Itchey Skin & Ears - Food?

[libbylulus]

OK - this could get long.

My 1 1/2 year old boxer Libby has natural ears. She has been itching her ears for the last 6 months. They get sores and bleed. I feel horrible. The vet has said its probaby alleries - been giving her benadryl -which helps a little. And we've been cleaning them once a week. She is also itching her skin a lot.

We've also been battling with seizures. She's had two in the last month. The vet just put her on Phenobarbital. Would diet be able to help with this too?

I want to switch her off of Iams. I've been doing tons of research here on Boxerworld and would like some opinions. I've narrowed it down to two: Natural Balance (Ultra Premium or Potato and Duck) or Nutro Natural Choice(Lamb and Rice). Any other suggestions are welcome. There are so many varieties that I'm not sure which to use. I also want to make sure my baby likes the taste and that I am able to get her food at the local pet store in St. Paul, MN.

Any advice would be great!
Thanks! Libby's Mommy

 

[firedog]

When me and Brindy had this problem with ears and skin I contacted Natural Balance before putting her on it. The customer service told me to try the Ultra before trying Potato and Duck. Which we did, and wow has it done wonders. She isn't hardley itching, and her ears after 2 meds from the vet that never took care of the problem on the 3 med we found one that work!. I took all her treats away, now she only gets NB Potato and Duck treats(only one on the market without wheat) and she gets rawhides. Her coat is unreal- its so shinny and soft. We will introduce wheat back into her diet soon and see how she does with it. I think( mother's gut feeling) that she was allergic to corn. I didn't like Brindy on lamb and rice(which was what the vet recommended) she still had big poos on it. Thats why we switched her to NB Ultra her poos now are small-med. and firm.

Good Luck- Rachel
P.S. I am also going to introduce her to a rotating diet so she doesn't get allergic to one thing

 

[libbylulus]

Thanks for the advice Rachel.

I will definately try the NB Ultra first. The price isn't too bad either. Do you recall what the 3rd med was that the vet gave you? As far as a rotating diet - what will you rotate with?

Thanks!
Allison

 

[firedog]

1. Was Ottamax - didn't work
2. was a solution that the vet made up at office didn't work
3. I got it at home starts with aT - I'll PM you when I get home from work and read the bottle to see how it was spelled. Her ears always had a bad odor, diggin at them, red all the time. She had a yeast infection and the other times we had her in the vet I had just cleaned her ears ( so he thought I was nuts). But this last one cleared up the problem they don't smell her ear wax is normal not brown!
The rotating diet she'll be on will change every four months
Natural Balance Ultra Premium
Natural Blend by Royal Canin
third will either be
Chicken Soup or
Wellness- Chicken
California Natural
I haven't totally decided on the last three!