Long Term Probiotic Use

[HrseMom]

Hello all, wondering if anyone has their Doodle on long term Probiotics? I discovered this worked miracles for my dog. She's 4.5 has been on Animal Essentials (plant enzymes & probiotics). Helped with her sensitive digestive track as well as keeping her ears. She came to us with one side infected. Occasional common flare ups. 

Here is where it gets tricky. She's on a high grade grain free diet. Recently starting excessivily itching. The probiotic was the last item removed from her diet. It appears this may be her allergy! My holisitc pet food store thought it could be her food (salmon based) as I had not switched it up in awhile. That I hear can cause an allegros reaction to the protein. 

In short, I would really like to try another probiotic eventually. But need to get away from the current one. Any recs? Also, does anyone give one daily long term? Thank you!

[HrseMom]

Hi ladies, is this the product?. Since it's a cap, how do you get your pup to take it. Iv used pill pockets, but I think they have grain in it? We are grain free. This product also appears to have "rice flour" in it. Filler? Thank you again. I really need to replace the one she is taking, as it's important as you know. For good faith, we are going to see our favorite vet on Friday. Want to confirm this is not a mite that I can't see. :(

http://www.amazon.com/Ark-Naturals-Gentle-60-Count-Capsules/dp/B001...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

JD gets his pills (and he takes a LOT of them) put down his throat; I do coat them with pureed sweet potato to keep them from sticking at the back of his tongue.

JD is also on a grain-free, very limited diet, and he has no problem with the Gentle Digest capsules. I believe the rice flour is used as a binder, but the amount is very, very small.  

[HrseMom]

Poor baby 'JD'. I feel for you. Thank you. I am going to order or see if my specialty store has the pills in stock. 

[HrseMom]

I have added an Omega 3 Oil. Changed up her food, ordered the new probiotic. Taking her to the vet tomorrow for a little look. Want to confirm it's just dry skin and not something alternate. I hear Mane and Tail shampoo is an excellent moisturizer. Have been using an oatmeal shampoo. Will keep you all posted. Thank you for your help. PS... I may do the evening primrose a couple of days a week as well. Anyone use this daily or weekly? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The EPO must be given daily in order to have an effect. 

[HrseMom]

Thanks Karen, been reading up a bit. Going to see how the omega 3 works first. Visiting the vet tomorrow as well. Want to rule out something other the dermatits of some sort. She was perfectly healthy 8 weeks ago at her vet visit. Turned this corner quickly. I also note little red bumps (skin around her anus). Read allergy on another forum. Something tells me we are heading down that path :(. Went through hell with a cat with autoimmunity. Was a learning experience. Would love to help my Bella as naturally as possiable. 

Perhaps we can meet for coffee sometime Karen? My treat! You have been so very helpful. Thank you again. Will update as I have more news. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

As soon as the weather warms up a little, that would be great! 

[HrseMom]

SO, confused. The vet was talking out loud while thinking. I do the same, so understand her thought process nonetheless, confusing. Allergies were discussed, but she was quick to prescribe Cephalexin Caps for a 'potential infection'. Not certain, no skin scrapings, etc. Was also advised to give Benadryl, holding back on that. Gentocin Topical (not sure that that is?) Also a Douxo Shampoo, recommending bathing with that long term. If it's an RX, not really going to be a fan.  I will give her the antibiotic for good faith for now. Let me mention, this all just started and is very mild. 

Any recs on a good "natural" shampoo for allergy prone skin? Thanks! Waiting on the new probiotic to arrive. Honestly, the Omega 3 is great. She woke with less itching today. :)

[HrseMom]

Sounds great Karen! Maybe Lakewood Dog Park too :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Douxo is what I use on JD, recommended by his dermatologist, and it's a great, great shampoo. I have recommended it to several others and everyone has been impressed with it. It is not an RX, and you are better off ordering it online, much cheaper.

I would not give a dog antibiotics without a good reason, like a verified infection. Never for just itching or a "potential" infection. Either she has one or she doesn't.  Cephalexin can be very hard on their stomachs, too. 

Benadryl is not the best choice of antihistamine for itching, but most GP vets don't know that. Second generation antihistamines like Claritin or Zyrtec are more effective and they don't cause drowsiness like Benadryl does. Again, this is why I recommend a specialist for treating allergies, because most GP vets just do not know enough about it. 

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

I use to take the capsules apart and sprinkle it on their food. One day I felt lazy and threw in the capsules whole. They ate everything and licked their bowls clean. The capsules either must have no taste, or they taste great. Our doodles get two capsules in their morning kibble.

[HrseMom]

Thank you Kathy! Will give it a try!