Expert: Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie) - 12/3/2009

Question
I have a 2 yr old male pitbull, Domu.  He constantly itches to the point of bleeding.  Recently bumps have developed all over his body with a couple very large ones that had pus inside of them.  I started using a tea tree oil spray on him and this helped to clear away the large bumps but small ones still reappear.  His vet has put him on "synotic" for his chronic ear infections on a long term basis.  After reading some of your answers to others I just ordered the NuVet Plus wafers.  Initially he had been fed Science Diet food and then I switched to Iams (the red bag....Lamb).  I have read allot about feeding a grain free food to dogs with allergies so last night I purchased Wellness CORE.  Given my dogs issues....would you consider this a good choice and is there anything else you would suggest that I do?  

Answer
pitbull allergies and itchy: Science Diet reviews - Wellness Core dog food;
Hi Doris:  I am so glad you purchased the Wellness Core grain free dog food!  Good for you !
Poor boy - I am glad that you did see a vet and they have ruled-out any Mange mites.

Glad you ordered the NuVET Plus wafers for your boy...  Yes, this will help to re-build the immune system and aides in the prevention of ear infections.
The Science diet is awful, with too many junk filler ingredients.
Yes, the Wellness Core is a great choice.
Please start your Domu off slowly with any dog food change over.
If possible mix the Old food and the New Wellness Core at a 50:50 mix....
After 2-3 weeks - then go to 100% of the Wellness Core food.

You can give Domu some 2 % cottage cheese, about 3-4 x per week - just 1/2 cup.
Also, unsalted green beans - the canned ones are very good / about 1/2 or 1 cup serving.

Besides the NuVET product, I would get some Probiotics into your boy.
I like Flora Force by Nature's Sunshine - you can call around to some vitamin/health stores to see if they carry the Nature's Sunshine products.
Also, Acidophilus is a good probiotic to use daily ( about 1 billion CFUs )  2 per day for your size of canine.

Please start your boy onto some Pure salmon oil - the Grizzley Brand is excellent.
I would give him 1 tablespoon per day. ( long term)

Here is the NuVET bulldog page:
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html

and the main site:   http://www.nuvet.com/81098

For baths, you may want to do a baking soda bath 1 x per week.
Fill the tub with 1/2 warm water and 1/4 cup pure baking soda.
Drop cups of this mixture over your boy for 5 minutes.
Then, rinse well and Pat towel dry - don't rub the skin


Keep me posted at the e-mail
mtnmom@gci.net
PLEASE send photos of your boy to my e-mail

thanks
Marie Peppers LPN MA