Hi everyone,

Currently our new 15 week old pup is on Innova large breed puppy food, we took him to the vet on tuesday because he was itching quite a bit. The vet said it was dermatitis after he did skin scraping checking for any mites, etc...he said we could give him a bendryl to ease the itching. I dont like giving medication to him since he so young. I am wondering if it could be the food causing the problem. He gets salmon oil in his food and the missing link suppliment for Canines, along with a little pumpkin to firm up his poop. We are thinking of trying a diffrent food--maybe Wellness puppy5 ?

Do you think the food could be the culprit ? Should we change ?

Any help would be appreciated.

Nicole & Tanna

My 11 mo. old Cole has been on the Innove Lg. Breed since we got him
at 8 weeks, and lately he had been scratching a little, but he is going
through a heavy shedding period right now.. He is not scratching all the time,
just once in a while..so I really don't think the food is an issue for him, but
not sure about your pup. Cole has a beautiful shiny coat, is very active, and
I think and hope he is as healthy as he seems. i know that's a good
quality food. Seems many on this board agree.

It's hard to know what's causing the itching since you give supplements. Missing Link is FULL of stuff. Granted it's supposed to be good stuff, but if you are trying to figure if your dog is itching due to food or an allergy, your dog is being fed alot of ingredients.

I usually don't worry about itching unless it looks like it's a chronic problem. I remember Hudler seemed to scratch alot, and we used to joke he had fleas (he didn't) but he grew out of it as a pup.

If you are worried about it being allergies, take the pup off the fish oil and the Missing Link before you change the food. I probably wouldn't even be supplementing a puppy until after 6-12 months of age.

Jen is right, you have to many factors in your equation.

His poop should be firm with his kibble alone. Pumpkin is used for occassional digestive upsets like after an illiness or antibiotic treatment. Benedryl won't hurt him but it probably won't help him either as it only works in 1 out of 8 dogs.

In these early weeks their immune system is starting to kick in and at the same time it is being challanged with vaccinations. This is a physical stress to the pup and you should have him established on a kibble only diet to help him cope. Don't supplement (not even vitamins) unless you have a problem and your vet tells you to, you could hurt him rather than help him.

I think you're trying to hard to do what you think is best for your puppy.

Regards,
missretta

P.S. I would try the Benadryl it may give him some relief.