Dog Food (Canine Diet and Nutrition)/Itchy skin

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Question
I have an 18 month make Chesapeake Bay Retriever he has been chasing his tail incessantly and biting it.  The tail has some scaly bumps on the tip that have recently begun to bleed.  I have had him to the vet and he received a cortisone shot and some meds (prenizone) to ease the itching.  It seemed to help at first but now he is chasing his tail and biting it again.  I have ebeen doing some research on the web to determine what it might be and today I found your site.  Do you have any ideas of what I can give him to ease his discomfort?

Answer
Jill,

You mention the vet prescribed steroids, but what was the diagnosis? Did the vet seem to know what it was or were the steroids just a catch-all remedy?

If you could give me more information about the vet visit as well as the bumps, I might be able to come up with some suggestions. Rashes and skin problems are extremely difficult to nail down, but if you can provide more information, we'll see what we can do.

Thanks.

Laura Murphy
Pets by Nature
www.petsbynature.com

Dog Food (Canine Diet and Nutrition)

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Laura Murphy

Expertise

Do you have a question about nutrition, including which food is best for your pet and which should be avoided? If you’re researching homecooked or raw diets, this is the place. I can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about raw feeding. Do you want to know whether or not you need to supplement your pet’s diet and, if so, which supplements are for you? I can help you with just about any question regarding canine and feline nutrition and feeding. Although I believe in the benefits of raw feeding, I respect anyone trying to do the best thing for their pets and will answer questions on any type of pet food.

I can address many areas of holistic pet care, including illness, homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, and flower essences. We can talk about everything from vaccinating (and when not to), to skin problems, to cancer. Please note that I am not a veterinarian and any health-related information is from my personal experience and research, but I can be a good resource.

I can also answer your questions about pet rescue, including when to use them and what kind of pet is right for you. And I love controversial subjects like puppy mills and animal experimentation. If I don’t know the answer to your question immediately, I’ll research it for you.

Basically, if you’re got a pet question – fire away. Chances are, I’ll have something you can use.

Laura Murphy

Experience

An animal lover and owner all my life, I spent years as a foster parent for a national rescue group and as a volunteer at my local Humane League. Many years ago, I began researching and using natural health care methods to treat both my pets and my family. I have worked with holistic vets to develop and provide custom homeopathic and Bach Flower Essence blends for their clients. In 2002, I started Pets By Nature to give pet owners who are seeking a healthier and more natural way to feed and care for their pets a reliable source of education, support, guidance, and products. Relying on honesty, integrity, and openness with respect to natural health care for companion animals, I am able to provide quality products, services, and information with the intent of helping interested pet owners learn about and practice a more natural method of pet nutrition and health care.

Education/Credentials
I am a college graduate and full time Business Systems Analyst. I have written many articles for publication on my web site and throughout the local pet community. I have been a vendor at local dog shows and do public speaking on the topics of pet nutrition and holistic health care.

Past/Present Clients
My clients range from new pet owners to 4th generation raw feeding breeders. I enjoy a wonderful professional relationship with several veterinary practices who refer my diets, supplements, and homeopathics to many of their clients. I ship supplements and flower essences all over the world, and provide a quality frozen raw food to the Central Pennsylvania area. Virtually all of my marketing is word-of-mouth referrals from my current clients and I consider them all my extended family.

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