english bulldogs allergies ;

Question
Marie,
I have a 4 year old female about 62 pounds and a 2 year old male about 70 pounds. Splenda my girl has had food allergies since she was one. And Sebastian went from 20 pounds to 70 in no time. I am a regular at the vet typically for Splenda. I switched them to raw food about 6 weeks ago and that has been trial and error. I recently had blood test for Sebastian for thyroid it is normal. The vet decided to check the thyroid because he had 2 assymetrical bald spots on his sides and his weight. Since it the thyroid is normal I asked my vet now what? He mentioned cushings disease, but the unlikeliness due to his age. Anyway I am noticing he is excessively panting and  he is chewing and licking his front paws until they are just dripping wet. This just started tonight. I gave him a claritin tonight for the first time. Could this be causing it? I also just started them both this week on a glucosamine liquid product for dogs. As far as there diet they get 9 oz twice a day of raw beef and pork. Splenda is allergic to chicken and it is more convenient to have them on the same food. I had sebastian on purina one and he was fine but the weight was an issue and splenda was on duck and potato light from the vet. it was 70 bucks a bag and only an 18 pound bag. So i switched them to limited ingredients duck and potato and it is 45 a bag for a 30 pound bag but after about 6 months splenda started losing her hair and the allergies appeared to be showing so i have switched them to raw. Now sebastian is panting and chewing his paws and splenda has tiny raised itchy spots. I am heart broken. These are my babies and I feel like I am not doing something right. The vet is suggesting a senior blood and urine panel before doing the actual blood test for cushings. he is also recommending a dermatologist specialist. I am at the vet every other month. Splenda has already had two eye procedures, knee surgery and as much as I love them both. i am spending an outrageous amount on the vet. Any suggestions based on this basic info? I can give more and complete history.

Thanks for your thoughts

Cynthia

Answer
Cynthia, sorry for the delay as I did not see this question!  I would love to help your bullies...
I see why your Sebastian got a little PLUMP.  The PURINA ONE is full of junk and dogs gain weight on this product... sorry:

As far as raw feeding, sure give it a try.  I don't feed raw to my dogs at this time.  We lightly cook all our meats.

Let's get both kids on a few supplements...
I would place both kids on some Acidophalus / PROBIOTIC...
Give your dogs each (1) of the 1 Billion CFUs for the next 3 months - This will reduce the YEAST and balance out the system - Helps with allergies, itchies, and even weight gain.
This can be found at Walmart in the Human Vitamin Section.

NOW - A MUST is NuVET Plus for both bullie kids.
Sebastian needs 2 per day for the first 30 days and then drop him to 1 1/2 per day - this is a wafer - IMMUNE system booster / Allergy Blaster...

Splenda- She can have 1 NuVET wafer per day - Good for the skin - coat - hips - joints - ..... JUST a wonerful Holistic vitamin.
Call NUVET today and ask for the 90 count or Larger / go onto auto ship and get 15% OFF.
BEST to call in FOR the 60 DAY trial ( money back guaranteed trial )
1-800-474-7044
Tell them YOU are working with Pet Nurse Marie and referral code 81098
http://www.nuvet.com/81098

So, continue with the raw feeding - add the NuVET - ( don't use any other dog vitamin )
Keep up with the liquid glucosamine you were using....
YOU can add ESTER C 500 mg give 1 to each dog - It won't hurt and it helps to heal and fights off infections.
Ester C is the find for humans, but pets can take it ....



KEEP me posted !  I can give you some recipes if you want for raw or cooking -
Please get them on the NuVET asap...
Marie Peppers LPN MA

MY Bullie page
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html