Re: [PyrNet-L] Itchy update

[Charlotte & Jack Perry <pyreau@erols.com>]

Deanna,
I've been told many times that most allergies seem to be due to food. 
However, when the itchiness is the feet and legs, I would wonder about
grass allergy or something the pup comes in contact with through the
feet.  We had a friend whose dog was very allergic to a powdered carpet
cleaner.

About foods, my puppies often prefer the adult food over puppy food at
about 4-6 months which is when we begin to change them to adult food. 
Be sure that you do not feed high-energy, high protein adult food.  We
have used the Eukanuba puppy chow for large breeds.  The only draw back
we found was that it contains fish oil which is pretty stinky. 

If you suspect food allergy, you might consult your Vet about which
ingredients are most likely to cause allergic reactions.  Some people
have good luck with lamb and rice food, others avoid lamb products and
some try to stay away from wheat.
 
Good luck, keep us updated.
Charlotte

> 
> It's been only three days treatment with the DermCaps and Benedryl twice
> daily.  I think the benedryl is knocking her out though.  Yesterday I
> think she slept about 20 hours, didn't want any dinner, or a walk, just
> which room to be in to sleep near  me.  It was kind of sad.   This
> morning she again wanted very little food.
> 
> I hadn't put much thought into her diet as the cause of her itching.  So
> I began to think about it, and I did realize that about a month ago I
> began to mix Pedigree canned dog food (about 2 T) with her regular
> science diet (large breed growth) to get her to eat better.  Boy, it
> worked great and she finally began to show some interest in her meals.
> Now I'm wondering if the Pedigree could be causing a reaction.
> 
> Also, while visiting some friends this weekend, Lucy (who has never
> shown a great interest in food) helped herself to the resident dog's
> food dish, AND asked for more.  I was absolutely floored.  The food was
> Eukanuba active adult formula or something similar.
> 
> So, all information to date makes me think I should consider changing
> her diet!  Of course I just purchased another 40lbs of her regular
> Science Diet kibble, and a half dozen cans of pedigree (isn't that how
> it always goes??).  I checked into the labels and noticed that Eukanuba
> also advertises the use of Omega-3 and Omega-6 supplements.  Another
> newsgroup member mentioned these supplements helped her itchy dog.
> 
> So I'm going to start the gradual weaning off the science diet (hoping
> to use all 40 lbs!).  Though this may take a little longer than I
> anticipated to see if the change in diet helps her though.  But at least
> if she likes the Eukanuba ( I'm going to use large breed puppy formula),
> mixing that with the Science diet should get her to eat it without
> adding the Pedigree.
> 
> Thanks again for all the suggestions!
> 
> Deanna Murden
> and the still itchy and now sleepier Lucy-dog