Poodle Shedding!

[Tink]

One of the reasons I decided to get a poodle is that they're supposed to be non-shedding. Moses has recently developed an allergy that has him itching so much that he's leaving little patches of curly hair behind. We've switched him to Nutri Source chicken and rice in hope that eliminating the corn from his diet will prove to be the "fix" for it. I'm talking with others whose poodles developed sensitivities to corn as well.

So does anyone have any experience with this brand of food? It's a new one to me. He got it for the first time today and ate it without hesitation... so that part at least was uneventful. Our local hardware store has recently started selling quite a variety of pet items and this and Canidae are their recommendations.

Does anyone have any idea how long it might take once we've eliminated his old food to see an improvement in this? Please cross your fingers that this does the trick. I feel so bad for him being so itchy... and I'm really frustrated with all the hair he's scratching out!

[Janet]

They always suggest this site on YorkieTalk Tink, maybe you can get the information you need there. I've been very blessed not to have any food problems with the dogs ....so far. Hope it stays that way.

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/

[judy]

I give mine chicken and rice mixed with some chopped meat and lentils and some veggies. The only prep time that's annoying is cutting up the chicken. Putting portions into baggies for freezing takes some doing, but I watch TV while I do it.

Just an idea - I only have 2 little Yorkies - you have big ones.

[DianaB]

I have Reuger on Science Diet for Sensitive Skin. He's always been on Science Diet but his skin has been so dry for the last several months. His fur is much shinier and he's not itching any more. Reuger has some problems with food allergies too and he's not having any trouble with this food. He also took Omega-3 oil for a while to help with the dryness.

[RLC12345678]

Tink, I've been dealing with skin allergies with my yorkie, Hobbs, for over a year now. I've finally gotten it under control. I would suggest eliminating not only corn, but also other sources of allergies in dogs. I would switch to an exotic protein source...one that Moses has never been exposed to so you know he hasn't built up a sensitivity to it. Since most foods contain chicken and rice, it's best to switch him to something that doesn't contain chicken or rice since he's probably been exposed to these and has possibly built up a sensitivity to them. I suggest duck or fish based foods with potatoes as the carb instead of rice. Also, eliminating gleuten (Wheat, Barley, Rye), corn, dairy and soy. I found that Barley is a killer for Hobbs. So many treats and foods have barley and wheat in them. I would highly suggest switching to food and treats that do not.

My favorite allergy foods for dogs are the Natural Balance formulas......Duck & Potato or Sweet Potato & Fish are both great and have really helped Hobbs' skin. He was losing patches of hair all around my house too. But now he's 100% better!!! You also may want to add some Omega Fatty Acids to his food. I suggest Salmon Oil.

Here's the world's BEST website for people are who struggling with allergies in their dogs. It's helped me tremendously! It takes awhile to digest, but it's WELL worth the time it takes to read it!
http://dogtorj.tripod.com/id5.html

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me! When it comes to dog skin allergies, I've been there, done that!!!!!!!!

Oh and back to your original question, it will take a good month to see any difference if the new food you've gotten him does do the trick.

[judy]

How's Moses? Give him a big kiss on his nose from Aunt Judy please.

[Marilyn]

Tink, I can't add to the wonderful advice you have gotten. Just wanted to wish you the very best, and hope that Moses is much better very soon!!! Moses

[Janet]

Hope you can get it figured out soon Tink.

[HALEY]

i had to switch to Merricks foods/treats, and bath my dogs in baby shampoo and it helped them...

[Tink]

It's too early to tell if it's working or not, but I had to laugh at Moses yesterday in relation to his new food.
He's now completely off the old stuff but Canada and the pup still get it. Katie was here and had forgotten I'd switched him, so when she saw his food dish empty, she filled it for him with his old food. He'd gone to look at it, and walked away... seems he prefers the new stuff thank goodness.

Our cat too likes the new dog food, so I've been putting down a bit extra for him since he and Moses like to eat together. So whether it works for the itching or not, it must at least taste good! LOL