Some advice about Della?

[morethanpretty]

Hmm, thanks for the advice, a lot to look into.
I applied some tea tree oil for now, at least it will keep her from biting it, should i rinse it off every time or just apply it 2xs a day?

@Jinx, I had thought of the food allergy but since I feed her grain-free food I didn't think she could be allergic to the meat. I've been feeding her the same food since June and this is a more recent development. I'll re-examine her treats for sure.

@Brian, I'll keep that link and the salt mix in mind, I'm gonna try tea tree oil for now since I know the nasty taste will keep her from biting it.

I feel like a really bad owner for not having the money to take her to the vet. If it comes down to it I do, but I just need to get back on my feet.

[Griff]

My old vet was a large animal specialist so inexpensive solutions were primary. She had us washing Bessie in a Clorox and water solution which really cooled the hot spots. The crucial change was going to a lamb and rice based food.

[DanaC]

Originally Posted by morethanpretty

Hmm, thanks for the advice, a lot to look into.
I applied some tea tree oil for now, at least it will keep her from biting it, should i rinse it off every time or just apply it 2xs a day?

Just leave it to dry, no need to rinse off. But be careful to read the label on the bottle if you are using tea-tree oil: some require dilution sme can be applied directly. Mostly with Piau I just dampen a bit of cotton wool and let few drops of the oil onto the wet wool then press it onto the area. Or, just put a few drops into a little water and then sluice the area with that.

I feel like a really bad owner for not having the money to take her to the vet. If it comes down to it I do, but I just need to get back on my feet.

This doesn't make you a bad owner it makes you an absolutely normal owner :P Not all your pet's health issues require a vet to deal with. You don't want to be scooting off to the vets every time Della has the doggy equivalent of a heat rash. Obviously, if you can't deal with it; if home remedies aren't helping, then the vet is a next step.

The times I have gone off to the vets with Pilau for stuff like this just to be told to go and do what we've already been doing. If you're struggling for cash it can be very frustrating to end up paying consultation fees for advice like that.

You've been to the vets already over this. You're currently exploring other home-remedies and dietary measures. If these don't work then go back to the vets.


[eta] the lamb and rice based food that griff mentions is also worth considering. Pilau and Dante are both on rice based kibble. Certain dog breeds have more sensitive digestive systems than others. Wheat is often a problem for dogs. As are the additives in some of the dog treats. Pilau tends to get a bad tum if he eats any of the Bonio or Winalot bisuits ranges. Pedigree Chum Gravy Bones however, he can eat til the cows come home and be fine with: they have the lowest amount of added vitamins and colourings etc.