Question:
I have a German shepherd, about 6 years old. I have fed him Purina Dog Chow dry food for most of his life, though I sometimes change brands. I have spent thousands of dollars with vets trying to figure out why he continues to scratch and bite his rear end and tail. His fur is coming off his skin. The skin underneath the fur is dark, and he has bad body odor. I have recently started feeding him pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots, ground beef and ground-up apples. Please help.
E.J, Kettering, Md Dec 27, 2011
Answer:
German shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues, including allergies associated with skin problems and colitis or irritable bowel syndrome. Emotional stress in this sensitive breed's environment can also play a role. But first you should have your dog checked for mange and fleabite hypersensitivity.
Check my website for veterinarian-rated dog foods, because what you have been feeding your dog is probably the root cause of his condition. He is most likely suffering from a nutritional deficiency and might improve on a quality diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids from fish and flaxseed oils. Chronic fatty acid deficiency, common in dry dog foods, could impair the immune system and bring on infections and susceptibility to allergies.
Also consider an elimination diet under veterinary supervision to rule out or identify one or more ingredients that he may have become allergic to. A lamb, rice and sweet potato-based commercial diet may do wonders, coupled with a daily dose of probiotics or plain, organic yogurt or kefir.
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