Help...with My English Bulldog (Seattle: allergies, organic, cost)

[KCCLAYTON]

We have an English Bulldog that over the last year (shes 2years old right now) has been breaking out in a rash that she scratches at under her neck/throat area. She has also been gettting ear infection after ear infection. We have spent so much money taking her to the vet to only be told that she has "seasonal" allergies and that we need to give her benedryl. The vet will also prescribe her an antibiotic which seems to help, but never fully heals her issues. They have also prescribed her a medicated shampoo.

We have had her on expensive dog food of which we have now switched over to a "Raw food type diet." She has been on the new diet for the last 2 weeks and I am having a hard time telling if it is working.

Instead of going RAW I cook up Organic, Free Range Chicken Thighs, Boil organic, free range eggs with the shells and put organic carrots into my food processer so the carrots are all processed then mix everything together in the kitchen aid.


Please provide your experience and thoughts to help us out. Our vet seems as though they are only good to take our money and honestly, I can barely stand the smell our English Bulldog puts off from her skin/ears.

Thanks!

[cocaseco]

Are you new to the area? Just wondering why this is in the Seattle section? Anyway, ear infections in dogs are much more common here than in other places; due to the constant moisture. I have known of several dogs that needed to be on a constant cleaning cycle, meaning as soon as they come in and each time, they get their special eardrops which dry the ear. Any vet should be able to prescribe this. I am more concerned that it sounds like your dog has been suffering and your vet doesn't see the problem? Repeat ear infections are very painful for some dogs and do require a vet visit. With proper medicine he should see improvement in 24 hours.

As for the food and body rash, I personally think that they are separate issue than the ears. It sounds like an allergy and specifically soy? is it possible that there is soy in his diet? many dogs are allergic to soy and it is very ubiquitous.

[PollyGlott]

Consider posting your questions on the "Pets" forum, you may get more help there. Good luck!

[ASL2116]

My french bulldog had skin issues...found out she was allergic to grains and now she eats grain free dog food...no more skin issues...as for the ears, same thing...our vet gave us an anti-fungal ointment and an ear wash..after 2 weeks of treatment no more ear issues...that being said these kind of issues are very common in these breeds....I really don't think it's seasonal and can be taken care of with the right kind of medication and diet.

[Kiovo]

Have you gotten her allergy tested? It cost about $400-$600 but its worth it in the long run as much as you're taking her to the vet. I have an EBD that was having similar issues, we got her allergy tested, and now our vet office makes a special anitgen formulated just for her so I give her a shot every 3 weeks. We haven't had any allergy/skin issues since.

Look up Bulldog Club of America, they'll have a list of bulldog recommended vets in your city/state. We take ours to one and it really is a special breed that needs a vet that is experienced in dealing with them.

[dogAdvocate]

I have had numerous problems like that with my dog too. Tried the benedril and prescription ear drops along with anything else recommended. What finally worked is called Dr Dogs Ear Oil, we use it regularly and the dog ear problem is finally under control - after YEARS of battling the ever present ear infections. Along with that, we give a tablespoon of unflavored yogurt into the daily food and this helps keep the internal yeast down. Maybe it's the solution you need too Good luck - you can find the ear treatment online from Amazon or drdogs247.com