AboutPatti Expertise To date, I've owned 7 dogs, all of which have lived into old age.
Having cared for them in all stages of life, I feel I can offer sound advice to other pet owners, and people considering getting a dog.
I am knowledgeable about the AKC (American Kennel Club) dog breeds, training and exercise, caring for sick and elderly pets, feeding, as well as many holistic treatments pets can benefit from.
My only request is that you write me using standard English and punctuation.
Experience My life experience in this field is more like "on the job training" rather than an actual degree in animal welfare. You may benefit from my experiences over the past 30 years.
Aside from the dogs I've owned, I'm also involved in "breed rescue" and have fostered several dogs, all of which have been adopted to wonderful "forever homes".
I find helping people who want a dog very rewarding.
Question I have a 4 year old hald Sharpe and half yellow lab he always smells and sheds and me and fiance have become very allergic is there anything we can do? Also tonight I was bathing him and noticed his testicles are enlarged and when i went to bathe that area he cried what could that be?
Answer Hi Kristin,
Brushing your dogs out, if not daily then certainly 2 or 3 times a week can help an awful lot with the shedding.
You say your dogs smell, but you didn't say where this odor seems to be coming from. If it's the dog's coat, then try bathing them with a dog shampoo (don't use a shampoo make for people on a dog!). You don't want to bathe a dog too often, because it washes the natural oils from the coat and can dry the skin, but if it's been over 6 months since your dog's last shampoo, then it may be helpful. One shampoo to look for is 3M Pet Care Antibacterial Dog Deodorizing Shampoo.
I can't diagnose your dog's enlarged testicle problem, but because it's not normal, and it seems to be painful for your dog, your dog needs to be examined by your vet. It may well be a tumor, though at 4 years old, your dog is sort of young for that, but anything is possible. You shouldn't put off having your dog examined because if this is something serious, treating it in the early stages would much wiser, and possibly life saving.
