Sore Jowls

[Zportiss]

Hi there! We have a sweetie 9 yr old boxer/pitt mix, Marley. I recently have been watching his jowls because they were looking red, and now I am noticing some tiny puss pockets. I don't know whether its bites or not, but he also has some crusties. Is it better to leave it and let it heal? I just don't want to disturb the crusties if they are scabs, but I am also concerned about them being infected because one side of his jowls look a little swollen compared to the other one. He has also recently started licking his arms, his butt, his toes, everything! like its going out of style...it may have inflamed the jowl, and now we have a 1-2 combo going on...we have had him on the same diet - Iams for his whole life so I don't think its a food allergy. Any tips on what to do about jowls problems is appreciated - leave it be or clean w peroxide and wipe? For the licking I was thinking of trying a special oatmeal shampoo to soothe his skin. We go swimming in our chlorinated pool alot, so his skin may just be dry is what I hope it is. thanks!

 

[gmacleod]

we have had him on the same diet - Iams for his whole life so I don't think its a food allergy.

Weell - that's actually something likely to cause a food allergy, not prevent it. The more and longer a dog is fed the same thing, the more likely it is that he will develop an allergy to it. So it could be worth your while trying something different for him (different meaning ALL or as many as possible different ingredients - not just a change of meat source).

Even so, I'd suggest a vet visit for this one. An allergy is a possibility, but it doesn't really sound classically like allergies. Better to let a vet take a look to sort out what is going on there.

 

[Sansal]

on...we have had him on the same diet - Iams for his whole life so I don't think its a food allergy.

Iams is a pretty crummy dog food. I would recommend checking out Dog Food Analysis - Reviews of kibble, maybe you can find a higher quality kibble that is affordable and available where you live. Many people on BW (including myself) swear by Taste of the Wild.

 

[Gatorblu]

I agree about the food, but since you really are asking about the jowls I would make a vet appt. If there are puss pockets there is almost certainly an infection. As for the all over licking, If you are in the pool a lot that can dry your dogs skin out. I would get a spray on conditioner and spray Marley when you get out. Good luck!

 

[Zportiss]

Update on the jowls: We started Marley on antibiotics and the puss pockets are now small ulcers that seem to be healing. The swelling has gone down, so I am fairly confident we are almost in the clear!

Thanks for the tips. I went onto the website for the food analysis. I was surprised to learn that the main ingredient in most dog food is not meat, but grain of some sort. I'll will be researching dog food and switching as soon as possible.

Thanks!

 

[Gatorblu]

I'm glad Marley is doing better! As for food the one I've been using is Taste of the Wild (TOTW). It's a good quality and a reasonably priced. Also if you have plastic bowls get rid of them. Thor really broke out from his. Metal or ceramic will do. Bacteria builds up in the plastic.