Labrador Retriever Forum
We have three English Labrador's all of which have allergies (especially yeast infections in the paws) to one extent or another. I have been researching several supplements and I am curious whether or not any one has had any success with "Dinovite." Any guidance you may provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Have you found out what they are allergic too? Could be grass, fertilizer (wash paws before you let them inside), food (what do you feed - eliminate corn, wheat, etc)?
To answer your question, no experience with that product.
I tried dinovite with my girl that has environmental allergies. It did not help her at all. I used it for about 8 months and saw no improvement.
I agree that it would be better to find out what they are allergic to.
In addition to the outdoor allergens, check what you use for floor and carpet cleaning, and even for washing their beds. I'm a big fan of Gold Bond powder for anything itchy, and Gold Bond does make a foot powder that helps with fungal problems...
According to the vet, it seems that my 2.5 year old girl has allergies. Not very bad but some. The vet suggested Benadryl but I'm reluctant to have a very sleepy lab on my hands.
I've tried several foods and have had more success with some rather than others. I do give her two fish oil pills a day (she's only 59 pounds) and I'm convinced that this helps.
I have a friend with a lab. Herdog had grass allergies
chewing on feet and coat.And the dog has been on
Nupro multi Vitm. And he is back to normal with no allergies to be seen. She feels it is working as she was out of it for a month. And her dog went back to having the same allergies.
If it is food/grain related I would try California Natural dog food as it has very few ingredients and a good choice for allergies.
However it does depend on the age of your dog IMO. The adult formula is only 21% protein and not high enough for a growing pup IMO (or a less active/arthritic senior that needs to maintain muscle mass)
Or you may want to try grain free food
Orijen, www.championpetfoods.com
Natures Variety, www.naturesvariety.com
Evo, www.evopet.com
Did the vet say are the allergies environmental? or food driven?
I think it's important to establish that before you try treating or you could be going in circles.
Many food allergies are due to the corn or grain in the food and the above mentioned food is good for that.
If you are dealing with environmental allergies, that's a completely different story.
Good luck in narrowing down what the culprit is.
If it is truly yeast, you are probably going to have to treat it first. I have a spayed girl that needs Ketoconazole every now and then to clear up her yeast issues. A grain-free food might also help once she is cleared up.
Apple Cider Viniger can help with yeast issues. At least ear related but it works in the body internally so may help with the feet as well - once you determine it is yeast.
I give 1 tbspn daily in food with water added.
Under the presumption that "you are what you eat" I would start with what you are feeding them first. I have had success with both lamb & rice, along with salmon and sweet potato food. I also add a heaping TBS of plain yogurt to everyones food daily. When I get an allergy or fungus as you described I also have used the Eqyss MicroTek Equine medicated shampoo (wash feet) and leave on medicated spray. I have also had great luck with using this on hot spots when they pop up.
Take your dog(s)to a good skin specialist and have a scratch test done. They will also put your dog(s) on a food trial to see if it really is food related. I had to do a food trial with one of mine, and it was no trouble at all - really easy since that one food was the only thing he could have. No extra treats - just the food. He really liked it. Once a diagnosis is determined the vet will decide what will work best for each dog(s).
some need allergy shots
some need a different food
some need oral meds
some need everything
Might be something as simple as cleaning the feet when they come in.
or
Using a dust mite product on carpet and furniture
Good luck
Heska does allergy panels for about $160. You may have to go through your vet to do it, but you might be surprised at what a dog could be allergic to.
Best of luck.
Thank you for responding. We feed them Royal Canine Labrador dry food mixed with Drs. Foster & Smith chicken and brown rice wet food. We had not thought about the grass. We do have a lawn service which comes out eight times a year. It may be the chemicals they are using. I appreciate your insight. Thank you.
