Expert: Kaza - 6/15/2008

Question
We have an 18 month old Bichon. We've had her since she was a puppy. About 7 months ago, we kenneled her for 2 weeks and when we picked her up--the kennel said she was refusing to eat even though we sent her with her usual food (she was 14 lbs, but was 12 when we picked her up). She has regained the weight...but has been constantly sniffing for food ever since--even right after eating!

Also, very soon after we picked her up from the kennel, she developed food allergies to the food she had been eating which showed itself as "hot spots". We have changed her food to a relatively pure sweet potato & herring kibble and her hot spots/itchiness have totally gone away.

I don't know if her behavior is trauma from her being in a kennel or if it could still be allergy related even though her eyes are clear/aren't staining anymore and she has no symptoms through her skin or potty habits. But her constantly licking the floor is really annoying.  Any thoughts?

Answer
In a kennels it is nomal practice to use the kennel own food, which is likely what they have given her, and your food probably wasnt used. This would answer why the weight loss happened and the behaviour afterwards.
The food you are using is aggreeing with her so keep her on it, although have you not considered giving her treats such as cucumber, carrot batons, green beans, mashed potato spinach etc, this may stop her mooching for more feed as they take longer to digest and have a different effect upon her digestive system, not only that but they are beneficial to her health.
# I would also suggest that she is wormed every 3 months and that she is given quite a good bit of exercise , all of these are great for a healthy bichon.
The occasional meal of gound oatmeal with fresh fish such as salmon will also be good for her , the oats are a slow release energy unlike kibble which is very fast acting indeed.

for more diet information please log into my health site
www.eurobichons.com
good luck