Bug bites?
Ok so I noticed these spots on Bronte a couple days ago and chalked it up to rough play with the bigger dog in the house (teeth marks) but there seem to be more of them now and I'm wondering if maybe they are mosquito bites or even a skin illness of some sort. Have you guys had a similar issue before ??
20160627_092036.jpg
5312 x 2988 - 5M
Comments
The food sounds good so far. But even the best foods can cause allergic reactions, if they contain an ingredient that the dog reacts to.
This unfortunately is often trial and error unless an allergy test has been performed.
One problem we have here in Florida are fire ants. Their bites sting and itch (humans and animals). But they are very distinct, because they often fill with pus. I don't know, if that's the case with your dog.
Mila once stuck her face into an ant hill and got bitten all over it. She looked horrible, but it hardly seemed to bother her during the following days.
There are other things, such as poison ivy for example that can cause similar effects - mosquito bites also.
And the dog will not necessarily show signs of discomfort.
Also standing waters can sometimes cause such reactions, because of the life in there.
If he does start scratching, I would advise you to get a disinfecting spray for dogs and put that on a few times a day in order to avoid secondary infections on open sores from scratching.
You can also give him a bath with a medicated and soothing shampoo formulated for dogs to keep the sores clean.
Also I would try to keep his bedding as clean as possible (use a hypoallergenic detergent).
If you notice his skin becoming dry, you can use Bag Balm or Coconut oil to soften the skin. Both are also antimicrobial.
If you don't get to the cause of it now and it vanishes, still make a note in your calendar when it started and how long it lasted, also keep the photos. This way, if it occurs again it could help you to pinpoint times/ seasons and other factors.
I would probably keep him on the food you are feeding for now and see how things develop. If you don't notice any improvement during the next days or if it even worsens, I would consult the vet and ask, if he thinks a food switch would make sense.
Of course I'd also check the other dogs, if they have "bites" as well (even if less than the one dog) and take a look around my yard for any poisonous plants and other possible triggers.
If you suspect mosquitoes, make sure not to have any small or larger areas of standing water around outside, because in warm weather these are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes - even a small cup full of water.
Arrow has eaten Raw since we had him at 8 weeks, he is just over 4 months now
I am no expert as both first bull terrier and raw eater
, whilst from Uk based in Thailand at present and dint like local dry food options
At moment he eats
520g per day over 3 meals, everything i read seemed to suggest 2-3% of expected adult weight so this is open to interpretation.
minced chicken or beef 250g
veg 125g
bone (carcasses, wings etc) 125g
offal 12.5g
all raw apart from the veg which is cooked. lots of things online and
it may be trial and error but I think im lucky as mine wolfs it all
down, veg and all. Like i said im no expert but loads of things on line,
including supplements. Make sure you research which veg is OK as some
cant have at all and some have undesierable side effects, same with
fish. All his treats are raw like hot dogs, pigs tails etc. He also eats
egg shells.
mine also eats bones unminced and has had no problems.
His stools are solid and less than i would consider a normal dog, he
doesnt smell like a dog lol weight wise he is packing on well too.
My biggest defense to skin problems and allergies is always to start off concentrating on development a strong immune system. The reason why I am so adamant about recommending the NuVet supplement to people is because I have witnessed the positive results of the product time and time again. I receive in Rescue BT's fairly often and it is very rare I get one that has been properly cared for and free from skin issues. Additionally, I am used to taking my Bullies out on our property daily for exercise and I have 50 acres of trails, 2 ponds, woods, and wildlife. If a Bullie has some issues with their skin from insects they will surely be affected here. So when I note that none of my Bull Terriers are having any skin issues while a Rescue with mange or bad allergies is getting worse or not improving regardless if they are all on the same diet and in the same environment it;s at that time I focus on the immune system. NuVet has been a life saver for me because it really maintains their health and keeps them from having issues that I see affecting so many other Bull Terriers. Once I start a Rescue BT on NuVet the results are quickly noted with each passing day as their immune system improves. I see it in their coat, energy, attitude, and over all happiness.
I had a Bull Terrier here about 2 months ago that had bumps like that all over him. I know it affected him too and seen him itching and anxious from it. The Bullie was on allergy meds too which wasn't doing a thing. I understand that some BT's have different degrees within the strength of their immune system based on genes coming from their bloodlines which is why some are far more prone to having skin issues than others. White Bull Terriers just happen to be the most problematic.
Look up Chigger bites on dogs and see if looks familiar to what your Bull Terrier has. There can be so many things causing this outbreak that it's just too hard to guess at. I even had a Bull Terrier break out like that after treating him with a flea and tick preventative.
Something is causing a reaction and if you have more than one dog and this one is the only one having the skin issue I would conclude to the fact he is having a reaction to something that normally wouldn't create any sort of impact.
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
Post an update after he's been on it for a while.
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
Nevertheless, if there is something in it, he reacts to - it happens, just as philsergeant's dogs react to eggs, which are also normally great in a dog's nutrition - even the best nutrition can trigger a reaction.
How long has he been on this diet now?
Also it's important to keep in mind that without any accelerators, such as steroids, skin irritations usually take a while to heal/disappear. Even a mosquito bite can take a week.
If the dog is not very itchy, I don't think steroids or other harsh medication would be really necessary.
If you still want to provide any relief or prevent sores from becoming inflamed you can do some of the things suggested above.
And other than that sit it out.
If you waive the pig ears now, I would at least allow one to two weeks since the last treat has been given to notice real improvement.
Changes for the worse usually happen much faster. So, after taking one thing away you will also pretty quickly know, it was NOT the trigger, if despite taking it away things keep going south.
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com