Bad, bloody face on my Bulldog; itchy bulldog paws and face ;

Question
Hi Maria -

My big boy, Tank, is a 4 year old English bulldog & since we got him (he was just over a year old), he's had issues with his face & paws due to allergies.  We've tried several different foods & almost every antibiotic ever invented & nothing seems to help.  He's such a good boy, but he's so miserable.  I did read several posts here & just ordered the NuVet in hopes it will help him...I can't wait to get it.  

Can you suggest a food that I can/should try? He's been on Zenoquin 100 mg/day for several months now.  It worked well at first, but his face never really cleared up & he still has swollen paws.  I'm willing to try anything to help him & appreciate your help.

Answer
English bulldog; Itchy paws on bulldog; So glad you are going to do the Probiotics, vitamins and the grain-free dog food!  Yes, Keep me posted.

Oh Chris, Poor Tank!  I am so glad you found me!!!  Yes, I can help your boy.
Ok, Glad you ordered the NuVET - Wonderful - please start him on 2 per day for 1 month and then go to just 1 1/2 per day long term.
YOU can give NuVET with Anything the vet also gives him.
Call NuVET and ask for the 15% off on auto ship orders.   1-800-474-7044  (* let them know that Pet Nurse Marie wants Tank on 2 per day to start off)

NOW, as for a Probiotic :
PLEASE start Tank on 2 Acidophalus vitamins per day for 10 days and then drop down to 1 per day for 2 months.  Acidoplhaus can be found at any store that sells vitamins for humans.  
PLEASE look for 1 Billion CFUs of Acidophalus.  Hide in some wet dog food or Pill pocket treats.

Now, for foods : I sure do have GREAT LUCK with the following Grain FREE foods:
1.  Innova EVO - reduced fat dry dog food
2.  Wellness CORE - reduced fat
3.  Merrick Before Grain - reduced fat
REDUCED fat Grain free because bulldogs tend to gain weight on any good foods.

I would mix his old food and the new FOOD AT A 50:50 MIX FOR 3 WEEKS.
YOU can also add some WET canned food - 2 tablespoons per day, on top of 1 of his dry food meals.
Innova, Wellness and Merrick make Grain-free canned wet foods, also.

If you can't find the foods above - make sure you look for GRAIN-FREE only.
LOOK for grain-free treats, too.  There is one we like called  "NO GRAINERS"- a nice little treat.

NuVET; Probiotics; and Grain free food should do the trick.

YOU can wipe his face with a unscented baby wipe 2 x per day.  A little amount of Witch Hazel, on the baby wipe, will help his face to heal.  YOU can find Witch Hazel liquid at any pharmacy or place that sells vitamins and first aide products.

As for the PAWS - NuVET will help and the Probiotic!
Ask the NuVET folks to send you the TEA TREE HOT spot Spray for the paws.
I believe it is 7.00 for this bottle.  You can use this daily on his paws or body to stop the itchies.


I look forward to working with you and Tank!

Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net