[nagdu] New dog, ear infections, and the runs

[Tamara Smith-Kinney]

Tracy,

I'll second you on the super premium dog food, and the limited ingredient
diets like lamb and rice.   I had a heck of a time convincing Daisy's dad to
go to the high-priced stuff, but it has been well worth it!  I've noticed a
real difference in both dogs' coats and energy levels, and we've had far
fewer problems with the ear and UT infections.  Whew!  Then again, there are
days when their higher energy levels are a bit rough on my energy level.
/lol/

Tami Smith-Kinney

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Tracy Carcione
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 6:59 AM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nagdu] New dog, ear infections, and the runs

Lora, congratulations on your new dog!  Sensitive can be very nice.  My
Echo is a very sensitive gal.  I had to work sometimes not to over-correct
her, but it was great to have a dog who was easy to handle.

I have not had a dog with ear infections since 1986, and it's not due to
my diligence in ear cleaning; I only do it every 3 or 4 months.  I think
ear infections, and diarrhea, are connected to the food the dog eats. 
Many dogs are allergic to corn and wheat, and some to chicken.  So, if I
got a dog having skin, ear, or digestive issues, I think I'd try lamb and
rice food first and see if that helped.
A few years ago, I switched to a premium dogfood.  I picked Canidae.  It's
more expensive than grocery store food, and has to be ordered, but the
ingredients are much higher quality.  My Echo is 14 now, and still in good
health.  Maybe that would be the same if she'd been eating Purina, but
then again, maybe not.
Echo also seems to have issues with dairy, so I have to avoid any food
with dairy in it.  No cottage cheese, or ice cream treats.  I don't know
if milk bones have actual milk in them, but they give Echo terrible runs.
I know Julie J just went through trying to find the right dog food for
Monte because of digestive troubles.  It can be confusing and complicated,
but the payoff is worth it.

Oh, when Echo was working, stress used to give her the runs.  For her,
travelling was stressful, at least for the first couple years.  Class is
stressful, and going home with a new person, too, maybe.  I just mention
it as a possibility.

Anyway, I hope you figure out what helps Tryce without too much trouble. 
Best of luck with your new dog!
Tracy, Ben, and retired Echo



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