New Blog Location

Due to some functionality issues, I'm moving this blog over to Wordpress. You can find us here:
http://dogswithallergies.wordpress.com/ Take care and I'll talk to you soon.

Andi

Dogs with Allergies
http://dogswithallergies.wordpress.com/

OPS Update: 4/8/09

So it's been a little over a week now that the dogs have been on the Superfood. I haven't seen anything amazing yet BUT, Phoebe's breath is somehow less stinky. She has the WORST breath ever! I don't know if this is just a fluke, or if the Superfood has something to do with it. So maybe I have seen something amazing, hmmm... I'll keep you posted. Take care!

Andi

Organic Pet Superfood - Immunity Formula

Okay, I'm trying the girls on a new supplement. It's called Organic Pet Superfood Immunity Formula. I just started selling it on the website (shameless plug, sorry). We started it yesterday 3/30/09, so I will let you know how it goes for the girls. I'm also giving it to the cats who are both suffering from urinary/bladder issues right now. I'm thinking it's from their litter. The formula has recently changed and has better odor control. I think it's just more fragrance that has been added. It makes me choke when I clean the litter boxes. Anyway, I'll save that for a new Cat Blog maybe.

Superfood is made of nine medicinal mushrooms. It's good for the immune system and could be beneficial in treating allergies, joint health, digestive issues, low energy levels, and animals who are stressed. So far, they all love the taste of it, it smells like cookie dough. I love that you can just sprinkle it on their food. It only requires a small amount too, so it works out to be a fairly reasonable supplement.

Dosage:

Up to 30lbs: 1/4 tsp. per day (we're giving Phoebe and the cats 1/8 tsp. per day since they're all just over 10 lbs.

31 - 60 lbs: 1/2 tsp. per day

61 - 90 lbs: 3/4 tsp. per day

91 lbs or greater: 1 tsp. per day

There are 60 grams per tin and it includes a 1/4 tsp. scoop.

I will keep you posted on improvements, side effects, or anything else. I also plan to get a picture of Emma's foot, she's been having problems between her toes on one of her hind feet. It's been irritated for a few months now. I clean it often, and have put lavender oil on it but it's not healing. It's not infected at all, but she won't quite licking it. I'm anxious to see if this clears it up.

Talk to you soon.

Andi

Zinc and Evening Primrose Oil for Dogs

So I started the girls on some evening primrose oil and zinc supplements this past Sunday. From what I've read the EPO is good for skin disorders and yeast infections. There are many other benefits too, but these two caught my eye since I'm looking for an allergy remedy. Zinc is used to help with skin and coat conditions such as itchiness, excessive shedding, hot spots or rashes, foot pads or nails that are in poor condtion, and many other symptoms.

The dosage I found is 500 mg EPO/ 20 lbs, and 15 mg Zinc/ 20/lbs.

I'll keep you posted if there are any improvements. If anyone is using this currently, please feel free to add your 2 cents. Thanks and take care.

Andi

Update 3/29/09: So a week has gone by, and the only thing I've seen so far from the girls is an upset stomach. This is common with zinc supplements so the suggestion is to start out with a low dose, and move up to the dose that you need. I know it takes time for things to work, but I thought maybe there would be a little improvement by now. I'll keep you posted.

Update 3/31/09: We're still having some digestive upsets, so I've decided to take them off the zinc and EPO. It was a little bit of a pain dosing Phoebe too, since she hates taking any sort of pill and I wasn't about to be crushing the zinc up and mixing it with food and warm water. I feel like I'm giving up on it too soon, but I've found a new supplement and all you have to do is sprinkle it on their food. Check out my new post to learm more. There are chewable zinc tablets for dogs if your interested in going that route. You can find them here: http://www.healthypets.com/nutrivedzinpro.html Again, feel free to comment on this if you're using zinc for you dongs allergies. i would love to know more about it.

Homemade Dog Treats

My dogs Emma and Phoebe, both have food allergies. There are only two kinds of food they can eat, and it is almost impossible to find a treat that they can have. I found this recipe and they love it! Thought I would share with everyone.

Dog Treats

3/4 c. hot water

1/3 c. margarine ( I used canola oil but any oil will do)

1/2 c. powdered milk ( I never have this on hand so I've used wheat germ and cornmeal, flax would also work but my gals are allergic to it )

( corn and wheat can be potential allergens too, so use what's best for your pup )

1 tsp. salt

1 egg beaten ( the girls are allergic to eggs so I substitute with 1/4 c. applesauce + 1 tsp. baking powder or 1 banana + 1 tsp. baking powder)

3 c. whole wheat flour ( use what's best for your pup )

Pour hot water over margarine. Stir in powdered milk, salt, and egg. Add flour 1/2 c. at a time. Knead to form a stiff dough. Roll out to 1/4" thickness and cut out shapes. Bake at 325 degrees for 50-60 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

I hope your dogs like them, take care!

Andi