Expert: Delores Beck - 7/28/2010

Question
Hello Ms. Delores,   

 My name is Amanda and I have been reading some of your posts.  First, one about a cocker with icthy skin.  I am getting ready to go back for another vet appt. for my boys.  I have been making  a list of all my concerns and I have been doing some searching online too.    I am thinking my mini has allergies... he is constantly biting his paws like he is OCD.  Usually when we are sitting or going to bed.  My cocker spaniel, he is still a pup, 7 mths, neutered.  Has has seemd to have a lot of problems so far.. my husband bought him from a pet store... to say the least I have been kind of worried about his health/temperment.  My hubby gave into the "hes so cute" while we were trying to adopt from a rescue org and didn't really think about where Winston actually came from.  But moving on - we love him and so far he has the kindest temperment and we have had no issues w/behavoir.  But I am trying to get a grapple on preventive and making sure he is well kept.  
 What caught my eye in one of your posts was yeast infections?  Since we have had the cocker he has been on about 4 - 5 cycles of antiobiotics to treat Giardia. He has been getting an awful dog smell.  We clean his ears weekly and the one is filthy each time.  We have been keeping the under hair of his ears shaved to encourage air circulation. I have been having to clean his eyes sometimes 3x daily.  Most of the time the color is a cloudy white goo.. seems to be worst when he wakes up.  Even with cleaning, under his eyes the skin seemed to be getting scabby.. yellowish scab.  Which I had them look at before and he was prescribed more antibiotics.   

 I thought I had a good food chosen out... Innova adult for my mini and innova puppy for the cocker and I add a cod oil.  But I see that you vote no?  I would love to see if you have any recommendations even for the schnauzer too.  I know the mini has a sensitive stomach.  If he gets a hold of any yucky treats like milk bones he will throw up.  I thought he was doing good on this food but, the more I have been observing him I have been wondering if his OCD paw biting behavior is a food allergy.

Sorry if this is TMI.  I welcome all information!  Plus I know my vet sells SD and I would not take that as a reccomendation from her.

Thanks,
Amanda

Answer
Please stop adding cod liver oil - you're going to end up with an overdose of Vit A.

It's quite probable both your dogs have allergies (it's definitely the season for it).  Paw chewing is a red flag for an inhalant allergy.  For the min, I'd suggest two things.
1.  Get a large pan (put it outside) and fill it with 1/2 water and 1/2 white vinegar.
Initially just pick him up and dunk the paws in it 3 times a day..just count to five and let him go.  After a few days, once a day should do it.
2.  Try an antihistimine.  If you'll write me directly (DeeBeck7765@aol.com) I'll give you suggestions and dosages for his weight.

Now the cocker - he shouldn't have needed 4 to 5 rounds of antibiotics to clear this.
What was he given - what was the dose - and how long was he treated?

And what are you doing for him topically?  I would also like to know what you're using to clean his ears.  When you say there's an odor - body or just the ears?  How is his skin?  Itchy?

Food:  Innova used to be one of the best.  Unfortunately they've sold out to P & G.  I highly recommend the newer raw, dehydrated foods like Addiction - Sojo's Complete - or the NRG Bison.