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So, I’d say: 1) vet check and complete blood panel. You wanna see if there are some underlying issues that cause him discomfort. Dogs are pros at pretending all is well 2) get the Adaptil collar and diffuser for the house. It’s a pheromone released that helps ease anxiety. It usually takes a week- 10 days to take effect fully, but it’s very helpful. On my Jack Russell I use the large dog one, she need an extra dose, so getting 2 collars in the beginning might be useful (collar https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000HPVH6O/ref=sspa_mb_hqp_detail_mobile_aax_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1, diffuser https://www.amazon.com/CEVA-Animal-Health-ADAPTIL-Diffuser/dp/B01AW71ILU/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=Adaptil&qid=1625244980&sr=8-8) 3) if he likes to be hugged/snuggle close, you might wanna consider a thundershirt: it’s basically just a tight shirt that really helps some dogs with anxiety (from thunderstorms, etc) 4) get a good bed. My dog is 14 and I just got a piece of memory foam and added it below her usual dog bed, cheap and really effective. Yours is a bit heavier than mine, so say 3-4 inches at least 4) routines: STICK. TO. YOUR. ROUTINES. The older they get, them more routines help them know what’s going on. Have a bedtime routine that is always the same, so he know what’s happening and what the expectations are. Once you figure out a good sequence, live and die by it. 5) treat him like the senile veteran hero he is, and limit his living quarters at night. Make it easy for him to be able to pace around the whole space available is less than 1 minutes. Then it’s bed time again.
I hope that helps! He’s lucky to have such a caring owner as you are taking care of him in his old age 🥰🐶
-Have them on opposite sides
-Keep the leash gathered up shorter so they can't cross around each other
-2 dog Y-connector such as https://www.amazon.com/Guardian-Gear-Coupler-Nickel-Plated-Swivel/dp/B000Y908UO/
I use an enzymatic solution you can get on Amazon. It's amazing, worked in two days. Also the drops have hydrocortisone so they soothe instead of burn. Amazon - Zymox
You can get a bully stick holder. You'll still end up with a inch left over, but it'll give them more stick that is safe to chew.
Thanks for the response! Haha wasn't sure if a 2 year old thread would be active.
And like I said, I don't think he is in pain at all and he really doesn't seem to be in any kind of discomfort. And he doesn't always do it after eating. Its pretty random. Its almost like he is cold but he can be outside in the cold and come insdie just find. So its just strange.
You mentioned the anal glands, and he has always had that problem. He is on IAMS Adult High Protein Large Breed. He seems to be fine on the food, but his poops are always soft. I talked to my vet about it and they don't seem concerned at all. They even said that he can get his anal glands removed and then we don't have to worry about full glands all the time. Not sure if I want to do that just yet but just like yours, its at least once a month that we have to get them expressed. We just had them expressed about a week ago and he was shivering a bit tonight but I will keep an eye out and see if I can make that connection.
Overall he seems very happy and healthy but I will keep an eye on it and keep my vet up to date and see if they mention anything different. If I do find out anything, I will share. Thanks again!
You really need to have him inside your home. Too many things can go wrong outside. He could get out, it could rain or someone could steal him.
Dogs should never be left outside for an extended time.
Hire a pet sitter to come mid day to take him out to potty.
You can buy an x-pen for him to be in.
https://www.chewy.com/frisco-wire-dog-small-pet-exercise/dp/125050
My dog has a coat that used to get matted in the undercoat as well and has a mixed coat type. I've tried so many brushes, but a lot of brushes wouldn't help me keep the matting from happening so I've definitely been there.
I eventually found this brush/comb that is the best thing I've ever found to help me get them out and keep them from getting bad. You don't have to get it from Chewy, I think I got mine at Petco, it's just the first one that came up.
https://www.chewy.com/four-paws-magic-coat-professional/dp/40535
I only have to use it about once a week and it helps tremendously. Depending on your dog's coat you might need to use it more often. If the matting is looking pretty bad I recommend doing this while giving your dog a bath. Put a ton of conditioner in the areas that need help and then use the comb to gently work through them.
Make sure to use little strokes to help detangle, and use the same rules as you would when detangling your hair (Such as: you should always work from the ends to the roots to make sure you're not ripping out the knots or just moving the knots further down the strands and clumping them up with other knots).
If it's so matted that the skin underneath is getting lesions or is raw, you'll want to take the dog to the vet. They'll most likely need to shave the fur and will give you something to treat it and keep it from getting infected. Sometimes shaving is necessary, but the fur will grow back. I hope this helps!
I own two of these, and my dog loves it. He’s small too, and he can look out the window in it. It includes a clip leash to attach to a harness. The seat belt secures the whole dog seat to the car bench itself. I’ve had to do a fast stop before and this contraption kept him from falling up and hurting himself. Highly recommend: https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Products-Bucket-Booster-Small/dp/B004ZJOK6C
I typed this up, so I'll put it here:
The other option is to make them a food budget, same as how humans count calories to lose weight. Check the WSAVA calorie chart (pdf warning). Probably start somewhere in the middle of the range listed. Subtract 10% from that value and save it for treats. Then check your brand of dog food for the calorie count. Looks like it's 347 kcal per cup. Divide the recommended calories by 347 and it will give you how many cups of food to feed per day. Then use your regular calorie counter to estimate how many calories your kong filling usually is and figure out how to reduce it down to 10% of the recommended calories.
-Baby gates and pens. You'll likely want to block off some areas without closing a door, or that don't have a door (i.e. hallway leading to the front door, your bedroom, office, block off the kitchen).
-Nail clippers, the Safari are my favorite (either size works for all size dogs, do whichever fits your hand better).
-Shampoo, conditioner.
-Chews. Toys are for interactive play NOT for shredding. Toys are ropes, balls, stuffed animals, etc. that you play fetch or tug with together. Chews are edible and for gnawing/licking/chewing on. Stuffed Kongs, [bully sticks](www.bestbullysticks.com), nohide/cheeky rolls (I avoid rawhide and anything that is just skin like ears; no hard teeth-breaking bones or antlers either).
I use Fortiflora, can get it off Chewy, it's a powder you can sprinkle on dry food or mix in to canned. Most dogs seem to like the way it tastes.
How are they justifying charging $85 for 18 lbs of rice, wheat, and barley?! That's ridiculous. I would ask your vet if something like this would be a good alternative https://www.chewy.com/solid-gold-fit-fabulous-low-fatlow/dp/115257
We have had good luck with the paw soother and nose soother in this line.
I need to go back and check the amounts of glucosamine, chondroitin, etc. to compare, but last I looked Glycoflex Plus was my pick, and it's what I currently give. It has MSM and green lipped mussel too. https://www.chewy.com/vetriscience-glycoflex-plus-duck/dp/161892
I'd have to go back and check things again to see if anything has changed, but I ended up deciding Glycoflex Plus was the best. It has glucosamine, chondroitin, msm, green-lipped mussel, and DMG. https://www.chewy.com/vetriscience-glycoflex-plus-duck/dp/161892
They've also done clinical trials http://glycoflex.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/VSD57-ClinicalResearchSt.pdf
He's too young and misses his mommy and siblings poor guy. They make heated animals and ones that have a heartbeat. You should give him lots of warm cuddle buddies. Don't give up on him. He will take a while to adjust to you.
SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy - Pet Anxiety Relief and Calming Aid - Brown and White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NVDDXM/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_60D9PEVNWKMJ93538NEA
Dremel 7300-PT 4.8V Cordless Pet Dog Nail Grooming & Grinding Tool, Safely & Humanely Trim Pet & Dog Nails, Grey https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B003TU0XG4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZNKP4YNQZZME28GV5PZK
Honestly, any food item that the dog will consistently eat. Cheese, hot dog, liverwurst, pill pockets, PB, etc. Maybe have a rotation?
You can also pill the dog. This involves manually opening the mouth and dropping the pills as far back in the mouth as possible. Then hold the mouth shut until they swallow and luck their nose. I find it works best if you tip their head so their nose points to the ceiling, then pull the bottom jaw down. This way you can drop the pills in, versus having to shove your fingers past their molars. You can get pill guns too, which help you get the pills to the back of the mouth. I like to put pills into a pill pocket and then use the piller.
https://www.chewy.com/vetone-pet-piller-dogs-cats/dp/204481?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12808057084&utm_content=VetOne&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjwloCSBhAeEiwA3hVo_TOm9kUBohwDxSLj_zgllDvNtTKSoMAbBBo9X9VCVm...
Have you tried Purina Pro Plan? I know, I know, Purina is not my favorite either, but I swear it's a magic bag of corn/rice and it works really well for most dogs. Not Purina One, Not Dog Chow, but Pro Plan. They do have a sensitive stomach one. https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-sensitive-skin/dp/129808
Are you looking for booties for running around in snow, or for salty/slushy sidewalks?
Snow: https://dogbooties.com/shop/330-denier-cordura-booties/
Salty Slushy (get socks too): Ultra Paws (I use with socks) https://www.chewy.com/ultra-paws-durable-dog-boots-4-count/dp/56624
Get a freedom harness! Look it up! Tight collars and/or pulling can cause asphyxiation and reduced oxygen to the brain. It’s not recommended to walk your dog with the leash attached to the collar. https://www.chewy.com/2-hounds-design-freedom-no-pull-nylon/dp/136938
Vet tech here.. This is definitely case of Ear mites.. please have it taken to a Vet.. we recommend PetGlow Ear Mite as it has turmeric and here is the link on Amazon
I second the vet recommendation. In the meantime, there are some over the counter eardrops that will clean out his ears. It's possible his ears just don't self-clean that well and the build-up becomes irritating.
https://www.chewy.com/virbac-epi-otic-advanced-ear-cleaner/dp/52807
I agree with elven_sea - your best best is probably a harness that has a large hole that goes over the head, a strap underneath, and a buckle on one side of the body. Here is another example.
Another thing, maybe this doesn't apply but many people fall into the trap of "forcing" their dogs to do things, especially with smaller dogs. Keep using the collar for a bit (or take a break from walks for a few days if you have other ways to exercise his body & mind) and do some acclimation. Put it on the floor and reward him for checking it out or throw treats around it so that he just gets used to it as an inanimate object. Then hold it up into the air & reward interest. Then hold a treat through the head hole and reward when he gets anywhere close to sticking his head through. Don't put it over his head yourself - let him choose to stick his head through. Then just let it sit on his body without clipping it closed and reward, etc. This whole thing can take days or even a few weeks with a few short sessions per day, depending on how skeptical he is, but it will be totally worth it.
Have you tried less water? Or adding ice cubes to their water bowl? Over time, our dog got better with not drinking water too fast, when we tried that. A friend also suggested placing a ball in their food/water bowl. They would have to move the ball around to get food.
Starmark has a rubber treat ball that could maybe help?
Zesty Paws Allergy Immune... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071WCV19B?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Ours is a Rottweiler mix and he and his newest brother (a Boxer mix also from a different state) get them daily. We initially bought them from a local pet shop but they’ve been having issues with inventory. If you have a little locally owned pet supply place nearby they might be extremely helpful!
There are some great OTC drops that have helped my dog with her ear infections. I know others on this channel have found them useful as well. zymox optic ear treatment
Best spill proof bowl I’ve owned: Road Refresher Prestige Pets, The No-Spill Slobber Stopper Water Bowl for Dogs, Slow Feeder Water Dispenser Bowl for Home and Travel, No More Messy Splashes, Spills or Drips Ideal for All Breeds https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07NQ3W7CF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_JJGD6B8H6DMJ4E2PRWY2
I got this ramp on Amazon for my 70 pound pibble: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TYQQ71M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_6VTK6SB1WFGV8D7SK2JN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It's not the absolute best quality out there, but it's worked well for us and our pretty tall king sized bed. It's pretty long so if you have a smaller space it might not be the best choice. But I know when we were looking for a ramp it was hard to find something that would work and this has held up for the past 6 months since we bought it. Hope that helps!
Yes, fish oil is great! You want fish oil, not "cod liver oil" as cod liver oil is extremely high in vitamin A to the point it will harm your dog. Ideally the oil will not have rosemary or any other additives. I give it daily. A bottle with pump is very easy, or you can give the capsules. This is the one I use, recommended by my vet.
I second what ReasonablyPositive said. I’d add that there’s seaweed products that can help reduce buildup, but brushing is a must. I use the virbac CET enzymatic toothpaste (Amazon link) and my lady really loves it.. and so does the cat 😂 it made a huge difference when i switched to it, just in terms of my dog wanting to get her teeth brushed vs dreading it!
I tried this for my dog and it works great! He gets red armpits I think cuz it’s hot and he runs really fast and maybe it chafed
BEXLEY LABS Curaseb Hot Spot Treatment for Dogs, Cats and Horses – Medicated Spray with Chlorhexidine, Ketoconazole and Soothing Aloe - Veterinary Formula https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01JVSQY8I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_49AXK2FVVG2M3GT6GYZ3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Those toys are generally meant for playing and not chewing, so I would only bring them out for play time and interrupt any chewing on them.
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Both my dogs who are very aggressive chewers like these (they come in 3 flavors):
https://www.amazon.com/Benebone-Peanut-Butter-Flavored-Wishbone/dp/B00IK243R6
Furminator is a bit difficult to use with longer haired dogs. I have it and tried even the long haired version… great for medium haired dogs, but with longer hair it’s basically useless, really not the best. Get a kong brush (this one https://www.amazon.com/KONG-ZoomGroom-Grooming-Brush-Raspberry/dp/B0002AR19Q?th=1&psc=1) it really amazing for getting all of that dead fur off, and if you then keep a schedule of a once a week quick brush, it will significantly cut down on shedding in the house. I use it on my cats (long haired) and use to use it on dogs, but my current dog is wire haired so no much undercoat. But I am telling you, it’s a game changer!
I got the Casfuy Dog nail grinder from Amazon for 20 bucks. It works quite well and is rechargeable.
Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder Upgraded - Professional 2-Speed Electric Rechargeable Pet Nail Trimmer Painless Paws Grooming & Smoothing for Small Medium Large Dogs & Cats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PFCLHKR/
Does the hair look like this? That’s my pyr mix and she sheds like crazy. We use a rubber comb on her and they pull a lot of fur off (plus she loves it). Also, regular bathing with a good shampoo and conditioner helps remove a lot of loose hair during peak shedding season.
Congrats on the dog :)
For harnesses, I would get a simple strapped design (rather than big wide mesh or pads) that does not restrict normal shoulder motion (no horizontal strap across the front of the dog's chest and shoulders). Balance Harness is a good all-purpose choice. Sure-fit harness is cheaper and a similar design. Notice from the front view the straps make a 'V' or 'Y' shape, so they go up above the shoulders instead of across them. If pulling is an issue, clip your leash onto the ring on the dog's chest. If pulling isn't an issue (either there's no pulling or you don't mind the pulling) clip your leash onto the ring on the dog's back. Whatever you choose, training (giving/withdrawing real-life rewards consistently in response to behavior) is going to change the dog's behavior more than equipment does.
For food, I would strongly recommend that you start out with whatever the dog is currently eating. The rescue/shelter/owner/wherever should be able to tell you what they feed. Stick with that until after your dog settles and then you can switch (if you want) to something else gradually. Don't switch suddenly all at once. Hill's Science Diet or Purina Pro Plan are popular first food choices because a. most dogs do at least "okay" on them, b. most vets at least approve of them, and c. they are medium-priced. You might find that specific dogs thrive more on different foods, but those two are a fine general starting place in my opinion.
I keep a supply of Diggin' Your Dog Firm Up freeze-dried pumpkin on hand for whenever one of my dogs starts to present with soft poops. I get it from Amazon but smaller bags are available locally where I live. It mixes best in warm water and I try to keep it to a medium consistency - in between a paste and a stew. Then I mix it in with dinner kibble. Usually one or two days of pumpkin gets the firmness back to normal.
For full reference, I feed my dogs Kirkland Adult Dog kibble, Chicken Jerky for Dogs found at Costco, Kirkland's version of Greenies, Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Turkey Mini Nibs for training treats, and little bit of cheese twice a day since one of them takes a medication wrapped in cheese then the other two get a little cheese too to keep distribution fair. They get peanut butter on very rare occasions.
PSA: Please remember to check peanut butter (and generally any other human food) for xylitol, as it is toxic to dogs and can cause death. It is becoming a common sugar substitute in many common/popular food items.
I gifted someone this rope toy from Amazon for their power chewer and it's still alive after one month. I consider that a total win.
Agree with the others that it's time to ask the vet for an oral preventative. My vet raves about Nexgard and how it has reduced cases of lyme disease down to near zero in his patients, but ask your own vet for their take.
Just want to mention--even if you use a topical that goes on as drops between the shoulder blades, different brands work better/worse. I would still get something prescribed by your vet rather than something off the grocery store shelf. The vet options will be safer and work better.
Out in the yard, keep grass cut short in and near the dog's area. Long grasses and wooded areas are the worst for ticks. Short grass isn't much risk. If you don't already have one, get a tick scooper for removing any ticks that have attached. So much easier than tweezers.
My dog was so matted, the groomer refused to touch him. I bought this:
Hansprou Dog Shaver Clippers High Power Dog Clipper Low Noise Plug-in Pet Trimmer Pet Professional Grooming Clippers with Guard Combs Brush for Dogs Cats and Other Animal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V2Y2K6Z/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_AfC1EbZ8BG1S9
At Amazon and made sure I saved away from the skin. Worked extremely well.
I just bought this one from Amazon
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01HRSZRXM/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_XbnMEb55QYD3S
Hoping it gets the job done for what I need. My Catahoula mix is starting to look like a bear. I've only started watching videos on YouTube for guidance.
I use this one Amazon
If there's a place that does DIY doggy baths near you, use that. A proper dog tub is elevated off the floor, so it's easier for you to bathe them. Plus, they'll have attachments for you to tether your dog so they stay in the tub and don't fight as hard.
Both of my dogs aren't huge fans of baths, but when I bathe them in a professional setting (as opposed to the human tub at home) they're much calmer.
If bathing at home is your only option, try buying a suction cup tether. Something along these lines might help:
Rinse Ace Pet Bathing Tether Straps, 2 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002IJR9U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zu9kDbFR35N3B
I follow the recipes in this book. The first time through it's a lot of work, but it gets much easier. I make it in bulk and freeze. I have a chest freezer that holds a few hundred pounds. Lasts me a couple of months. I have three medium sized dogs. I would say it's not too late for your dog. It's never too late to start eating a fresh diet, but I would take the transition more slowly. I feed what is called a BARF diet, biologically appropriate raw food. Others feed the PREY model. Two different schools of thought, but not so different. Only it can be like the Hatfields and McCoys between the groups. Find what you're most comfortable with. My vet only recommends a BARF diet. You can start by adding a small amount of real food to his current food. Any little bit helps. Last night I made hamburgers and saved a little of the meat for my dogs as a treat. As you're cooking save trimmings for the dog. The cut off ends of veggies, etc.
I'm not sure how much hard hair he has, but I have a Zoom Groom for my Beagle - we love it! It works mainly on those hard outer hairs, not so much on the downy undercoat. Depending on how his coat is, it may not work for you. The rubber really grabs well and feels like a massage, also working well to distribute oils, and it's very reasonably price.
We have a great rechargeable collar from amazon. 3 modes: on, flash, off.
LED Dog Collar - USB Rechargeable - Available in 6 Colors & 6 Sizes - Makes Your Dog Visible, Safe & Seen - Red, Medium (16 – 20” / 41 – 53cm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UAPOYQG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0E5AAb384HQH2
Just like cats, dogs like eating a bit of grass now and then. Some dogs like it more than others because each dog is an individual and they are not carbon copies of each other. You can buy grass seed specifically for cats https://www.amazon.com/Todds-Seeds-Wheatgrass-Pound-Grass/dp/B0045122EM Maybe if you are worried that the grass is chemically treated you can grow some yourself?
My dog loves the Nite Ize MeteorLight K-9. The LED only lasted one winter, and broke when I changed the battery. But what's great is that it's very tough almost solid white rubbery material. If he bites into it it just springs back without damage. When the light broke I removed the light and it's still one of his favorite balls. [edit] 60-lb husky / GSD mix
Post to /r/rawpetfood. A whole sub dedicated to feeding raw. It's not that hard. If you can manage to feed a healthy diet to kids you can do it for a dog. I feed all my dogs, including seniors, a raw diet. They are healthy, energetic, and their biannual blood work is perfect. I feed a BARF diet that includes veggies/fruit/mineral support so it's a complete and balanced diet. I follow the recipes in this book. The back section of the book has the complete nutrient breakdown for each recipe. It put my vet's fear at easy to know that there was nothing missing. The price of the book is crazy because it's out of print. Maybe you can find it someplace else. I found a copy in a dog boutique. Dr. Becker posted something about an ebook coming out, but didn't say when.
https://smile.amazon.com/Beckers-Real-Food-Healthy-Dogs/dp/0982533128/
Don't be surprised if you get blow back from your vet. I actually changed vets after my vet was bought out and they started lecturing me every visit about the dangers of feeding raw, even when my boy was in the ER because he was hit by a car. I love my new vet and my dogs are healthy.
If you want to go overboard: Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 1: Adaptation and Learning
Easy reading: Excel-Erated Learning: Explaining in Plain English How Dogs Learn and How Best to Teach Them
I have been wondering the same thing for our dog. I have recently bought one of these; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trixie-Strategie-Spiel-Turn-Around-level/dp/B003TOKTEG/ref=sr_1_15?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1481548734&sr=1-15&keywords=interactive+dog+toys
But have been keeping an eye out for non-food toys also.
I tend to leave talk radio on when we leave the house too.
Maybe one of those bristly doormats? Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Home-Fashions-Natural-Plain-Doormat/dp/B0152XWOOE
Giving her other activities can also help to take her mind off of it. Maybe stuff a portion of her food inside kongs and freeze them, give her one after each visit?
Ah yeah, Burt's Bees is wonderful and gentle (I use that for regular baths) but not so great for removing odors, probably because it's so gentle. Next time (if there's ever a next time) try a deodorizing shampoo. On a short coat, you can scrub/massage the shampoo in with a rubber brush before rinsing.
For cleaning around the ears, these Nature's Miracle wipes are amazing. They work better than baby wipes and other brands for removing gross smells. I don't use shampoo on my dogs' heads so I rely on wipes pretty heavily if the dogs smell like death.
I second trying a soft collar. There are ones made out of flexible material as well as the inflatables. Amazon has quite a few. I'm sure your local pet supply stores carry them too.
My spaniel just had soft tissue surgery on her ear last month. I used this and she did fine.
One of my dobes was a foot licker and would cause a lick granuloma on her front leg just above her foot. I used a double layered baby or kid sock. I used adhesive or paper (medical) tape to keep it on. Sometimes I used an ace bandage instead. Both worked pretty well.
The dobe stood without moving so much as a paw for over an hour when we tried using the rigid plastic cone of shame from the vet. She won. We took it off and went with wrapping/socking it. I've never had a dog that adapted well to the rigid cones.
Hope you find something that works for her.
First - always consult with the vet. We did and for My pit-mix (who also gets this sometimes, particularly in the summer), it is one of two things: a bug bite or folliculitis. Although I think there are some plants that irritate his skin in the summer.
We have another dog with a weird skin condition, so we have a medicated shampoo (we use this one) and when he gets all bumpy, we use the shampoo on him. Sometimes a plain old benedryl can help as well (only plain benedryl (chemical name: Diphenhydramine) though, 1mg per pound), but only if he's itchy or they become a little red.
Like you, we're in Florida, so there are all sorts of bugs that can cause itchies and bumps around here, so we have our dog on a flea and parasite prevention and just check for ticks regularly.
You are pretty much at booties or cream. They do have booties for hiking/jogging/concrete, but I have no experience with them.
I use this on my dogs feet before hiking. Supposed to help with concrete too. http://www.amazon.com/Mushers-Secret-Pet-Protection-60-Gram/dp/B0002IJQDC/
I actually use reusable waterproof mattress protectors because they are cheaper and work fine. Amazon has a 4 pack that are usually $25-$30. http://www.amazon.com/Sofnit-Washable-Underpad-24x36-Pack/dp/B01BDRNY7O/
You could try a basket muzzle. Something like this.
Alright so it seemed that at first she was getting a skin rash/ allergy from eating chicken. We switched to giving my dog duck dry food and from there on it seemed that she would also get it but I was not sure about it whether or not it was still from the chicken or not. Now I'm only giving her goat meat and thats it. I'm also giving her Anti-histomine and Omega 3 (dog breeder told me to get this as she is also a vet). Until how long do you think I can see any improvements on her skin? Do you think it will take the exact 6 months or will I see changes within the first month?
I really appreciate your response to this issue I am having and once again thank you so much!
Edit 1: I'm also getting this Seacure medicine as prescribed from the dog breeder (http://www.amazon.com/Proper-Nutrition-Seacure-180-Capsules/dp/B005P0I8KY)
It seems like a good source to me, but I won't lie, I'm not an expert on the subject. I bought Dr Karen Becker's book and am going to use her recipes.
Currently, I am feeding Instinct Raw which is basically premade raw food that you keep in the freezer. It is expensive, though. So once I run out, I will be embarking on the do-it-yourself adventure :p
We got this for our puppy (4.5 month chewing machine) from a local pet store. It seems to last longer than most stuffed animals do. Its lined with some green thing on the inside that makes it harder to break through. It's been about 3 weeks and our lab pup finally started tearing the tail apart (no stuffing in there at least), but we cut the piece he started ripping up off and its still going! It's lasted much longer than any of the other animal toys we've gotten him so we'll probably get another one of a different animal. He loves the Kong Wubba's too but he would tear apart the fabric holding the small ball at the top in about a day. Hope this helps!