[SusanF]

Hello everyone! I'm a newbie, so I hope I'm doing this correctly. At the moment, I'm pulling my hair out and feeling so badly for my little guy, Mick-Mick. Mick is my ten year old Shih Tzu and is having on-going problems with two of his paws. They are red and swollen. I don't know what we haven't tried and I'm at a total loss. He's been on steroids, antibiotics and we've done the epsom salt soaking two times a day. We, of course, started with Benedryl, which did nothing. I also apply Animax two times a day. We feed him Hill's Prescription Diet d/d Canine Skin Support Potato & Venison Formula, which also works for his sensitive stomach issue. Any suggestions would be so deeply appreciated. Thank you kindly.

Susan

 

[ChaosIsAWeim]

Have you done an allergy test? It could be a dietary allergen or an environmental. Personally I would first do the allergy test, but I would try and find a new food. Looking at the ingredients d/d is mainly potatoes with very little meat at all, I mean the meat meal (venison) is the 12th ingredient.

 

[SusanF]

Thank you for the quick response and suggestions. No, we have not done an allergy test, but I will inquire and will also look for another food. The food may be somewhat of a challenge since he does have stomach problems as well and when that comes out of remission, it's difficult to get under control again. And, I see what you mean, the venison would be considered far down on the ingredient list. Thanks again.

 

[ChaosIsAWeim]

Also maybe get some zymox spray and shampoo.

http://www.zymox.com/zymoxProducts.htm
http://www.petkingbrands.com/products/index.html

 

[Nuclear_Glitter]

I would recommend trying a grain free food, and doing the allergy test. Taste of the Wild is a good food, and is grain free.

When you switch dog foods just very slowly switch over. For example (not saying you do feed this much), if you feed one cup you could feed 3/4 old food 1/4 new food for a few days, and then slowly move up.

A lot of dogs issues clear up when they're on a grain free food.

Best of luck! =]

 

[InkedMarie]

A grain free food would be a good idea, I'd try one with NO chicken, try fish or turkey. I would not use Taste of the Wild though, they recently had a recall.

 

[SusanF]

We are going to Petsmart tomorrow and will look for a different food. I really think that that's the problem. I've basically eliminated everything else. He's not outside much (only to go potty). He's never liked grass and always stays close to the patio, even when he potties. I also looked at the Zymox product (thank you for the links) and will place an order. Thank you all for caring and providing some great suggestions. I appreciate you and so does Mick-Mick.

 

[InkedMarie]

What brands does Pet Smart carry? Can you shop anywhere else? You must have an independent pet store in driving distance, or a feed type of store.

 

[SusanF]

All name brands. It's the store we go to if we want quality food (Blue, Nutro, Royal Canin, Nature's Recipe, etc.), other than what we get at the vet. We were giving him Hill's DD, which can only be gotten from our vet. All our pets are on high quality food.

 

[InkedMarie]

All name brands. It's the store we go to if we want quality food (Blue, Nutro, Royal Canin, Nature's Recipe, etc.), other than what we get at the vet. We were giving him Hill's DD, which can only be gotten from our vet. All our pets are on high quality food.

No offense but to *me*, Nutro, Royal Canin & Nature's Recipe are decent foods, decent quality, not high quality. That's okay. Not my dog. I'd be looking for an independent store or feed store to give my business to. Good luck!

 

[SusanF]

I'm new to this, so forgive me if what I sent earlier posted. I sent it, but I can't seem to find it. There's no offense taken on my end. My number one concern here is the health of Mick-Mick, so if you have particular brands you recommend, please share. We spend a lot on food, vet bills and grooming and we've gone to the moon and back to take the best possible care of all of them. We have 5 dogs and 2 cats. And, while we do have feed stores in the area, they don't typically carry the quality brands and what they do carry is very high priced, so we travel to St. Louis which is 100 miles round trip to get the best. You said that there had been a recall on Taste of The Wild, so are there other brands you recommend? Thank you.