M.A., Miami Shores, FL
Tags: small pet Miami Shores FL diet food
Aug 26, 2006
Question:
My 9-year-old golden retriever is suffering from allergies that are affecting his quality of life. We have been to a canine dermatologist, and we were told he is allergic to wool and dust mites. He is now under the care of an excellent and loving veterinarian, but lately the problem has gotten worse.Presently, he has two bald spots on his back, each about 12 to 14 inches long. He has been on Prednisone and antibiotics for years, and I bathe him twice a week, but now I can''t get it under control. I have tried using topical anti-itch creams and even a gentle diaper-rash cream to ease the redness on his back.I have tried switching foods, but nothing is helping. He loves to roll around in the grass, and I wonder if that has anything to do with his condition. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
M.A., Miami Shores, FL Aug 27, 2006
Answer:
The veterinary dermatologist is no doubt correct in saying that your dog is allergic to wool and dust mites. But why has he become allergic? Why has his immune system become dysfunctional? Treatment with Prednisone at this stage could make matters worse.Have your dog checked for thyroid dysfunction and Cushing''s Syndrome, commonly associated with skin problems. Put him on a whole-food, home-prepared diet plus 1 teaspoon daily, each, of flaxseed oil, Brewer''s yeast and powdered seaweed (kelp), and a multivitamin/multimineral supplement that includes vitamins C, A and E, zinc and selenium. Some dogs with seasonal allergies benefit from 1 teaspoon per 30 pounds of body weight of locally made honey and/or bee pollen mixed into their food every day.But remember, one flea can cause hot spots, so use a flea comb to rule out fleas, and look for flea poop, a telltale sign if you do not actually see any fleas. Flea poop looks like tiny flecks of coal dust. Consisting of digested dog blood, it turns reddish-brown when
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