Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 12/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi maria, I have an American BullDog named Tobias aka "Toby". He is 5yrs old. He has a lot of skin issues one being in the winter time he gets hives and rashes, mostly on his sides and belly. I just took him to the vet today to asses it. Last time I took him they could not figure it out either.They said he has edematous,small raised bumps on the skin and (wheals)on his underbelly. They gave him Prednisone tablets 20mg.
I also feed him Natural Balance, Venecine and sweet potatoe. He is sensitive to stuff and this food doesnt bother him.

I guess my question is what should I be feeding him
and what can I do to make him not get this every year..
         Thanks, Caleb

ANSWER: Hi Caleb - Ok, so this only happens to your Tobias in the winter time.
I wonder if the dry air in the house is a problem ?????
When the heat is on do you find your home to be dry.
Does your nose dry out ??????

If so, I would get a humidifier and place it in a room for about 5 hours.  After that one room, then place it in another area for a few hours.  Don't let it stay on all day and night because then you will get MOLD and have Another Problem.

If this only happens in the winter it has something to do with Dryness with the interior air.
( this is a good guess on my part)

What supplements do you use for this boy?  Any vitamin C?  What do you use for baths?
I think your food is fine and I wouldn't change it.

Get back to me and let me know if you want to try some Supplements for your boy?
I can suggest a few good ones.

Marie Peppers LPN Ma
Ask the Pet Nurse

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

QUESTION: As far as supplements, I havent given him any, I would like to start him on some. So any info on it would be great.As far as bathing products Ive used is "zodiac" oatmeal shampoo.  

Answer
Ok, Let's start this big boy on a few great supplements.....

1.  vit C ( ESTER C) Just 1 of the 500 mg per day - long term ( hide in wet food or a pill pocket)
( this is the Vit C for humans / ESTER C - found at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart)

2.  Salmon oil- found at many pet stores - this is a 16 oz bottle - LOOK for Grizzley Brand or Yummie Chummies Brands -  don't buy fish oil/ must be PURE salmon oil.
Give 1 Tablespoon per day mixed into the food - EXCELLENT for skin and coat.
*good for this hips, too
YOU can order this on-line if you can't find it in the pet stores

3.  NuVET Plus Supplement wafers - Voted Best in the USA --- for 2009
Can't buy in the pet stores - order here from the manufacturer.
ALL of the Natural Products can be taken with Anything the VET has ordered.......
Call 1-800-474-7044   Tell them about your dog and that PET Nurse Marie sent you for the NuVET Plus Wafers -  the bottles are 39.00 and 55.00
You need 2 wafers per day for 60 days and then you can drop to 1 per day long term.
The NuVET is an Allergy Blaster and Skin healer.  The NuVET will help this kid to fight off the allergens that are hitting *****
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
use my order code -  81098 and ask for the 15% off Program.

4.  As for bathing - Yes - your doggie oatmeal shampoo sounds fine.  I would only give this kid 1 - 2 baths per month.  YOU can used unscented baby wipes in between any baths.
I like the ones for humans - less cost than the ones made for dogs/ MUSt be unscented.


WELL - KEEP me posted!
BEST wishes....
All that I have offered you is Natural and very safe.


Marie Peppers LPN MA
ASK the Pet Nurse
mtnmom@gci.net