Having worked in an animal hospital, I was usually the first
voice a concerned dog owner would hear. I would ask, "How can I help
you?" The caller explains that the family dog is itching and scratching
its ears and sometimes even has head shaking and tail digging. It’s as if their
dog is saying, “Help Me!”
The usual veterinarian protocol is to schedule an
office visit. The typical treatment for the dog with itchy skin will include
the use of cortisone – an injection and oral steroid medication. If there is a
secondary infection caused by aggressive scratching, the dog gets antibiotics
for that, too. This ten minute office visit can sometimes cost the dog owner
upwards of $100.00 before they leave the vet's office.
The sad truth is that only the itching and scratching symptoms in the dog are being treated – the dog’s reaction to an allergen is temporarily suppressed with drugs – but, the cause for the itchy skin remains. Chances are the itching and scratching will return, possibly followed by head shaking and ear rattling. The vets’ job is to treat the symptoms and he does that well.
However, along with the cortisone (steroid) treatment and/or antibiotics comes side effects. They can cause increased thirst, insatiable hunger, and provoke some unusual or erratic behavior. So, the scratching and itching has stopped for now, thank goodness -but the dog and companion family have to deal with new changes in the animal’s behavior that is provoked by the drugs.
So, is this a real solution for the actual problem?
Could there be a more natural approach to relieving your dog of persistent itching, scratching and constant paw licking and keep you out of the vets’ office in the first place? Could this “allergic reaction” possibly be coming from the food you are feeding your dog?
The culprit very well may be certain irritating ingredients that big box pet food suppliers are unfortunately using as their primary ingredients. In some cases, you will find these "culprits" right after the so called meat "by products" listed on the bag. You say you have been feeding the same brand for years and all seemed well? It very well may have been. But now things are different.
Look, you always want the best for your dog. You desperately want to help your dog feel better and stay healthy. So what can you do? One easy way you could start the healing process is by switching to a premium dog food that does not contain these irritating dog food ingredients. Maybe, just maybe, switching to a premium dog food with just the right blend of natural ingredients could be the answer.
Could a change in the food you feed your family dog really make a difference?
Well, it possibly could. Studies have shown that the best dry dog food for allergies should include wholesome ingredients with a digestible balance of human grade proteins, omega fatty acids, and essential vitamins. These dog food ingredients can help can bring a dogs’ immune system into a healthy state.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if just a change of dog food could eliminate the nagging skin itching, ear scratching, and constant paw licking that you and your dog so want to go away for good?
Do you really know what’s in the food you are feeding your dog right now? Does it contain these irritating ingredients that could be causing your dog to itch and scratch?
