shih tzu itchy skin nuvet pet tabs; pet vitamins for allergies;

Question
QUESTION: I saw your post to Tina 3/9/09 and was wondering about the Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU's 1/2 a day for 40 days....is this human kind or does it need to be for dogs?  I know she has yeast (you can smell it) and it never seems to clear up.  I also was wondering about giving her plain yogurt? My Shih Tzu has really bad itchy red skin and chews at her paws all the time and her ears.  All the vet wants to do is fill her full of shots and medicines that don't work.  There has to be a better answer.  She also has a sensitive stomach. I feed her Fromms.  Any help would be appreciated.

ANSWER: Hi Kim - I am so glad you are going to start your shih tzu onto the NuVET supplements.
Good for you.  Give 1 wafer or 1 teaspoon of powder per day - long term.
Excellent choice for any dog with skin and coat problems Or yeast.

Next, yes, the Acidophalus 1 billion CFUs (1/2 of this per day) for at least 50-60 days...
This is made for humans but pets take it as well.  You can find acidophalus at any store that sells vitamins and supplements for humans.

For any of our readers:  The NuVET is Holistic - see here : not is stores....
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html


I would not do the yogurt right now - Take out the BIG Guns with the Acdiophalus probiotic.
As far as your food - is the Fromms grain free?  I would look for something like Innova EVO -reduced fat formula ( easy to digest)-
If you do change over foods do it very slowly  75:25 ration and then 50:50 and so on.
Take a least 4-5 weeks to make the complete switch over to grain free feeding.

BEST wishes,
Write down my name and private e-mail
Marie Peppers of Ask the Pet Nurse
mtnmom@gci.net

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much for the quick answer.  I do think the Fromms Surf %26 Turf is grain free. I will look when I get home.  Should I still change their food if it is?  Is there anything else I can do for long term health besides the Nuvet and Acidophilus.  And after 60 days I take her off the acidophilus?

Answer
Yes, the Fromms is grain free for the Surf and Turf.  So, we don't need to worry about the food, you can leave it alone for now.  I would do the ESTER C and the NuVET for now:
After about 30 days, we can add 1 teaspoon of PURE Alaska salmon oil to the food 1 x per day-
Look for Grizzley Brand or Yummy Chummies brands of Pure Salmon oil.  

After 60 days you can stop the Probiotic or continue for another 15-20 days, as it won't hurt.

Keep me posted.

Marie Peppers of Ask the Pet Nurse