonal and often don’t respond as well to medications or good flea control. |
When faced with any chronically allergic dog with skin disease, it is always worthwhile trying a restricted novel protein diet for a period of at least a few months to see if there is any improvement or alleviation of the skin and/or ear symptoms. During the dietary trial with this novel diet, no treats or chewable heartworm medications should be given, as many of these have additional ingredients that pets could be potentially allergic to.
Some of the newer proteins that vets have been trying include diets based on rabbit, venison, kangaroo or duck. While it is ideal to formulate such diets at home with the help of a veterinary nutritional expert, or books such as Dr. Pitcairn’s Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Richard Pitcairn, DVM, PhD, there are natural commercial pet foods that are viable options, if home cooking is not possible. Brands such as Wellness, Wysong or Pet Guard often offer such novel protein diets.
As a veterinarian who sees the role that quality ingredients play in long term health and longevity in pets, I strongly urge exploring a proper homemade diet first. However, if homemade diets are not possible, I suggest trying the quality, natural brand diets mentioned above because they are free of toxic byproducts, preservatives and additives which can lead to other health issues down the road, such as cancer or organ failure.
I prefer these to some of the more common larger pet food company formulations, which although often carried by local veterinarians have questionable ingredient quality in my opinion and experience.
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2 Comments
What do you think of the holistic dog food called BLUE
[Reply]
I good quality dog for is so important to a dogs health. So many of the dry dog foods on the market contain fillers and drys which can trigger allergies in a dog. I’ve had good success with Nutrience dog. My dogs love it. Their healthy and their coats are thick and shiny.
[Reply]
Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
October 18th, 2011 at 10:00 pm
HI Carol. Thanks for sharing your experience. I would not change your successful recipe for healthy skin and coats.
[Reply]