Zoe's Ears

[lynne b]

My Andrew has the same problem only the right ear, same thing he will scratch it and either yelp or moan like it feels so good to just scratch it. I to have asked the vet about it, as of last week , he got neutered so i asked them to check his ears and they found nothing. I have always tried to feed a good quality food, and even bought one of the PUR water filter for their water. Well now he has a new problem, i gave him a bath last Friday and when i took him out of the tub his right eye was all blood shot down in the corner, i try hard not to get water in his face, he hates it so i use a wash cloth, he has always had a runny eye on that side, his muzzle is always wet, not sure if it might be sinus or something to do with his tear duct. I don't think it is a scratched cornia because it dosen't bother him any other way. I asked the vet tech about it when he was neutered and she said i would have to make another app for that. Go figure!! It's always something with these guys LOL

[Marilyn]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. They did do ear swabs and came back with nothing. I do think she may have a bit of yeast in her ears, but I don't know if what I'm seeing is yeast or residue from all the drops that we use.

I think we will try the other vet, but also, change her food to lamb based instead of the poultry and beef based she is trying now and see if that helps. She was eating fine, but has been turning her nose up at her food lately. Maybe she knows the food is a problem. We're feeding Science Diet, canned and dry. I don't think they have a lamb based, so may have to check out another brand.

Zoe's skin isn't dry, but Chase's is, perhaps we can get a lamb based for dry skin.

The Benedryl is something one of the vets had recommended, but it didn't seem to be making a difference. Think I'll try that again.

Lynne, I like Andrew's cut. Zoe has a long full coat, or as long as her's will grow. All the groomer does is clean her up, shave down her nose, private parts, remove hair from ears and tip her ears and feet. When she scratches she makes a big tangled spot on her side that I have to brush out all the time. I mentioned cutting her hair short, but Rex thinks that then she will scratch her skin more and make herself raw. Not sure she would do that, but I don't think he wants to see her cut short.

I'm getting desperate. She needs some relief, and I just don't have time to deal with all of this. I love her to pieces, and she's keeping my lap warm right now. She's less that 4 lbs, so she's a real cuddle bug.

[paula1961]

Marilyn actually Science Diet does make a lamb and rice. I feed it to mine. It's called Nature's Best lamb and brown rice. I buy it at Tractor Supply. My vet told me not to give Halle anything with beef in it because alot of dogs are allergic to beef protein. I just thought you might want to know that. Let us know what the new vet says. I for one would be very interested to know. Good luck.

[gja1000]

Marilyn, I feed my pups organic raw (frozen) chicken. I thaw it in the microwave or in the fridge overnight. It's Natures Variety brand. You can get another brand of frozen raw chicken at PetSmart, I think.

One of my boys is a VERY picky eater and he gobbles down the raw chicken every morning. They both are doing very well on it.

I've also been told to feed my mom's dog lamb and rice because he has skin/allergy problems.

[Marilyn]

Thank you, all. I'm definitely going to try some of these ideas. I did buy some lamb and rice, and will try it next & see what happens. Zoe has been a little better the past couple of days. Some days are worse than others. There has to be a fix for this. You are all so wonderful and caring. Thank you so much!!!

[judy]

I just found this Marilyn, and I feel so bad for little Zoe! It does sound like a food allergy. I feed the same as Gayle does, Nature's Variety raw food. It really got rid of a lot of small problems Max was having. He was super picky, had dry skin, sounded like an old man snorting and coughing, and now has more energy. Annie loves it too. She was also picky. Max also lost weight, which he has sadly gained back. Too many dog treats!

I use the beef medallions. I give them one each, along with a grain free kibble, just for their teeth. The 3 pound bag costs $17 and lasts a month. You have to wash your hands after feeding, and I use paper bowls so that bacteria is not an issue.

I hope you find a food that helps Zoe. I really recommend the Nature's Variety. They deliver too, if you want.

[gja1000]

Hey Judy, I think Nature's Variety raw is a very good food! It has completely cured my picky eater and I think both boys are healthier and more active. They don't have any allergy or ear problems, but I think they just do better on the food.

I also use paper plates and I use plastic spoons to cut it up (they want it cut up ) so that I don't have to think about raw meat bacteria. I feed Solid Gold Wee Bits hard food for their teeth. They do great on that combination.