Jan 13, 2009 20:35
So my pointer dog Charlie has been having a rough time this year. He got Flea Allergy Dermatitis this summer (it was a baaad year for fleas) and the poor guy chewed a lot of his hair off. He had no fur on the backs of his legs and his butt, and was missing a lot on his back, right by his tail. The vet gave him Comfortis before it got any worse, but his hair wasn't growing back. Then I noticed a hive-looking rash on his stomach, right in and next to the crease of his legs. I decided enough was enough, so I bought him an all-natural food that is corn, wheat and soy free... aaaand, bonus! Endorsed by Lassie. It's called Natural Way. I also got him some treats that are allergen-free and made with barley flour and vegetables, including carrots, which are his secret vice. Finally I got him some Petco "Dog Allergy Tabs" which are supposed to keep his skin at the optimum moisture level and give him vitamins he needs or some junk. :) All this cost me $5 for a little bitty bag of Lassie Food, $5 for the treats, and $12 for the allergy pills. But I figure it's all paying off because his hair is growing back and he looks soooo shiny. Then one day I get to looking closer, and here's the kicker folks... The "rash" I noticed on his legs, that caused me to abandon all reason and jump into the holistic dog food market, is FROM the hair growing back! He has stubble that's growing in and chaffing him. But guess what? He LOVES all of it. I mean, he used to let his old food sit for hours, and now he wolfs the Heath Kibble right down. He adores his extremely bland looking treats, and would eat his pills like candy. And he does look tons better.
I guess I'm stuck with a tree hugger dog. <3