Ranger00 Posted December 6, 2013 Share Posted December 6, 2013 Hi everyone On Wednesday my pup (4 month old BC) has an appointment to see a dermatologist about his itchy skin (see other thread), and of course the referring vet has advised to commence an elimination diet of 1 source protein and 1 source carb eg. Kangaroo & sweet potato, which is what I expected. I'd like to know how others feel about putting a working breed pup of his age on an elimination diet. I'm quite concerned that he is too young for this and won't get the vitamins, minerals etc that he needs, and in particular that he will be missing out on crucial fats during this stage of growth. I have started feeding him on BARF (previously on Advance Puppy biscuits) only about a week ago and his itching has not subsided at all, but I'm aware a week is not long enough to say whether or not this improves his itching. The vet also said many cases of itchiness in puppies will subside around 12 months of age once the immune system gets into full swing. Given that I've not known BCs to be prone to food allergies or skin issues I'm pretty stumped, none of the breeders other dogs have any issues and the rest of the litter is fine as well. Any advice will be gratefully received. Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliwake Posted December 6, 2013 Share Posted December 6, 2013 I'm far from an expert, but it would concern me having a pup that young on such a restricted diet too. I would wait to talk to the dermatologist first maybe? It's not like you will have long to wait. If he agrees that an elimination diet is necessary, then you can express your concerns, and see if he thinks some additional supplements might be a good idea as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raffikki Posted December 6, 2013 Share Posted December 6, 2013 I would use something like Royal Canin Hypoallergenic with such a young dog. Both my dogs did an an elimination diet when they were younger(10months & 13months) and we used Hills Z/D ultra, but if I had to do it again I'd use the Royal Canin :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted December 6, 2013 Share Posted December 6, 2013 Personally I'd wait to see the dermatologist if it is something you think your pup can tough out for a few more days. If I'm going to the trouble of getting specialist care I like for them to be able to follow treatment options through from the very start so they can see any changes for themself. Just my personal preference though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trinabean Posted December 6, 2013 Share Posted December 6, 2013 I would use something like Royal Canin Hypoallergenic with such a young dog. Both my dogs did an an elimination diet when they were younger(10months & 13months) and we used Hills Z/D ultra, but if I had to do it again I'd use the Royal Canin :) Yes, this is what I'd do too. Similar to Raffiki, my dog did an elimination diet at 12 months using Hills ZD ultra (Royal Canin Hypoallergenic wasn't available from my vet at the time). We've since had to move on to single protein/single carbohydrate elimination diets, but the prescription kibbles are better balanced and possibly safer for a growing pup. I found roo and sweet potato was great for settling the itching down, but my dog lost too much weight on it. Goat has been a better novel protein for my dog. The dermatologist will be able to advise you best. Sometimes the referring vet wants to get the dog started on an elimination diet beforehand. I'd wait until Wednesday and see what the dermatologist recommends. I might bump into you there, as Bruno is due for an allergy vaccine that day. I keep running into Raffiki and her gorgeous dogs there. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted December 9, 2013 Share Posted December 9, 2013 Trina are you sure its food? Im not familiar with your older posts but could it be a plant in your garden? Wandering Jew or something like that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ptolomy Posted December 9, 2013 Share Posted December 9, 2013 My pup (gun dog) did the elimination diet at 4 months of age, it took 6 weeks for the pustules on her tummy and her ear infections to cease before we could commence adding one protein and then 1 carbohydrate at a time. She is now 8 years old and I can safely say - this far down the track it was worth the 4-6 months of working out what she could and couldn't eat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trinabean Posted December 17, 2013 Share Posted December 17, 2013 Trina are you sure its food? Im not familiar with your older posts but could it be a plant in your garden? Wandering Jew or something like that? Oops, haven't been back to the thread and missed your question TruBorders. No, I know for sure that chicken, beef and lamb cause my dog to itch, through doing an elimination diet and dietary re-challenge. Plus he's had dermatologist testing for a lot of environmental allergens (pollens, insects, dust mites etc). Thanks for the thought though, I wish it was just a plant I could get rid of out of our yard. :) And Ranger00, how did you go at the dermatologists? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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