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Just got back from the vet with Sophie - got nails done. Has another ear infection and allergy issues which are causing her to lick her paws constantly and the ear infections. She's now taking as many meds as I take. She (bless her little heart) seems to be costing me about $100 every other month. She needs a sugar daddy to support her. Any volunteers? Maybe I'll dress her up in a pink tutu and let her sashay around the park and see what she can find.

If you find one for sophies, let me know. I need one too!

@ Mitch

@Khenrie....Me too! Let me know if you find one, maybe we can share!

Karen, did you try changing her food? I had to put Monty on Lamb & Rice for the same problems.

Yeah I did try changing her food to a chicken based one. I'll try a lamb and rice next or maybe I'll let her hook up with Spike.

Poor Sophie and your poor pocketbook! Do try lamb and rice but, don't buy at the grocery store. Go to a store that sells brands like Innova, Avoderm, or California Natural. I would start with California Natural Lamb and rice. It only has 5 main ingredients. Here is a link to it and also there will be a place to compare different brands. http://www.californianaturalpet.com/pro ... t.asp?id=3

Tina may also have suggestions about the glutten free, but when I switched many years ago to these types of food without additives especially preservatives like BHA ear infections and skin allergies cleared up like magic in my dogs. Have used similar brands ever since. I wouldn't feed the stuff the vet sells either, just reading the labels I can't imagine they can in good conscience sell it. IMHO

The Chewmonster gets Avoderm lamb and rice because of skin allergies. Seems to help.

Our four-legged babies sure can be expensive, can't they.

I'm scheduled to take Belle, one of my kitties, in for her radioactive iodine treatment on Sunday. When all is said and done I should be about $1500 lighter in the pocketbook. But that's part of the deal in my book. I'm just thankful that my income tax refund is more than enough to cover it. Somehow it always works out.

Hang in there with the allergies, Karen. My first dog suffered from them, too, and not much helped. But the limited-ingredient food is a good idea. Sure couldn't hurt.

Laura -- and Jed

We feed Radar Lamb and Rice too, but for intestinal issues. We'd have to wear gas masks if we didn't. Boston's are notorious for being little gas machines....if only we could figure out a way for her to power a car!

We feed all three of our dachsunds Lamb and Rice by Natural Balance. It isn't cheap but it sure beats the vet bills for allergies for two of them. Completely cleared up all problems. They get Duck and Sweet potato treats also by Natural Balance. Dick Van Patten used to advertise it. It is also important not to give them other treats or bones because that can take away the benefits of the special food. We buy 10 bags and get the 11th free. Good luck with this.

I've found with the higher quality food, we've used Innova and California Naturals, that our pets actually consume less volume of food, because it is more nutrient dense. This made the cost about even with store brand foods over time.

khenrie wrote:I've found with the higher quality food, we've used Innova and California Naturals, that our pets actually consume less volume of food, because it is more nutrient dense. This made the cost about even with store brand foods over time.

They also seem to poop less, too. And with a big dog that's always a welcome thing. Jed eats Natural Balance too. He doesn't have allergies, but I'm not taking any chances.

Laura -- and Jed

Corn and wheat seem to be the major culprits.