Bubblezzz

[quote]they'd have to look at the genetic traits for the English cocker because solid reds get some disease or something where they bite every one[/quote] I have a red English Cocker Spaniel who's the sweetest, most affectionate thing & the love of my life. :D "Cocker Rage Syndrome" (the disease you're describing) is actually quite rare. ;) I agree that it wouldn't hurt to check the lines of any potential dog though.

:lol: Took care of a friend's dog that reacts exactly the same way! She has zero dominance issues & is altogether the sweetest dog. We had to send ALL the dogs outside to be, er, [i]together[/i]. :lol: Seeing as how yours could be a long-term problem, would [i]pretending[/i] to be 'together' and throwing her treats from time to time help to reassure her? Or will she start bugging you even MORE? :o :lol:

Do you guys believe that some dogs just "click", while others don't or just can't? Like us, they may have preferences. :-? I'm saying this because this is what I *think* I'm experiencing at home. Cosmic (mine) just isn't interested in my foster girl, Twyce. He can be extremely playful with many other dogs (yes, even in my home) but Twyce, he mostly ignores. :-? :P Now my question would be, how prepared are you to have to go through the entire bag of tricks: NILIF rules, crating, separation etc. to try and get your 2 dogs to do more than get along and actually start to [i]like[/i] each other? Can you take having to admit defeat in the end? Because that is a possibility - you may have to live with 2 dogs who don't interact with each other at all and just "co-exist". :P

[quote name='courtnek']I'd have to take them with me. pretty much we'd allbe fending for ourselves, life would no longer be running to Jewel for milk, or microwaving popcorn. there would be somevery hard times for quite a while afterwards, and I think my dogs would actually increase my chances for survival, instead of diminish them. thats my story and I'm sticking to it.... 8)[/quote] This is a GREAT point. :lol:

do you have plans for your dogs? If war broke out & your lives were in danger, would you "set the dogs free"? :-? :( After watching "War of the Worlds", bf & I were discussing what to do with the dogs if such an event should occur. He thinks they might have a better chance of survival on their own - and that if we kept them, our chances will probably be highly compromised. :-? I don't know what I'd do, but I don't think I could leave Cosmic to fend for himself. He's such a ditzy boy, he won't survive on his own. :cry:

The poor poor dogs! :cry: And incredible Shep who had to live with (and eat??) his dead friend - and still turned out to be such a sweet boy.

I'm not sure if cuddling comes naturally to dogs. Cosmic LOVES being cuddle and carried like a baby. He'll close his eyes, breathe deep and wriggle until we reach the [i]perfect[/i] spot where he wants to be stroked. :lol: But we had to get him used to cuddling as a puppy. Could be because he didn't trust us at first. :-? Twyce, my foster girl, FROZE the first time bf carried her. She looked completely petrified. :( But then again, she had a tough life and a possibly abusive past. The day she started to relax in our arms was such a breakthrough for us! :D Happily, she now seems to enjoy being cuddled. 8) Floppy (bf's family dog) doesn't like being picked up, but will do anything for strokes, pats and rubs.

Thanks for the feedback Nancy B. :) To update: I spoke with the Azmira representative in Singapore, where I am and he recommended that I start Cosmic on the basic supplements (Garlic Aid, Mega Pet daily & Super-C) to boost his immune system. I went for it (hoping to save some money on the additional booster supplements) and have had him on these the past 2+ weeks. I've also been trying to regulate his omega 3 intake so that it's closer to a 5:1 ratio. Cosmic is on a Natural Balance Duck & Potato diet now. I've also made the switch to a hypoallergenic detergent. Well, so far, so good. His rashes seem to be subsiding day by day - and I don't see any new ones forming. However, he IS still itchy & scratchy - especially on his back now where I usually find the ticks hiding. :( I haven't given him any chemical tick repellents like Frontline - and the ticks are still attacking him. All I've been doing is giving him a once over daily to remove all the ticks I can find. Since I'm supposed to give the basic supplements 6-9 weeks to take full effect, I'll wait it out and update again then. If the changes are not significant, I'll add the yucca, allergy free and immuno supplements. No elimination diet/HCF yet as I've decided that that would be easier to do after my foster girl goes to her new home. So meanwhile, I'm giving the azmira supplements a shot. Fingers still crossed!

Cosmic doesn't seem to mind either way. But he seems to get extra excited once we're home - OUT of the rain. :roll: That bad boy loves to rub himself all along the sides of our couch & bed. :evil: And then he'll run around with a toy in his mouth, bark the house down and make us chase him with his towel. :roll: :lol:

[quote name='Kat']lol ok I'll get some really stinky skanking socks and freeze them :lol:[/quote] I've encountered my fair share of gross stuff - but this just takes the cake. :o Have to agree that they'll probably love it though. Ugh!

No for me, mostly because Cosmic kicks. :roll: And also because he has no qualms about stepping ON us - not the best way to wake up! :lol:

Only 10 weeks old & it already sounds like she's having soooooo much fun! :lol: Congrats!

I agree that there's nothing very natural about our existance on this earth anymore. But the thing about cloning whole animals (not life-saving organs) that freaks me out, IMHO, is the desire to replicate a unique, individual living being. :-? What's the real point? :-? To save a life is one thing. To [i]duplicate[/i] one, that I just don't get. :-? I would never clone my dog. An exact physical reminder of him that's NOT him would feel wrong and very, very depressing. :(

[quote]I know she'd do much better in a less chaotic (fewer animals) home where she could be the center of someone's attention. [/quote] This is what I've been telling myself. In my case, I only have the 2 of them - my own boy, Cosmic & then my foster girl, Tywce. It's hard to imagine how she's "got to me" in just the 3 1/2 months I've had her. :) I never thought I'd REALLY love her :oops: like that - I know it sounds awful, but she isn't like the usual dog I'd go for at all. I love the really "doggy" dogs - the clumsy, eternally happy and in-your-face ones that make your heart melt. Twyce is the complete opposite. She's so gentle and shy and demure. She was so painfully insecure in the first month we had her. :-? And stupid me, :oops: I thought to myself that it's a good thing she wasn't more like Cosmic, and that it wouldn't be so hard to let her go. And now that she's leaving, I almost can't stand it. :cry:

Thanks for the lovely story and your kind words. :) [quote]Ahhh....it came with the dog. They always bring a little bit of heart with them. [/quote] I'll remember this and know that it's true. I never expected to feel this way, but she brought so much love with her. :) And I know she still has so much more to give. When she leaves, another dog will fill her place in my home, but I know that in her own sweet way, she'll forgive me. :)

I lurk a lot more than I post here :oops: so I do know that some members here foster dogs. How do you cope when they find homes? I'll be losing my first foster girl in about half a month. I'm so happy and sad at the same time, it's hard to describe what it feels like emotionally. :oops: A part of me doesn't want to let her go. I've thought about changing my mind and keeping her for myself at least a couple of hundred times. And I worry about how my only baby will take to suddenly being alone again. :( I know that she has a better home now, a forever one, where she'll be the top dog in her new family's hearts. And then I feel guilty about not loving her as much as I do Cosmic. Or else I'd keep her in a heartbeat right? :oops: I know I'm being crazy, but I can't help it. She was never meant to be mine - but she doesn't know that. :cry: Will she think that she's being dumped again/ Will she forgive me? Will she miss us? When she first came, she was so scared of so many things. Now, when we call her to us, she bounds to us, tail wagging and absolute trust in her eyes. She lets me carry her - and she looks at me like she understands everything I'm trying to tell her. And now I'm giving her up. :cry: And I feel guilty about the next dog that's coming to me to take her place. Is it always going to feel like that with fostering? :( It's so much harder than I thought it would be.

[quote]Maybe we should just get a skateboard and let Toby check it out and see if that helps. Toby sees all kinds of people everyday. The lady across the street is in a wheelchair and he just ignores that and walks on by. The kids ride bikes and even a golf cart up and down the road and we have taken him out to see those too. Maybe it was just the skateboard. I'll get Timothy to let me borrow one and introduce it to Toby. I'll let him check it out when he is ready. Thanks guys, I bet it was the skateboard that scared him, probably the first time he saw one.[/quote] This is a good idea. :) You might also want to get onto the skateboard and show him how it all works. :lol: Treats would help a long way too. My dog Cosmic sometimes reacts the same way to "strange" objects. He has even barked/growled at TREE STUMPS to warn them away. :lol: Usually, all I need to do is to approach the object casually first. ;) I'll then call him to me for a very matter-of-fact "show and tell". Cosmic will then act all nonchalent, and that's that, problem solved. :roll:

Thanks for all the advice! :angel: I noticed some improvement in his skin last night :D - 7th neem free day today & he's still on Azmira kibbles & Omegas 3&6. His rashes are not as red anymore, and seem to be drying up. :D I've been applying Azmira's rejuva gel on his infected skin 2x a day. Maybe it's helping?! I don't know! :oops: Certainly doesn't seem to be doing any harm though. I think I'm going to have to find out more to understand the balance and rations needed between the omegas you were talking about. :oops: Meanwhile, I'll try decreasing the Omega 6s he gets. I also plan to change his diet back to HCF in 2-3 weeks time - 2-3 weeks because I'm really still hoping that the neem has a part to play, :oops: and I don't want to make any sudden changes now that he [i]seems[/i] to be showing slow improvement. If improvement is not obvious, I'll begin his elimination diet. Either way, I'm going to take your recommendation and try out the Azmira supplements - beginning also in 2 weeks. I'm hoping to see a vast difference in his health in 2-3 months!! :P :oops: *fingers crossed* Again, thank you. :angel:

Another thing... In Dr Pitcairn's book, he recommends a fast. What do you think? :-? Has it really been known to help? I loathe the idea though - I have a very greedy boy who lives for food. :roll: Putting him on a fast would be the worst torture for him! :oops: :(

[quote name='TDG']Bubblezzz, the herbal remedies i listed are actually for the purpose of getting things under control right now. you will want to stop using them for the elimination diet, but i don't think it's a good idea to do that as long as you still have an acute situation. you'll want to start with a dog that is symptom free, so you can see clear results when you start bringing the challenges into the diet. [/quote] Thanks for your reply TDG. :) I understand the need to start an elimination diet on a clean slate, but if I put him on so many supplements at once, how am I supposed to find out which one is actually helping? And WHAT it's actually helping with?! :-? I'd really appreciate any insight you could give me! [quote]if at all possible, eliminate the grains from the diet. they might be aggravating things. since you said your dog has already been exposed to duck, it wouldn't hurt to try the natural balance duck & potato or fish & sweet potato food instead of the azmira kibble.[/quote] Natural Balance does look good. I'll make the switch ASAP. I'm not sure if Cosmic's allergic to grains though - no presence of a yeast infection so far. Would putting him back on purely HCF help? I can do that as well - and I'd really appreciate help with Cosmic's diet plan! :oops: I do give him grains (brown rice) normally, but I can remove those and either replace or decrease his carbs. [quote]also leave out the evening primrose oil and give fish oil only. omega 6 fatty acids tend to aggravate allergies and inflammation, omega 3's work against that. you can get a great supplement with vitamin E already added from seapet.com at a very reasonable price.[/quote] This is the first time I've heard that omega 6 could aggravate allergies. :-? Is it because it's plant-based? In fact, my vet recommended that I increase my dosage of Omega 6 to help with his skin. Also, Omegas 3 & 6 have to be given together for better absorption right? [quote]the ticks are most likely attacking your dog because of an compromised immune system. if you work on detox and strenghtening that, this can improve.[/quote] Ok. But in his state right now, should I still discontinue Frontline? :-? Or is this something I can remove later on, when he's actually healthy? [quote]it's possible that this allergy is something you'll have to manage for the life of the dog, which is best done with a home prepared diet and the proper supplements. it could be genetics or something else, the outcome is pretty much the same - a situation that needs to be managed. but to find that out you need to work on clearing up the underlying cause and see if it comes back. it is for example said that if a dog has flea dermatitis once in his life, he will always have it. my own dog is proof that this doesn't have to be the case. when he practically chewed himself raw because of flea bites within 24 hours he was on nutro natural choice puppy. now, 3 1/2 years later, after being on a home prepared diet (mostly raw but also some cooked foods) he doesn't react at all if he picks up the odd flea at the dog park or while out hiking.[/quote] This is very encouraging. :D Thanks. I'm really hoping that I can have my perfectly healthy and happy dog back for good too. :P *all fingers & paws crossed* Thanks for helping! :angel:

I must be making a huge mistake somewhere right now, because my baby boy is covered in huge red rashes... :oops: :cry: If there's a positive note, it has to be that this really makes all the other mistakes I made look tiny. :oops:

Thanks TDG! I posted my last post before I saw your reply. :) I've been using Apple Cider Vinegar for general cleaning around the house. I'll look for hypoallergenic detergent this weekend. I've been using human grade supplements on Cosmic all along. Evening primrose oil and fish oil for Omegas 3&6. My objective is to try and pin-point the source of his allergy if possible. If I start adding other medication or supplements to his diet, it [i]will[/i] affect the "results" correct? I'd really, really like to learn just what it is that makes him break out like this. :( If I start giving supplements without knowing the cause, would I need to give those long-term? It may not be finanacially viable for me. :( Also, I've been thinking of putting him on an elimination diet if I see no further improvements after 2 weeks off neem oil. (My main suspect at this point.) Right now, my plan is to: - Feed only Azmira kibble (which contains grains!) - Supplement with EPO & Fish Oil (1000mg/day of each) - Make the switch to hypoallergenic detergents ASAP - Stop using Neem (5 neem-free days so far) Will it be ok if I held out on the above points for another 2 weeks? I'm REALLY hoping that it's the neem (since his itching seems to coincide with my usage of that) - and if it is, I should see an improvement and eventual recovery! If that doesn't work :( and I need to start him on an elimination diet - shouldn't I be taking away ALL his supplements, instead of adding any? I'm confused! :? :oops: I'm working on the assumption that the cause of his itch is not something inherent in him, (bad breeding? :oops: ) but, if what you said turns out to be true, and it's just bad genetics, what can I do? Am I looking at long-term medication/supplements to manage the problem? Also, I would really really like to stop using Frontline altogether - but Cosmic attracts ticks like you won't believe. :? What can I do? I've also tried applying lemongrass & lavendar oils to his collar to repel ticks - didn't work. :( *tearing my hair out* Please help!

Cosmic was put on steroids & antibiotics - the meds only helped as long as they were being administered. :( But they don't help with the root cause - something I need to find out. :? Thanks anyway, gigishiba. :) Are there any nutrition experts here who can help? :(

This is a long post - but please bear with me! I could use some help!!! :cry: My dog, Cosmic, has been itchy and scratchy, on and off, for quite a long while now. He's a 2yrs+ English Cocker Spaniel, with no previous history of skin problems - until he reached the age of 1 3/4 yrs old. His skin problems started with a tick infestation he got at about 1 3/4 yrs of age. At that time, I decided to stop using Frontline Spot-on applications for tick prevention as I wanted to try a more natural means instead. I introduced Neem Oil - used topically whenever I shampooed Cosmic. (5 drops of Organix 100% Neem Oil mixed with his shampoo). Neem didn't work well for us at all, and for the first time, Cosmic was infested with ticks. We de-ticked him manually with the help of Frontline spray & went back to Frontline Spot-Ons. After that one incident, he would get itchy & scratchy on and off. (Before that, clean bill of health). Recently, his skin problem has gotten so bad that he breaks the skin scratching! He gets bumpy red spots on his neck, "armpits", inner thigh and on his back. They look like bringht pink angry rashes. :( We saw a vet a month ago. After a dose of medication (including steroids and antibiotics) his skin recovered some. But ONE WEEK after he was off meds, the itching & scratching have started again! :( He still gets ticks from time to time. (No more than 5 at a time.) He's already on Frontline Spot-on and until 4 days ago, was usually misted all over with Neem oil (+water) before each outing. When he was on a HCF diet, some garlic was also included. My vet suspects that it might be a food-based allergy. I'm at my wit's end, so I'm thinking of putting him on an elimination diet, beginning with just beef. But before I start, can anyone shed some light on what his itching might be? Am I even on the right track, considering I don't really think it's his food? Cosmic has had a very very varied diet since puppyhood - without any problems, until the tick infestation I described. He has been mainly on Azmira kibble for the past 2 months because I've been fostering another dog - and feeding 2 on HCF is too costly for us. :P [b]My primary suspects now are: [/b] 1. The ticks? 2. Neem Oil (On hindsight, his itching started with neem & [i]seems[/i] to fluctuate in intensity depending on how much neem is used. 3. His food? [b]Cosmic's Diet History: [/b] *^3mths - 6mths --> 50% Innova Kibble, 50% HCF (Home Cooked Food) *^6mths - 2+ years --> 95% HCF, 5% California Natural Kibble *Last 2 months --> 70% Azmira Kibble, 15% Merrick's/Nutripe Canned (All flavours) and 15% HCF Last 1 week --> Nothing but Azmira kibble *Supplemented with Omegas 3 & 6 ^Supplemented with calcium (eggshell powder) and occasionally Ester C. HCF includes: Full range of meats, mainly --> Chicken, beef, pork, fish, lamb & (rarely) duck. Full range of veges, including --> Carrots, broccoli, sweet peas, spinach, watercress, mushrooms, leafy green vegetables etc. Carbs --> Brown rice, sweet potatoes, potatoes. Given in a 60% Meat, 20% Carb, 20% Veg ratio. Saesonings were used. Including --> Herbs, fresh & dried, garlic, pepper, parprika, olive/sesame oil, butter etc. (Bad mommy. :oops:) His food is served steamed, grilled, roasted and cooked in soup & stews. I'm not really convinced it's his diet because his problems only surfaced when he was infested with ticks. Before that, he had been eating everything & anything with no problems! His skin problems were also present when he was on HCF + California Natural, so I think I can rule out Azmira. (Right?) Unless it's a common ingredient in both foods? But he barely got any kibble then. Only fed CN when we had absolutely nothing to cook. Cleaning agents used around the house: Apple Cider Vinegar His bedding & toys are washed with (very little) Dynamo. Right now, I'm using Azmira's Rejuva Gel on his bumps. 4 days ago, I started suspecting that it might be the neem that I've been using. I've since stopped using that. I [i]thought[/i] I saw some improvement on Day 3, but apparently, it was all in my imagination :( because, last night, Cosmic's rashes looked like clumps of measles - they were THAT red, and THAT angry looking. :cry: Can anyone help?

When you settle for instant noodles just so your dog can have the one piece of steak left in the freezer. :lol: