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Scruffy and Bird, Part II
Fri. 06.28.07 - Scruffy is back to doing hard cone time due to his seasonal grass allergy that is causing him to chew his feet to pieces. I am at wits end on how to deal with his foot chewing.
Two years ago, the vet put him on antihistamines, but the pills make Scruffy stoned and listless. This year, in an attempt to avoid a stoned Scruffy, we are trying spray on, expensive, anti-itch / anti-inflammatory steriods. This treatment is not working as Scruffy continues to lick his paws and the spray on steriods make his heart race and he gets distressed. End of expensive spray.
A few days ago, I went to buy a new cone. Tony the neighbor across the way recommends his family's old German remedy of applying bacon grease on the animal for mange and foot chewing in dogs and cats. I am not sure I want bacon grease tracked all over the apartment. So, I consulted the Oracle of the Googles and it spit out the following:
My Akita is chewing on her pads of her feet : recommends washing the dog's feet after walks, soaking them in epson salts, washing the dog's feet with hydrogen peroxide, and using cold tea as a compress.
Self Mutilation: Dogs Who Chew, Lick or Scratch Themselves to the Point of Harm : Fleas (check, Scruffy is on Frontline), Ticks (no, too dry around here for them), allergies (check, certified allergic to grass), or hypothyroidism ... the last one is interesting. The articles asserts at the end to give the dog a toy as they chew for relaxation. Check, have lots of dog toys.
Several of the articles that the Oracle of the Googles recommended giving the dog an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement. I will try this.
Has anyone tried Solid Gold Health dog food? I have been buying an all natural, no by-products, no gluten, no preservatives brand at Wild Oats. Dog food choice definitely makes a difference with Scruffy.
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