Questions about allergies, etc.

[coroth]

Hi!

I just have a few questions I'm hoping some people could help me with.

Number one, Beau has been itching his arm, not his paw, but his forearm. I don't know what's going on but I really feel bad for him. Could it be allergies? Is there a test that the vet can do to tell if he has food allergies or should I just assume he does and switch his food?

Secondly, I was wondering if anybody has their yorkie on a "senior" diet? When did you start feeding senior food? Beau is seven on Oct. 14 and I want to make sure he is getting everything out of his food that he can to keep him healthy.

Thirdly, does anybody have their dog on vitamins or anything like that? Beau is very active so I want to keep his joints and coat healthy. Do you give them any human vitamins (like fish oils, etc.) or do you buy commercial doggy ones?

Any suggestions will REALLY help me out! Thanks!

[Ellie May]

One of the vets in Ellie's vet office said we could wait til age 9 or 10 to switch to senior food because toy breeds live longer than others. I would start considering it at age 8 or so.

If you want to add some vitamins to his food I would consider Missing Link. You can go to designinghealth.com and look at their ingredients. It is a good product. If you get Missing Link Plus there is something in there for joint health. I think it is glucosamine. I am sure I spelled that wrong.

As for allergies, I thought Ellie had food allergies too. So did her vet. I switched food and the itching didn't stop. I tried Benadryl and the itching didn't stop. She has an appt. tonight because I think it might be mites. Her ears are very itchy along with her chin and paws. If you don't think it's allergies I would go to the vet. What food do you feed?

[coroth]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

One of the vets in Ellie's vet office said we could wait til age 9 or 10 to switch to senior food because toy breeds live longer than others. I would start considering it at age 8 or so.

If you want to add some vitamins to his food I would consider Missing Link. You can go to designinghealth.com and look at their ingredients. It is a good product. If you get Missing Link Plus there is something in there for joint health. I think it is glucosamine. I am sure I spelled that wrong.

As for allergies, I thought Ellie had food allergies too. So did her vet. I switched food and the itching didn't stop. I tried Benadryl and the itching didn't stop. She has an appt. tonight because I think it might be mites. Her ears are very itchy along with her chin and paws. If you don't think it's allergies I would go to the vet. What food do you feed?

I feed Eukanuba-Yorkshire Terrier. Beau loves it!! He used to be a really picky eater but now I actually have to ration his food because he started gaining weight so fast!! I wish I had time to home cook for him.

[Ellie May]

There is corn meal in that food. If you suspect a food allergy I would switch foods. Maybe it's not an allergy though...

[Yorkiekids]

Definetly check the labels on the bag of food you're feeding to see what's in it before you change to something else that may have the same ingredients, and have a vet check up.

[coroth]

What is the best food for allergies then? I am going to schedule a vet check-up for Beau just to make sure that it isn't anything other than food allergies, but I think I'll change his food just to make sure. I mean, there is no harm in switching to an all around better food for them is there? It won't hurt him to be on hypoallergenic food if he isn't allergic?

[Ellie May]

An awesome food for allergies is California Naturals. It is made by the makers of Innova. Each food has one protein source and one grain source. I don't think it would hurt even if he doesn't have allergies. I have never tried this food personally though. The vet will probably want to put him on a Science Diet prescription food if he thinks it's allergies. I would personally not do that though.

[coroth]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

An awesome food for allergies is California Naturals. It is made by the makers of Innova. Each food has one protein source and one grain source. I don't think it would hurt even if he doesn't have allergies. I have never tried this food personally though. The vet will probably want to put him on a Science Diet prescription food if he thinks it's allergies. I would personally not do that though.

I would never put my little baby on Science Diet (no offense to those who choose too). My family has had bad experiences with dog food, and this is one of many that will not be allowed into my home. If anything, I will be switching him to a new food that I can understand the ingredients, none of those chemical names that are supposed to fool you into thinking it is a healthy food. Beau is going to the vet on Friday afternoon just to make sure that it isn't anything other than allergies. After the verdict is in, I will be on the hunt for a better food (I thinking of switching even if it isn't allergies.)

[Ellie May]

I like your point of view on Science Diet.
Here is the California Naturals link.
http://naturapet.com/brands/california-natural.asp

[Patti]

I switched mine to California Natural as my vet said to put her on a food with one novel protein and one carbohydrates. They love it and the kibble comes in small bites. Unfortunately it didn't stop Cali's itching.